UV tattoo

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UV tattoo on a hand illuminated under blacklight UV Tattoo illuminated.jpg
UV tattoo on a hand illuminated under blacklight

UV tattoos or blacklight tattoos are tattoos made with dyes that fluoresce visibly under a blacklight or other ultraviolet (UV) light source. Depending upon the tattoo ink used, an ultraviolet tattoo can be nearly invisible when illuminated only by light within the visible spectrum. Blacklight tattoo ink does not glow in the dark, but reacts to non-visible ultraviolet light, producing a visible glow by fluorescence. [1]

Contents

People get UV tattoos for decorative reasons, including because they are illuminated at dance clubs that use blacklights. Researchers have also identified medical uses for tattoos made with UV ink, such as marking significant locations on the skin while preserving a patient's sense of body image or privacy.

UV tattoo ink is typically made with fluorescent dyes encapsulated in microparticles. This ink may cause irritation, and tattoo artists are divided on whether they consider it safe to use. [2] [3] In contrast, "glow in the dark" tattoo ink made with phosphorus is generally considered toxic. [4]

Uses

UV tattoos were first used for animal identification markers. [5] [6]

UV tattoos are sometimes chosen by people who do not want tattoos visible under normal light for professional or social reasons. [7] This style of tattoo has been popular in the raver community because it shows up under blacklight at clubs. [3]

Medical

UV tattoos have several applications as medical tattoos. Fiducial markers for guiding radiation therapy are often tattooed in dark ink, and ultraviolet tattoos have been studied as an alternative to minimize impact on patient body image. [8] [9] To support detection and treatment of potential skin cancer, the site of a biopsy can be marked with a UV tattoo to ensure correct identification of that site afterward. [10] A researcher proposed using a UV tattoo to mark a password for a pacemaker (or other implantable medical device) on the skin, enabling medical personnel to unlock the device if needed, without requiring the person to wear a medical bracelet. [11] [12]

Researchers have studied creating smart tattoos with fluorescent glucose biosensors, [13] where "the tattoo ink is functionalized with microparticles which produce fluorescence when the concentration of a biomarker in the interstitial fluid increases." [14] Microneedle patches could be used to deliver injections, such as vaccines, while simultaneously tattooing a simple image or year in ultraviolet ink to record information about the injection while preserving the patient's privacy. [15]

Photochromic tattoos that react to UV light to change the color of the pigment itself, instead of exhibiting fluorescence, have been patented. [16] One potential use of photochromic ink is to tattoo "freckles" that only appear if that area of skin has had a certain amount of UV exposure, to help the person monitor sun exposure for skin cancer prevention. [17]

Appearance and application

UV tattoo as shown under blacklight Black-light tattoo.jpg
UV tattoo as shown under blacklight

A tattoo made with UV ink becomes visible under blacklight, when it fluoresces in colors depending on the ink chosen, typically white or purple. [18] Although ultraviolet dye is invisible in normal light, scarring produced by the tattoo machine in the application process will remain, and therefore still show. [18]

Colored inks are also available, where the ink contains a mix of pigment visible in normal light and dye that glows under UV light, but the resulting color is not as vibrant in either lighting situation as a dedicated ink. [18] [19] UV ink can alternatively be used to highlight tattoos made with regular ink: normal ink is used to create a tattoo, allowed to heal, and then highlighted with UV inks. [18]

UV inks are made with distilled water and cannot be mixed with regular inks, which are usually based on alcohol. [18] Additionally their consistency is thinner. [1] Tattoo artists working with UV ink need to use a handheld blacklight during the application process to check their work. [20] UV inking is more difficult than using conventional inks and requires a longer application process. [1] People with UV tattoos also need to take special care during the healing process, avoiding ultraviolet light and lotions that can damage the tattoo. [18]

Ultraviolet light, such as from the sun, can damage compounds in any kind of tattoo ink, causing the tattoo to change over time. [21] For UV tattoos this may mean the tattoo becomes more visible under visible light or may not glow in black lighting. [21]

Formulas and safety

A typical blacklight ink formula includes microspheres of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) containing fluorescent dye. [18] Another example of a commercially-available ink contained a coumarin-based fluorescent dye in a polymer matrix containing melamine formaldehyde. [8]

The United States Food and Drug Administration has not approved any inks or pigments for injection into human skin for cosmetic purposes, although they take action on contaminated inks that can cause infections. [22] Companies may claim FDA approval, but any approval of UV inks is for animal identification purposes rather than human use. [4]

