Now a mathematical model to predict how tattoos age

According to a new study published in the journal 'Mathematics Today' tattoo lovers can know how their tattoos will fade with time with the help of a mathematical model.

Model to help in better designs selection
The lead author Ian Eames, a fluid mechanics researcher at the University College London, unveiled a mathematical model that will depict the movement of the tattoo’s ink particles over years.

The model can predict the appearance of the piece of art after 20 years and can even suggest better tattoo designs.

“Skin type, age, size, exposure to the sunlight and the type of ink which is used all influence how a tattoo disperses with time.”--Lead researcher Ian Eames, University College London

Besides, the researchers claim that the model may also reveal if the tattoos will have any long term health implications.

This seems to have come as good news for the celebrities who love getting inked, as now they can even know how their chosen design will appear in years to come.

Ian Eames said, “Although finely detailed tattoos might look good when they are first done, they tend to lose their definition after 15 years.”

How do tattoos fade?
In the recent years, tattoos have become a new style statement among the fashionistas, youngsters and celebrities.

“Tattoos are incredibly popular worldwide with more than a third of 18 to 25-year-olds in the U.S. sporting at least one design,” said Eames.

Tattoo inks are “a suspension of water-insoluble particles, such as mercury, lead, cadmium and iron” injected under the skin with the help of a needle, which is 3,000 times a minute.

Tattoo fades away over years because cells containing the tattoo ink particles get scattered as the cells die, divide or leave the body.

As per the research, the minute designs in the tattoo fades first as compared to the thicker lines.

“Skin type, age, size, exposure to the sunlight and the type of ink which is used all influence how a tattoo disperses with time,” said Eames.

“Broadly speaking, the small details in a tattoo are lost first, with thicker lines being less affected.”