The Impact of Tattoos on Skin Characteristics in Women

Objectives: The study aimed to comprehensively assess the impact of tattoos on the structural and functional properties of the skin in healthy women. Methods: The investigation included 22 female participants aged 19–41 years, covering a total of 88 tattoos. Various diagnostic tools were employed: a Tewameter TM300 to evaluate transepidermal water loss (TEWL), a Corneometer and Cutometer to measure skin hydration, elasticity, and firmness, and high-frequency ultrasonography (HFUS) to assess epidermal thickness and skin echogenicity. The results showed that the presence of tattoos did not significantly influence TEWL values. Although regional differences in TEWL were observed in non-tattooed skin, tattooed skin showed no such variability, suggesting a consistent barrier function regardless of tattoo location. Corneometric and cutometric assessments revealed no significant differences in hydration, elasticity, or firmness between tattooed and non-tattooed skin. These parameters were also not influenced by tattoo age, although a physiological decline in mechanical skin properties was observed with increasing participant age. HFUS indicated a significantly thinner epidermis in tattooed areas compared to their non-tattooed counterparts. Additionally, tattooed skin demonstrated a higher percentage of low-echogenicity pixels in the lower dermis, suggesting localized structural changes. However, neither the age of the tattoo nor the age of the participant significantly affected the ultrasound parameters. Conclusions: Tattoos did not impair key skin functions such as hydration, elasticity, or barrier integrity, but were associated with structural changes observable via high-frequency ultrasonography.