Tattoos made with any ink can sometimes cause allergic reactions, irritation, and other side effects, although some chemical components tend to trigger more reactions than others. UV tattoo inks made with PMMA or melamine have been documented to occasionally cause irritation (dermatitis) and inflammation (including granuloma). [3] [7] In one case, inflammation (a skin manifestation of sarcoidosis) happened five years after receiving a UV tattoo made with PMMA. [23]

Some tattoo artists purchase and use UV inks from manufacturers they consider reputable, especially manufacturers that provide Material Safety Data Sheets with information about ink ingredients. [2] Other artists are concerned that the inks may be harmful, even carcinogenic, and avoid them. [2]

Older ink formulas that included phosphorus, which created a "glow in the dark" effect, caused significant skin problems. [19] [4]

UV tattoos may be difficult to remove with standard laser tattoo removal because of the lack of pigment in the skin. [23]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fluorescence</span> Emission of light by a substance that has absorbed light

Fluorescence is the emission of light by a substance that has absorbed light or other electromagnetic radiation. It is a form of luminescence. In most cases, the emitted light has a longer wavelength, and therefore a lower photon energy, than the absorbed radiation. A perceptible example of fluorescence occurs when the absorbed radiation is in the ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum, while the emitted light is in the visible region; this gives the fluorescent substance a distinct color that can only be seen when the substance has been exposed to UV light. Fluorescent materials cease to glow nearly immediately when the radiation source stops, unlike phosphorescent materials, which continue to emit light for some time after.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ultraviolet</span> Form of electromagnetic radiation

Ultraviolet (UV) is a form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelength shorter than that of visible light, but longer than X-rays. UV radiation is present in sunlight, and constitutes about 10% of the total electromagnetic radiation output from the Sun. It is also produced by electric arcs; Cherenkov radiation; and specialized lights;

such as mercury-vapor lamps, tanning lamps, and black lights.
<span class="mw-page-title-main">Invisible ink</span> Substance used for writing which is invisible and can later be made visible

Invisible ink, also known as security ink or sympathetic ink, is a substance used for writing, which is invisible either on application or soon thereafter, and can later be made visible by some means, such as heat or ultraviolet light. Invisible ink is one form of steganography.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fluorescent lamp</span> Lamp using fluorescence to produce light

A fluorescent lamp, or fluorescent tube, is a low-pressure mercury-vapor gas-discharge lamp that uses fluorescence to produce visible light. An electric current in the gas excites mercury vapor, which produces short-wave ultraviolet light that then causes a phosphor coating on the inside of the lamp to glow. A fluorescent lamp converts electrical energy into useful light much more efficiently than an incandescent lamp. The typical luminous efficacy of fluorescent lighting systems is 50–100 lumens per watt, several times the efficacy of incandescent bulbs with comparable light output. For comparison, the luminous efficacy of an incandescent bulb may only be 16 lumens per watt.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Poly(methyl methacrylate)</span> Transparent thermoplastic, commonly called acrylic

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is the synthetic polymer derived from methyl methacrylate. It is used as an engineering plastic, and it is a transparent thermoplastic. PMMA is also known as acrylic, acrylic glass, as well as by the trade names and brands Crylux, Hesalite, Plexiglas, Acrylite, Lucite, and Perspex, among several others. This plastic is often used in sheet form as a lightweight or shatter-resistant alternative to glass. It can also be used as a casting resin, in inks and coatings, and for many other purposes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Phosphorescence</span> Process in which energy absorbed by a substance is released relatively slowly in the form of light

Phosphorescence is a type of photoluminescence related to fluorescence. When exposed to light (radiation) of a shorter wavelength, a phosphorescent substance will glow, absorbing the light and reemitting it at a longer wavelength. Unlike fluorescence, a phosphorescent material does not immediately reemit the radiation it absorbs. Instead, a phosphorescent material absorbs some of the radiation energy and reemits it for a much longer time after the radiation source is removed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blacklight</span> Light fixture that emits long-wave ultraviolet light and very little visible light

A blacklight, also called a UV-A light, Wood's lamp, or ultraviolet light, is a lamp that emits long-wave (UV-A) ultraviolet light and very little visible light. One type of lamp has a violet filter material, either on the bulb or in a separate glass filter in the lamp housing, which blocks most visible light and allows through UV, so the lamp has a dim violet glow when operating. Blacklight lamps which have this filter have a lighting industry designation that includes the letters "BLB". This stands for "blacklight blue". A second type of lamp produces ultraviolet but does not have the filter material, so it produces more visible light and has a blue color when operating. These tubes are made for use in "bug zapper" insect traps, and are identified by the industry designation "BL". This stands for "blacklight".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fluorophore</span> Agents that emit light after excitation by light

