Crepey skin can be tattooed, with some caveats. Because crepey skin occurs where the skin has lost collagen and elastin, it's looser and saggy. Tattooing loose skin can be tricky because the image will stretch along with the skin, so that portrait of a mermaid may end up looking like an eel-lady.
Stretch marks that are new and reddish are a sign that your body is working to heal them. Newly-formed stretch marks are sensitive, and it is challenging to work on them. Going for a tattoo may cause further damage to the skin.
The dermis is also where collagen and elastin fibers are found, which give the skin its elasticity and firmness. Although tattoos are inserted into the dermis, they do not affect the skin's structure or elasticity. Instead, the skin naturally stretches and contracts as a result of normal movements and aging.
As skin matures, its surface layer, the dermis, begins to thin. Moreover, aging skin is slower to heal. These two factors, lessened elasticity and slower healing, can potentially complicate the tattooing process.
1 Your Inner Forearms
The inner forearm, also known as “the next place Marci wants a tattoo,” is more or less the only area on the arm that can effectively avoid signs of aging. “The proximal [upper] arms can stretch and contract significantly with changes in both muscle and fat, Dr. Kraffert explains.
Staying well hydrated leading up to being tattooed, will put your skin in better condition. It helps your skin become more resilient which helps allow the tattoo ink application easier. Also, do not forget to moisturize your skin prior to your tattoo session.
Tattooing loose skin can be tricky because the image will stretch along with the skin, so that portrait of a mermaid may end up looking like an eel-lady. (And no, a tattoo isn't going to hide the crepiness.)
Only in cases of extreme weight loss or weight gain will you see a noticeable difference in a tattoo design, says celebrity tattoo artist Dillon Forte: "Weight change has virtually no effect on the tattoo unless the weight gain or loss is like 100 pounds.
When you loose weight and your skin changes, so does the clarity of your tattoo. Bold, straight lines might get a little less bold and straight. The color might also change depending on how your skin shrinks or moves.
Thin lines, shading, small words, and small tattoos all fade much more quickly. Some like the effects age has on their tattoo. However, that tattoo will likely blur together if it's got too much detail. Bolder lines, thicker lines, and larger designs will better stand the test of time.
Despite the reduced pain, getting a tattoo on an area of fat can also have some downsides. In areas with a lot of fat, the skin can be more loose and bouncy, which can make it more difficult for the tattoo artist to achieve a precise, clean line.
When your weight loss journey is gradual, the changes to your tattoo's finish won't be as obvious aside from minor stretching, fading, or blurriness. However, losing weight fast may sound like a dream for many, but it can cause tattoos to look saggy.
Usually, minimal saggy skin may return to normal shape after weight loss. However, the skin that has been stretched excessively for longer periods becomes saggy with weight loss and requires toning exercises or plastic surgery to remove the excess saggy skin.
The upper back region around the trapezius, below the neck, and around posterior deltoids all provide a stretch-free (for the most part) canvas. Even with significant weight gain, aging skin, or muscle growth the skin in this area keeps the same relative range of elasticity.
The most painful spots to get tattooed are those with the least fat, most nerve endings, and thinnest skin. Bony areas such as ribs or hips or chest usually hurt a lot. Tattoos on ribs are very popular especially among women, for example quotes, song lyrics or jewellery along the lower ribs.
Choosing the Right Location for the Tattoo
The location of a tattoo can also play a role in whether or not it stretches over time. Areas of the body that are prone to stretching, such as the stomach, chest, arms, and legs, may require touch-ups or even complete redrawing over time to maintain their original appearance.
Here are the most and least painful spots to get inked. Tattoo pain will vary depending on your age, sex, and pain threshold. The most painful spots to get a tattoo are your ribs, spine, fingers, and shins. The least painful spots to get a tattoo are your forearms, stomach, and outer thighs.
The good news is that cellulite, like the rest of your skin, can certainly be tattooed. If you're wondering how your tattoo will turn out if you suffer from cellulite, that question is easily answered by being honest about how bad, deep, or prominent your cellulite is.
Using Color to Distort the Skin Appearance
However, a blend of colored ink in the cellulite area can visually alter the appearance of the skin. Again, the tattoo doesn't cover up the cellulite, but vibrant colors will change the apparent color of the skin.
If you have a medical problem such as heart disease, allergies, diabetes, skin problems like eczema or psoriasis, a weak immune system, or a bleeding problem, talk to your doctor before getting a tattoo. Also, if you get keloids (an overgrowth of scar tissue) you probably should not get a tattoo.
Whether you're 40, 60, or 80 (kudos!) getting your first tattoo later in life can be a great way to celebrate your life, so don't hesitate any longer.
According to a YouGov survey, half of people with tattoos in America and Britain got their first by the age of 21. A closer look at the US data shows that 39% got their first tattoo between 15 and 19, and one in four went under the needle after they turned 30.
Bolder, deeper and darker linework looks better with age. Tattoos done in black or grey ink tend to hold up over time and are the least likely to fade when regularly protected and treated with care.