When I looked up creams for getting rid of tattoos, I found two types of sources: advertisements and complaints. You see, there are lots of creams out there that claim to get rid of tattoos. And there are lots of people who fall for these creams and try them, only to be disappointed.

An e-how contributing writer shares, “Rub it away. “Fade Away” creams break down the ink into smaller particles which are then absorbed by the body. This is a very slow process, and there is not much clinical data to support the manufacturers’ claims” (http://www.ehow.com/how_2058237_get-rid-tattoo.html#ixzz2WtgBY2bn).

The e-How contributing writer shares another method: peeling, “Peel it away. Chemical Peels should be conducted by trained doctors. A chemical compound is applied to the skin which will cause it to eventually peel off.”

So, while we are still waiting for creams to work efficiently, what are the options out there for tattoo removal? Well, there is laser removal. “Laser tattoo removal is the newest innovation in the field of tattoo removal. Lasers are used to penetrate the skin and to break up the tattoo ink below the surface. The body then absorbs the smaller particles and the tattoo fades.”

Another option to consider, rather than use creams and chemical peels, grinding away the tattoos off of your skin. “Dermabrasion is essentially sanding the tattoo away. The tattoo area is either numbed or sprayed with a chemical that freezes it. A tool much like you would see in a dentist’s office with a spinning, abrasive surface is used on the tattoo. Salabrasion is an older, specific technique. The tattoo area is numbed, and a solution of tap water and salt is applied and rubbed in. No power tool is used.”

Are these your only options? Does it have to be so painful? Not really, there are other options for you. First, and this is probably the hardest, “Wait awhile. Tattoos – especially ones that haven’t been done correctly – will fade naturally over time. Older tattoos are easier to remove than newer ones. Regular sun exposure will bleach a tattoo’s colors, and will cause the tattoo to become less apparent.”

Besides, there are other options other than waiting. Do not worry. “Try an over-the-counter chemical peel. Most creams contain Trichloroacetic acid, or TCA, to gradually fade tattoos. However, other tattoo removal creams use glycolic acid, or alpha hydroxy acid, which is a naturally occurring substance. Alpha hydroxy acid is an exfoliant, and causes skin layers to peel away over a long period of time.”

So, there are over the counter options, chemical peels, waiting, dermabrasion, and salabrasion. Of course, there is always considering carefully your tattoo, also!