Being stuck with an unwanted tattoo can be quite a frustrating situation especially when removal methods are often very expensive and when it's in open view for everybody to see.

Not to panic though, there are a new wave of tattoo removal products and guides that are supposedly working for people around the world. These new methods are much less expensive than more conventional mainstream methods such as laser tattoo removal.

What is Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic acid is a substance that has excellent skin penetration abilities which is why it is often used in skin care products. It can promote the turnover of skin cells and is commonly used to fights against skin treatments such as acne and scarring.

Does Glycolic Acid work?

Results vary between individuals, however the general consensus is that for the majority of people glycolic acid significantly reduces the darkness of the tattoo and for some it may even rid the tattoo from obvious sight.

It is in the same grouping of tattoo removal products as Tricholoroacetic acid (TCA) but has a slightly greater success rate.

The Pros and Cons of Glycolic Acid

On the plus side, glycolic acid is a cheap substance that is commonly found in quite a few health care products. There are different variations of concentration and so you should probably experiment with the weakest to begin with and work you way upwards.

On the negative side, it is common for irritation at the site of application consisting of a burning sensation that may continue for a few hours.

As with any topical application product, it is important to test your body's reaction before applying religiously to the skin. Allergic reactions are generally less than one in five but can cause quite significant discomfort and may even scar if applied extensively.

What are my alternatives

Laster tattoo removal is a guaranteed way of removing your tattoo although the cost of such treatment is generally out of reach for most people, the cheapest being well over a thousand dollars.

Dermabrasion is your next option, but this is not a very pleasant experience at all and involves scrubbing your skin with an abrasive surface to physically remove that tattooed cells on your arm. The process is then repeated up to five or six times. This is the most painful way to remove your scars and is not for those who are sensitive to pain.

Finally, there are new products on the net that offer 60 day guarantees for home-based tattoo removal which may be worth looking into. The general feedback from such products so far has been positive in the majority and is worth considering before looking at the more serious methods described in this article