A fluorophore is a fluorescent chemical compound that can re-emit light upon light excitation. Fluorophores typically contain several combined aromatic groups, or planar or cyclic molecules with several π bonds.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blacklight paint</span>

Black light paint or black light fluorescent paint is luminous paint that glows under a black light. It is based on pigments that respond to light in the ultraviolet segment of the electromagnetic spectrum. The paint may or may not be colorful under ordinary light. Black light paint should not be confused with phosphorescent (glow-in-the-dark) or daylight fluorescent paint.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Germicidal lamp</span> Ultraviolet C light-emitting device

A germicidal lamp is an electric light that produces ultraviolet C (UVC) light. This short-wave ultraviolet light disrupts DNA base pairing, causing formation of pyrimidine dimers, and leads to the inactivation of bacteria, viruses, and protozoans. It can also be used to produce ozone for water disinfection. They are used in ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI).

Luminous paint is paint that emits visible light through fluorescence, phosphorescence, or radioluminescence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Photochromic lens</span> Optical lenses that darken on exposure to certain wavelengths of light

A photochromic lens is an optical lens that darkens on exposure to light of sufficiently high frequency, most commonly ultraviolet (UV) radiation. In the absence of activating light, the lenses return to their clear state. Photochromic lenses may be made of polycarbonate, or another plastic. Glass lenses use visible light to darken. They are principally used in glasses that are dark in bright sunlight, but clear, or more rarely, lightly tinted in low ambient light conditions. They darken significantly within about a minute of exposure to bright light and take somewhat longer to clear. A range of clear and dark transmittances is available.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ultraviolet photography</span> Photographic process using UV radiation

Ultraviolet photography is a photographic process of recording images by using radiation from the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum only. Images taken with ultraviolet radiation serve a number of scientific, medical or artistic purposes. Images may reveal deterioration of art works or structures not apparent under light. Diagnostic medical images may be used to detect certain skin disorders or as evidence of injury. Some animals, particularly insects, use ultraviolet wavelengths for vision; ultraviolet photography can help investigate the markings of plants that attract insects, while invisible to the unaided human eye. Ultraviolet photography of archaeological sites may reveal artifacts or traffic patterns not otherwise visible.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tattoo removal</span> Dermatologic procedure to remove tattoo pigments

Tattoo removal is the process of removing an unwanted tattoo. The process of tattooing generally creates permanent markings in the skin, but people have attempted many methods to try to hide or destroy tattoos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">UV marker</span> Type of pen

An ultraviolet (UV) marker is a pen whose marks are fluorescent but transparent; the marks can be seen only under an ultraviolet light. They are commonly used in security situations to identify belongings or to prevent the reproduction of unauthorized banknotes. UV pens can now be bought at some stationery shops to securely mark items of high value in case of theft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tattoo ink</span> Ink used for tattoos

Tattoo inks consist of pigments combined with a carrier, used in the process of tattooing to create a tattoo in the skin. These inks are also used for permanent makeup, a form of tattoo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blacklight poster</span> Type of wall art

A blacklight poster or black light poster is a poster printed with inks which fluoresce under a black light. The inks used contain phosphors which cause them to glow when exposed to ultraviolet light emitted from black lights.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Calcofluor-white</span> Fluorescent blue dye

Calcofluor-white or CFW is a fluorescent blue dye used in biology and textiles. It binds to 1-3 beta and 1-4 beta polysaccharides of chitin and cellulose that are present in cell walls on fungi, plants, and algae.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tagging (stamp)</span>

Tagging of postage stamps means that the stamps are printed on luminescent paper or with luminescent ink to facilitate automated mail processing. Both fluorescence and phosphorescence are used. The same stamp may have been printed with and without these luminescent features, the two varieties are referred to as tagged and untagged, respectively.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Conservation and restoration of paintings</span> Preservation of heritage collections

The conservation and restoration of paintings is carried out by professional painting conservators. Paintings cover a wide range of various mediums, materials, and their supports. Painting types include fine art to decorative and functional objects spanning from acrylics, frescoes, and oil paint on various surfaces, egg tempera on panels and canvas, lacquer painting, water color and more. Knowing the materials of any given painting and its support allows for the proper restoration and conservation practices. All components of a painting will react to its environment differently, and impact the artwork as a whole. These material components along with collections care will determine the longevity of a painting. The first steps to conservation and restoration is preventive conservation followed by active restoration with the artist's intent in mind.

