reacts to ink and more about safe removal of tattoos using laser light. In terms of removal, they are seeking to answer the question of what happens to the tattoo ink when exposed to laser lights. One theory supports that the body cells digest and destroy the ink, similar to the process of fighting bacterial and other infections. Some inks, such as Pigment Yellow 74, may actually be broken down by enzymes. It is thought that the body is able to metabolize small amounts of the tattoo ink, making it more water soluble, and excrete it out of the body. Another theory suggests that sunlight can cause ink to break down, as many tattoos will fade out when repeatedly exposed to sunlight. The same pigment - Pigment Yellow 74 - thought to be broken down by enzymes, also breaks down in sunlight, decomposing into components that are colorless. This theory suggests that the components of the pigment break down but remain in the body, which could also raise concerns about the chemical composition of the body following a tattoo removal. Another possibility is that the skin cells containing the ink are killed by the removal process and the products resulting from the breakdown are then dispersed throughout the body. It has been proven that some of the pigment actually moves through the body and settles in the body’s lymph nodes (fluid-carrying vessels in the body that filter out disease-causing organisms). There are also internal chemical changes that can affect our bodies, skin, nails, and hair. For example, as a woman’s body progresses through puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, there are fluctuations in her bodies’ chemistry that can affect the chemical composition of her hair, nails, and skin . These physiological changes affect the woman in many different ways and should also affect the way that her hair, skin, and nails are treated in the salon. For example, during puberty, she may experience hypertrichosis, or an abnormal growth of hair in certain areas of her body. After this point, she may need additional waxing and/or other maintenance that she did not need prior to this phase in her life. A pregnant woman will need special consideration as well. During this period, she also experiences an influx or hormones. These changes can cause her skin to break out and her hair and nails to grow faster. At the same time, she must be protected from certain chemicals as well, such as those found in hair dye or other chemical treatments.
These reactions are often immediate but can occur even years later. There have also been reports of itchy or inflamed skin surrounding tattoos during summer months after tattooed individuals have spent time in the sun. This irritation can be compounded when chemical products are introduced to that area, so cosmetologists must use caution when working with tattooed skin.
Henna and hair dyes can also be used to stain the skin temporarily. Tattoo ink, henna, and hair dye have not been approved by the FDA for injection or topical use on the skin, and some people have reported serious skin problems resulting from the use of both henna and black henna. Some people will develop serious allergies to hair dyes and other chemical products, even if they have dyed their hair with no allergic reaction in the past .
Dermatitis due to a temporary tattoo (dolphin) made with black henna.
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Furthermore, some people will attempt to remove tattoos using removal ointments and creams or do-it- yourself tattoo removal kits. These too can cause serious chemical damage to the skin resulting in skin rashes, burns, or scars. Anytime a cosmetologist works with the skin, it is important to survey the skin for any breaks or signs of allergic reactions or rashes. This can affect that client’s ability to receive a skin treatment or other cosmetic services. Always be on the lookout for any sign of distress before beginning a treatment and stay on the lookout for any adverse reactions after using chemicals on your clients. Due to an influx of permanent makeup tattooing, the FDA has begun laboratory research through the National Center for Toxicological Research to find out more about the chemical composition of tattoo inks, how they metabolize in the body, short-term and long-term safety effects, and more information on how the body interacts with the ink and light. These are the first systematic studies on the safety of tattoo inks to date and are teaching scientists more about how our bodies’ chemistry Working safely with chemicals Because maintaining a chemical balance in our bodies is so important, cosmetologists must also protect their clients (and themselves) from excessive chemical exposure . Working with chemicals in the salon requires special safety measures that vary according to the particular chemical or combination of chemicals. All substances are toxic, or poisonous, at a certain dose or exposure level. Protecting your client and your own body from contact with certain chemical substances or processes is absolutely necessary to maintain good health and safety in the workplace. Chemicals are able to enter the body in three main ways: ● As inhaled vapors. ● Absorbed through the skin. ● Ingested (eaten). Fortunately, blocking these routes lowers the risk of exposure to toxic chemicals. In the salon setting, all chemical products are required to come with product and hazard information on Safety Data Sheets. These provide warnings regarding chemicals and hazardous materials and information including possible routes of entry for each product, short-term (acute) and long- term (chronic) effects of overexposure, and warning signs or symptoms to be concerned about. These symptoms may include sleepiness or fatigue, headaches, nausea, nosebleeds, tingling of the extremities, scratchiness, or swelling, among other symptoms. Lower your risk of injury by knowing which products emit toxic fumes that are dangerous to breathe, or which should not come in contact with the skin. Wear gloves when mixing
or preparing formulas, and when recommended by Safety Data Sheets.
In most cases, the dosage is the most critical factor determining whether a chemical will be an acute or a chronic toxicant. Almost all chemicals can be acute toxicants if taken in sufficiently large doses. The way the toxicity is expressed, as well as the organs it targets, is often different for acute and chronic toxicity.
The toxicity of a substance depends on many factors, including: • Type and form of chemical. • Dosage and length of time over which dosage occurred. • Exposure route (type of exposure). • Amount of absorption. • Individual differences. • Presence of other chemicals.
A range of toxic effects may occur, which are typically categorized according to the location or locations of the toxic effect. If it occurs in only one location, the site is referred to as the target organ. When toxic effects occur at multiple sites, it is referred to as systemic toxicity. Systemic toxicities include: ● Acute toxicity occurs almost immediately (hours/days) after an exposure. ● Subchronic toxicity results from repeated exposure for several weeks or months.
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Book Code: EFL1024
EliteLearning.com/Cosmetology
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