At one time, he might have engraved the name of a loved one on his body. Or any design of your choice. But with time that permanent image is now the cause of headache. Fashion changes with time, tastes also change. So now many people want to remove old tattoos. But many are turning to home remedies because of the cost or fear of laser treatment. And here lies the great danger.

Do home remedies really work?

If you search the internet, you will find the diagnosis of removing a tattoo by rubbing the skin with salt-lemon or sandpaper. Doctors clearly inform that these methods are not only ineffective, but also very harmful. Tattoo ink resides in the deeper layer of the skin or dermis. Neither salt nor lemon juice can reach that depth. On the other hand, the reaction of the acid causes the skin to burn. Using sandpaper carries a 100 percent risk of bleeding and bacterial infection. Even using peroxide or over-the-counter removal creams, there are many examples of allergies and chemical burns.

What do the experts say?

According to data published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, home tattoo removal does not remove the ink marks completely. In turn, permanent scars or scarring are formed on the skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, many people risk skin cancer or deep infection by experimenting on their own. According to board certified dermatologists, the only scientific and safe method of tattoo removal is ‘laser treatment’.

Which is the safe way?

Modern laser methods use specific wavelengths of light to break up the ink particles into tiny pieces. which is later dissipated in the body’s normal processes. It is time consuming but does not harm the skin. However, multiple sessions may be required depending on the color and depth of the tattoo.

Getting a tattoo for fashion is not as easy as picking it up. So don’t hurt yourself by trusting cheap tricks. It is wise to take this path only with the advice of a specialist doctor. Remember, flawless skin is true fashion.