References

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  2. 1 2 3 Bhattacharya, Surya (2007-08-16). "Shining light on UV tattoos". Toronto Star. Retrieved 2022-09-21.
  3. 1 2 3 Ballard, Allison (June 13, 2006). "Invisible ink: Black-light tattoos are lighting up local clubs, but are they safe?". Wilmington Star-News. Retrieved 2022-09-21.
  4. 1 2 3 Brown, Gregory (2006-04-09). "Ultraviolet tattoos are discreet but possibly risky". Rutland Daily Herald. p. 44. Retrieved 2023-11-24– via Newspapers.com.
  5. ↑ Petit, Sophie; Waudby, Helen P.; Walker, Ashley T.; Zanker, Rebecca; Rau, Gina (2012-07-25). "A non-mutilating method for marking small wild mammals and reptiles". Australian Journal of Zoology. 60 (1): 64–71. doi:10.1071/ZO11088. ISSN   1446-5698. S2CID   86676878.
  6. ↑ Bedocs, Paul M.; Cliffel, Maureen; Mahon, Michael J.; Pui, John (March 2008). "Invisible tattoo granuloma". Cutis. 81 (3): 262–264. ISSN   0011-4162. PMID   18441850.
  7. 1 2 Tsang, Matthew; Marsch, Amanda; Bassett, Katrina; High, Whitney; Fitzpatrick, James; Prok, Lori (September 2012). "A visible response to an invisible tattoo". Journal of Cutaneous Pathology. 39 (9): 877–880. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0560.2012.01961.x. ISSN   1600-0560. PMID   22905688. S2CID   31975627.
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  9. ↑ LaRochelle, Ethan P. M.; Soter, Jennifer; Barrios, Leonardo; Guzmán, Marysia; Streeter, Samuel S.; Gunn, Jason R.; Bejarano, Suyapa; Pogue, Brian W. (April 2020). "Imaging luminescent tattoo inks for direct visualization of linac and cobalt irradiation". Medical Physics. 47 (4): 1807–1812. Bibcode:2020MedPh..47.1807L. doi:10.1002/mp.14094. ISSN   2473-4209. PMC   7198205 . PMID   32056218.
  10. ↑ Russell, Kathryn; Schleichert, Rachel; Baum, Bertha; Villacorta, Miguel; Hardigan, Patrick; Thomas, Jacqueline; Weiss, Eduardo (November 2015). "Ultraviolet-Fluorescent Tattoo Facilitates Accurate Identification of Biopsy Sites". Dermatologic Surgery: Official Publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et Al.]41 (11): 1249–1256. doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000000511. ISSN   1524-4725. PMID   26445291. S2CID   32675421.
  11. ↑ Dillow, Clay (2010-04-16). "Tattooing Patients With UV Ink Could Protect Pacemakers From Hackers". Popular Science. Retrieved 2023-11-24.
  12. ↑ Schechter, Stuart (2010). "Security that is Meant to be Skin Deep: Using Ultraviolet Micropigmentation to Store Emergency-Access Keys for Implantable Medical Devices" (PDF). Microsoft Research. Retrieved 2023-11-23.
  13. ↑ Srivastava, Rohit; Jayant, Rahul Dev; Chaudhary, Ayesha; McShane, Michael J. (January 2011). ""Smart Tattoo" Glucose Biosensors and Effect of Coencapsulated Anti-Inflammatory Agents". Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology. 5 (1): 76–85. doi:10.1177/193229681100500111. ISSN   1932-2968. PMC   3045229 . PMID   21303628.
  14. ↑ Pazos, Martalu D.; Hu, Yubing; Elani, Yuval; Browning, Kathryn L.; Jiang, Nan; Yetisen, Ali K. (November 2021). "Tattoo Inks for Optical Biosensing in Interstitial Fluid". Advanced Healthcare Materials. 10 (21). doi:10.1002/adhm.202101238. hdl: 10044/1/91546 . ISSN   2192-2640. PMID   34510804. S2CID   237494193.
  15. ↑ Li, Song; Kim, Youngeun; Lee, Jeong Woo; Prausnitz, Mark R. (October 2022). "Microneedle patch tattoos". iScience. 25 (10): 105014. Bibcode:2022iSci...25j5014L. doi:10.1016/j.isci.2022.105014. ISSN   2589-0042. PMC   9617462 . PMID   36317159.
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  23. 1 2 Schumann, Tamara; Peitsch, Wiebke K.; Géraud, Cyrill; Goerdt, Sergij; Leverkus, Martin (October 2011). "Ultraviolet light tattoo complicated by granulomatous inflammation". Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 65 (4): e124–e126. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2011.03.028. PMID   21920233.
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