Tattoo Removal Balm Review

The practice of tattooing is nothing new, having originated centuries ago and used by many cultures for religious and status marking, among other uses. The process has evolved over time to become more of a hobby or means of self expression. With the increased popularity of tattoos has come a lucrative new removal market for those experiencing “tattoo regret.

Surgical procedures for the removal of tattoos, including laser therapy and Intense Pulsed Light treatment, among others, were popular in recent years but have given way to the newest tattoo removal phenomenon, do-it-yourself, at home removal using creams. The tattoo removal balm market is currently dominated by Wrecking Balm, TatBGone and Tattoo Erase, three of many products currently available. While tattoo removal balms contain an array of primary active ingredients, hydroquinone has been the dominant chemical in the at-home tattoo removal market. The chemical works by decreasing melanin production in the skin, and is commonly used cosmetically for skin bleaching, mainly for the reduction of freckles and age spots. Tattoo removal balms with hydroquinone usually contain about a two percent concentration of the controversial chemical. The FDA proposed a possible ban on hydroquinone in the United States in 2006, and it has been banned in several counties worldwide due to the suspicion that it may have a pose a slight cancer risk.

Instructions for method of application and frequency and length of use are also among minor differences in tattoo removal products. The general concept is that applying tattoo removal balm regularly over time will gradually fade the unwanted artwork while you experience little to no pain. Reviews of these popular products generally report that users experienced minimal stinging at worst when using the products as directed.

The current king of creams, Doc Wilson’s Wrecking Balm No. 3, incorporates a medical dermal device into the process, taking at-home tattoo removal one step further. The device was recently approved by the FDA as safe to use in the home without medical supervision. Wrecking Balm’s three-step-process works by breaking down the skin injected with ink and taking advantage of the natural skin regeneration and healing process. Phyllanthus emblica fruit, sometimes referred to as Indian Gooseberry, and salicylic acid are the active ingredients in the tattoo removal balm.

Prices on home tattoo removal products vary greatly, and consumers can expect to shell out as little as $50 or as much as $300. Most can easily be purchased online or by phone.

Jeff Flincks writes about tattoo removal balm experience and tattoo removal.