VIVE protective film is a plastic, light-sensitive film that can be applied to a tattoo and help to prevent ink from spreading to surrounding skin, according to researchers from the University of Ottawa.
The research, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, looked at the effectiveness of the protective film on ink and skin, as well as how it was absorbed by the tattoo.
“The main issue is that the protective effect is very small,” said study co-author Dr. Yvonne LeBlanc, associate professor of dermatology at the University.
“We saw that when we applied the film, it absorbed ink very slowly, and so we think it’s important that it be applied carefully,” said LeBlanche.
“In terms of the absorption, it doesn’t seem to affect the tattoo itself, but it’s very important that you get the ink onto the skin surface, that it’s not going to get into your blood vessels.”
The researchers say the film is able to absorb ink as well, though not as effectively.
“It was effective at absorbing ink from our hand, but not as well at absorbing it from our forearm,” said Dr. LeBlanch.
“There are different types of tattoos, so it’s really important to get them on the skin.
So it was important to try and get the best one.”
The study also looked at how the film was absorbed into the tattoo’s skin.
“For the forearm, it had no effect on absorption,” said the study’s co-lead author Dr. Jean-François Blanch, professor of cosmetic dermatology and plastic surgery at the Université de Montréal.
“On the other hand, when it was applied to the forearm it absorbed into it very rapidly, and this made the ink get to the skin quickly,” said Blanch.
When it comes to tattoo ink, the researchers say it’s better to stick to a clear, transparent film to avoid the ink’s potential to adhere to your skin.
According to LeBlanches research, it’s also important to wear gloves when applying the film because the film’s adhesive properties make it easier for the ink to stick.
The researchers suggest that the film can help prevent tattoo ink from seeping into surrounding skin and making it difficult to clean.
The film can also be applied with a tattoo removal technique, such as a cream.
The researchers also suggest applying the protective material directly to the tattoo to prevent it from being scratched.