Temporary tattoos are best for those who want to avoid committing to a permanent one without missing out on the fun altogether. Applying a decal tattoo is easy. However, taking them off can be tough if you do not know how to remove temporary tattoos. This is especially true when you try to remove them once they start to peel off and turn into an unsightly mess. To avoid this, follow the tips and hacks in the article to remove temporary tattoos without damaging the skin. Read on.
Fun FactThe familiar temporary tattoos on plastic films were invented in the 1980s. Inventor Keith R. Relyea received the patent for this method due to its high demand in Hollywood.
In This Article
Will A Temporary Tattoo Come Off On Its Own?
Yes, temporary tattoos come off on their own with time. Depending on the quality of the tattoo and how well you take care of it, the design can last from a day or two to an entire week. However, the tattoo starts peeling off in bits after some time, which can take a few days to come off entirely.
Temporary tattoos look messy and lose their appeal once they start peeling off. At this juncture, you may choose to remove the entire tattoo without waiting for it to peel off on its own. However, make sure you follow safe ways so that you do not end up damaging your skin in the process.
If you want to remove your temporary tattoo before its shelf life, select one of these easy and safe ways to prevent skin damage.
7 Easy And Safe Ways To Remove Temporary Tattoos
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1. Exfoliate
If you no longer want your temporary tattoo, gently exfoliate the design off your skin. You can either use your regular exfoliating scrub or try out a DIY product. Follow the recipe of this easy at-home scrub to remove your temporary tattoo.
You Will Need
- ½ cup of powdered brown sugar
- ½ cup of coconut or olive oil
- ½ teaspoon of instant coffee powder
Method
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and store in an airtight container.
- Wet your temporary tattoo and apply a small blob of the exfoliating product.
- Gently rub in circular motions for 30-40 seconds to loosen and break up the specks of your tattoo.
- Rinse the area with cool water and pat dry.
Related: How To Remove Dead Skin Naturally?
2. Mouthwash
Your regular mouthwash can do more than just kill the germs in your mouth and freshen up your breath. If you are dealing with stubborn specks from a temporary tattoo that refuses to peel off on its own, here is a little trick to help you out.
Method
- Dab a little mouthwash on your temporary tattoo.
- Gently rub it in for a few seconds until the tattoo specks begin to peel off.
- Wash the area with regular (room temperature) water.
3. Baby Oil
If you thought baby oil was only for massaging your baby’s skin, you are wrong. It can also double up as a temporary tattoo remover. Oil-based solutions help remove makeup easily while keeping the skin moisturized and supple.
Method
- Saturate the tattoo with baby oil and leave it on for a few minutes.
- Rub away the design with a soft cloth, using gentle, circular motions.
- If baby oil is not available, you can use coconut oil or olive oil instead.
Related: 6 Benefits Of Baby Oil For Skin, Tips To Use, & Side Effects
4. Nail Polish Remover
Most nail polish removers contain acetone, a chemical used to dissolve other substances. Besides removing nail polish, acetone also dissolves the ink used in temporary tattoos. You have to dip a cotton ball in an acetone-based nail polish remover and wipe your tattoo until all traces are removed.
5. Cold Cream
Cold creams are easily available makeup removers. Also, beauty bloggers use this rich emulsion for an entirely different purpose – to erase unwanted temporary tattoos.
Method
- Apply cold cream on your temporary tattoo and leave it on for a minute.
- Rub off the tattoo with a soft cloth in gentle, circular motions for 30-40 seconds. This will make the tattoo flecks loosen and leave your skin surface.
- Wipe the area with a clean cloth.
6. Rubbing Alcohol
Although used as a hand disinfectant in many households, rubbing alcohol can be put to good use if you want to remove a temporary tattoo naturally. Dip a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and gently wipe off your temporary tattoo.
Note: While rubbing alcohol is considered safe, people with sensitive skin must avoid using it for tattoo removal.
7. Makeup Remover
If your new temporary tattoo no longer appeals to you, saturate it with some makeup remover and rub it off gently. Wash the area with cool water, and you are good to go. Makeup removing solution will reduce the color of your tattoos and break up the particles.
StyleCraze SaysYou can also use a hand sanitizer or Scotch tape to remove temporary tattoos when other options aren’t available.
While all the methods discussed above are usually considered safe, rubbing your skin constantly to remove the tattoo may lead to temporary redness or irritation. Here is how you can soothe your skin after removing a temporary tattoo.
Related: 5 Best DIY Makeup Removers
5 Tips To Soothe Your Skin After Temporary Tattoo Removal
1. Apply A Cold Compress
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Apply a cold compress or an ice pack to the inflamed area after removing a temporary tattoo for quick relief. Repeat the process twice or thrice a day according to your requirements. However, do not use a damp cloth if your skin is broken.
2. Use Baking Soda Treatment
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While there is no scientific evidence to support this claim, beauty vloggers state that applying a paste of baking soda and water to the inflamed area helps soothe the skin. Wash off this paste after a few minutes with cool water.
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3. Apply Aloe Vera Gel
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Apply aloe vera gel to your skin after removing a temporary tattoo to reduce the redness and irritation. You may either use freshly extracted aloe vera juice or a store-bought gel.
4. Treat With Oats
Oatmeal can help soothe itching, irritation, and swelling of the skin. Here’s how you can use oats to keep your skin smooth, soft, and damage-free after removing a tattoo.
Method
- Mix a teaspoon of ground oatmeal with a tablespoon of coconut milk.
- Apply this paste to the affected area.
- Wash off with cool water after five minutes.
5. Moisturize
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Apply a thin coating of your regular moisturizer after removing your temporary tattoo. It will help keep the area hydrated and minimize irritation and redness faster.
Temporary tattoos are a great way to experiment with tattoos without getting a permanent one. However, as the days go by, these tattoos may start to look unsightly and may take days till they completely come off. To remove temporary tattoos safely, you can follow the tips discussed in the article and use baby oil, mouthwash, or makeup removed and reduce their appearance. Since constant rubbing can lead to irritation or temporary redness, you can apply a cold compress, aloe vera, or a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and soft.
