Epidermal Barrier Function and Skin Homeostasis in Skin with Permanent and Adhesive Tattoos: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Jose-Pablo Serrano-Serra,Salvador Arias-Santiago,Trinidad Montero-Vilchez,Agustin Buendia-Eisman

doi:10.3390/jcm10040888

Abstract

Tattoos are a current trend, but their impact on skin homeostasis and epidermal barrier function is not well known. So, the aims of this study are (1) to investigate epidermal barrier function and skin homeostasis in skin with permanent tattoos, adhesive temporary tattoos and non-tattooed skin, and (2) to analyze the effect of petrolatum on skin with permanent and adhesive tattoos. In total, 67 tattoos were enrolled (34 permanent tattoos and 33 adhesive tattoos). Temperature, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration (SCH), erythema and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured in skin with permanent tattoos, adhesive tattoos and non-tattooed skin before and after petrolatum application. The temperature was lower (30.47 °C vs. 31.01 °C; p = 0.001) on skin with permanent tattoos than non-tattooed skin, while SCH (48.24 Arbitrary Units (AU) vs. 44.15 AU; p = 0.008) was higher. Skin with adhesive tattoos showed lower temperature, SCH (21.19 AU vs. 41.31 AU; p < 0.001) and TAC (1.27 microcoulombs (uC) vs. 3.48 uC; p < 0.001), and higher TEWL (8.65 g/h/m2 vs. 6.99 g/h/m2; p = 0.003), than non-tattooed skin. After petrolatum application, the temperature decreased on skin with permanent tattoos, and TEWL and SCH decreased on skin with adhesive tattoos. Adhesive tattoos may affect skin barrier function, while permanent tattoos may have a lower impact. Tattooed and non-tattooed skin responds in different ways to moisturizers.

Highlights

Tattoos have been present in various cultures throughout history, mainly in relation to specific groups or linked to certain mystical or religious practices [1]
The objective of this study was to compare the parameters of cutaneous homeostasis and epidermal barrier function (temperature, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration (SCH), erythema and total antioxidant capacity (TAC)) in skin with permanent tattoos and temporary adhesive tattoos, compared to non-tattooed skin
Permanent tattoos do not significantly affect skin homeostasis compared to nontattooed skin

Summary

Introduction

Tattoos have been present in various cultures throughout history, mainly in relation to specific groups or linked to certain mystical or religious practices [1]. Tattoos have spread to wider social circles and their popularity has increased notably. Kluger et al observed that the prevalence of tattooed people ranged from 11.70% to 31.50%. Tattoos were more frequent in women and young people [2]. The prevalence of tattoos in Europe is increasing. Since 2003, Borkenhagen et al have observed an increase in the tattooed population in Germany [3].

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Discussion

Conclusion