Ever wondered how tattoos actually work? You wouldn’t be the first person to question how these masterpieces are made! One of the key things to understand is the structure of your skin, most importantly the layers of epidermis and the role they play.
Not only will understanding the structure of your skin enhance your appreciation for the artistry involved, but it can also help you take better care of your new ink. In this blog post, we’re going to explore what the epidermis layer of skin is, its functions, and its role in the tattooing process.
Understanding Skin Anatomy
The skin is the largest organ of the human body and is composed of three main layers:
- The Epidermis: The outermost layer that acts as a protective barrier.
- The Dermis: The middle layer that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.
- The Subcutaneous Layer: The deepest layer consisting of fat and connective tissue.
So What is the Epidermis?
What is the epidermis, you might ask? Well, it’s the outermost layer of the skin and serves as the body's first line of defence from any outside threats, like bacteria, viruses, and harmful UV rays. It is a thin yet tough layer, made up mainly of cells that produce keratin called keratinocytes —a protein that gives the skin its strength and resilience.
The 5 Layers of the Epidermis
The epidermis itself is made up of five sub-layers, each with distinct functions. The 5 layers of the epidermis are:
- Stratum Corneum: The outermost layer consisting of dead skin cells that are continuously shed and replaced.
- Stratum Lucidum: A thin, clear layer found only in thick skin areas like the palms and soles.
- Stratum Granulosum: This layer helps to form a waterproof barrier that prevents fluid loss.
- Stratum Spinosum: Provides strength and flexibility to the skin.
- Stratum Basale: The deepest layer, responsible for producing new skin cells through cell division.
What are the main Functions of the Epidermis?
The epidermis plays several crucial roles, including acting as a barrier against environmental hazards, pathogens, and physical injuries. It helps regulate body temperature through sweat and controls water loss from the body. The epidermis also contains nerve endings that allow you to feel touch, pain, and temperature. Additionally, it assists in the production of vitamin D when exposed to sunlight.
The Role of the Epidermis in Tattooing
When getting a tattoo, the ink must penetrate beyond the epidermis to reach the dermis. How far does a tattoo needle go in to get through the epidermis? The answer is about 1.5 to 2 millimetres. If the ink is placed only in the epidermis, it will fade pretty quickly because the skin naturally regenerates and sheds cells. The epidermis also plays a crucial role in the healing process after getting a tattoo.
Initially, the outermost layer will be red and swollen, but as the skin heals, it will scab and peel, revealing the permanent ink in the dermis. Proper aftercare is essential to protect the epidermis and ensure optimal healing of the tattoo, including keeping the skin clean, moisturised, and protected from the sun to prevent complications such as infections and scarring.
Tattooing Process and the Epidermis
During a tattoo session, your tattoo artist uses a machine with a group of needles that puncture the skin rapidly at a controlled depth. The process begins with the design and placement of the tattoo, where the artist and client agree on the design and the specific area for the tattoo.
The artist then prepares the skin by cleaning and sterilising the area to be tattooed, preventing infections and cleaning up the surface. The outlining phase then involves using a single needle to create the basic outline of the tattoo.
After the outline is completed, the shading and colouring process begins, using multiple needles to fill in the design with shading and colours. The ink is deposited into the dermis, and the outer layers of the epidermis play a role in protecting and healing the new tattoo. Finally, the tattoo artist provides aftercare instructions to the client – always with the emphasis on the importance of proper care to make sure your tattoo heals well and retains its vibrant appearance.
Minimise Tattoo Pain With Tattoo Numbing Pain
Understanding the epidermis layer of skin helps you appreciate the intricacies of the tattooing process and the importance of proper aftercare. The epidermis serves as a protective barrier and plays a significant role in the healing of your tattoo. By taking good care of your skin and following your tattoo artist's aftercare instructions, your fresh new ink will stay beautiful and vibrant for years.
Ready to get your next tattoo? Remember to always take care of your epidermis to maintain the beauty of your new ink. Here at Tattoo Numbing Cream, we have a range of tattoo aftercare products that will make your ink pop – so browse online today.
