If we shed our skin, why don't tattoos fade

A. Our skin has two layers: the upper epidermis and the lower dermis. The epidermis is relatively thin, having only a few layers of cells and sheds cells regularly as it renews itself. The dermis is comparatively thicker and is made up of two parts; the papillary region and the reticular region.

The dermis is very stable and cells are lost at a much slower rate than those of the epidermis.

Tattoos penetrate the epidermis and are etched on the lower dermis, which is why they last a lifetime.

Q. How are tattoos made

A. The tattooing machine was first patented in 1891: an electrical hand held tool with a needle attached injects ink into the skin. The tool moves the needle up and down, up to 3,000 times a minute, puncturing the skin and driving the ink into the dermis as it does so.

Q. How long have tattoos been around

A. Thousands of years! Skin doesn't usually preserve very well in archaeological deposits, but the mummified Iceman found a few years ago, dating from 3300BC, displays tattoos. Tattoos on Egyptian mummies from 200BC onwards are well documented.

Q. What does the word 'tattoo' mean

A. The Europeans rediscovered tattooing when they began exploring and colonising the globe, coming into contact with Polynesians and Amerindians, who both tattooed their bodies. 'Tattau' is a Tahitian word that means 'to mark' and appears in James Cook's journals.

Q. Does having a tattoo hurt

A. People who have tattoos describe the pain felt as anything like a tickle to sunburn. How much pain you can handle, how big your tattoo is and the skill of the tattoo artist all factor in how much it will hurt.

Another thing to consider is where on your body you want the tattoo. How tight your skin is and how much flesh an area has will affect how much pain you feel. For example a tattoo on your bony ankle will be more painful than one on your upper arm.

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by Lisa Cardy