I watched a skin doctor explain how tattoos work. The ink is injected into the skin. The body’s immune system recognizes the ink as an invader and sends immune cells to consume the invader. The immune cell gobbles up the ink, then dies. This is what makes the tattoo permanent. It is continuously attacked by the immune system rather than being absorbed.
I imagine some inks have toxic properties. The skin cells will be continuously bathed in this toxic soup. The fact that may induce cancer shouldn’t be a surprise.
I noticed that in older men the tattoos seem to fade. This is probably because their immune system is no longer robust and continuously sending immune cells. Therefore, the ink gets absorbed and carried away.
Wow, makes sense.
I sometimes paint cars, of my own (so I get a feel of how much paint to mix). Just guessing she must have had several fluid ounces of toxic crap injected in her skin.
Interesting insights.