January 16, 2009
FDA Warning on Topical Anesthetics
FDA issued a public health advisory to remind patients, healthcare
professionals, and caregivers about potentially serious hazards of using
skin numbing products, also known as topical anesthetics, for relieving pain
from mammography and other medical tests and conditions. FDA is concerned
about the potential for these products to cause serious, life-threatening
adverse effects, such as irregular heartbeat, seizures, breathing
difficulties, coma and even death, when applied to a large area of skin or
when the area of application is covered. FDA is working with healthcare
professional organizations and other media that distribute healthcare
information to spread the message about the potential hazards and safe use
of topical anesthetics. The Advisory and the Dear Colleague letter provide
recommendations to both doctors and patients on safe use of these products.
April 30, 2008
Not Just Lip Service -
Gloss Can Invite Skin Cancer
Right now, 23-year-old Laura Brown has at least six lip glosses on her.
They’re in her backpack, her purse, her pocket, her makeup bag — and just in
case, she keeps a couple of spares at her desk and in her bathroom.
Brown, who lives in College Station, Texas, assumes she takes very good care
of her lips. But some dermatologists say that slathering on shiny lip
glosses can actually increase your risk of developing skin cancer.
July 17, 2008
SPCP Hosts
Annual Fall Conference
Since its inception in 1990, the Society of Permanent Cosmetics
Professionals (SPCP) remains the largest and most respected professional
organization within the permanent cosmetics industry.
The SPCP holds two events each year. The Annual Convention is held in March
and the Fall Conference is held in September. The Fall Conference, this year
is being held September 20-21 in Orlando Florida. This is a favorite event
for many as it is limited to 100 attendees. Known as the permanent cosmetics
"networking extravaganza" event, attendees have the unique opportunity to
interface with other technicians and industry leaders in a professional but
yet more social setting.
May 16, 2008
Permanent
Cosmetics Industry Reacts to Misleading Information on Tyra Banks Show
On April 21, 2008, Tyra Banks hosted a live demonstration during what was
stated to be a semi-permanent cosmetic procedure using vegetable dyes and
minerals. Verika Seddick from the White Tea Spa in New York conducted the
demonstration.
Vegetable dyes are never associated with tattooing. They are dyes used in
the food industry to dye vegetables, fruits and meats. Equally
disturbing as Ms. Seddick's and Ms. Banks' obvious lack of knowledge of what
the demonstration entailed, were their comments regarding tattooing and
permanent cosmetics. Ms. Seddick stated that she wanted to make an important
distinction, "This is not tattooing and you would never want permanent
cosmetics on your face." Tyra echoed her words. A contradiction was soon to
follow; Ms. Seddick tattooed a member of the audience's bottom eyeliner on
one eye.
Click
Here to read the Complete Article
April 25, 2008
New Type
of Latex Gloves Cleared by the FDA
On April 23, 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared for
marketing the Yulex Patient Examination Glove. The Yulex glove is made
from latex that is derived from the guayule bush, a desert plant native to
the southwestern United States. Gloves made from guayule latex may prove to
be a safer alternative for some people with sensitivity to traditional
latex.
Read
More
April 17, 2008
FDA
Urges Safer Usage of Eye Cosmetics
This FDA advisory covers cleanliness, storage, application safety, and
ingredients concerns with eye cosmetics.
Read
on for many more reasons to use Permanent Cosmetics instead of
traditional cosmetics.
February 28, 2008
FDA
to Study Tattoos; SPCP Holds Tattoo Pigment Vendors to Strict Guidelines
In response to the
FDA's announcement to study the pigments used for tattoos as reported
by the Star Ledger on February 06, 2008, the SPCP Society of Permanent
Cosmetic Professionals (SPCP) offers information regarding the SPCP's
guidelines for its pigment vendors.
Dec 29, 2007
FDA Issues
Advisory on Tattoos & Begins Pigment Research
As the popularity of tattoos continues to grow, so does the concern about
potential risks. Some risks, such as the spread of infections through the
use of unsterilized needles, have long been known. But what isn't clear is
the safety of tattoo inks.
Read More
Dec 19, 2006
New Ink Could Leave a Big Mark on Tattoo Business
You once adored Janie, but Laura is your honey now. That
dragon circling your arm wowed your college buddies, but the executives in
the office aren't nearly as impressed.
Just as the number of Americans sporting tattoos has soared in the past
decade, so has membership in another group: people who want their bodywork
removed. Only then do they come to know the truth -- that laser tattoo
removal is painful, expensive and may not do the job completely.
Soon there may be a solution to the phenomenon of
tattoo regret: removable tattoo ink.
Please also note the SPCP
Position on Semi Permanent
Makeup.
Oct 3, 2006
New Tattoo Ink
Will Allow Easy Removal
The decision to get or remove a tattoo will soon become much easier, thanks
to researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Brown University.
Richard R. Anderson, a professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School
and the Director of the Wellman Center for Photomedicine at MGH, was
instrumental in the development and testing of a newly invented tattoo ink
that is fully removable and completely safe.
Please also note the SPCP
Position on Semi Permanent
Makeup.
Sept 27, 2006
World Hepatitis Awareness Day
Copenhagen, Denmark - Sir Bob Geldof today added his voice to that of
hepatitis patient groups, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional
Office for Europe and the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL)
by calling on governments around the world to prioritize hepatitis. Almost
600 million people worldwide are infected with either hepatitis B or C, both
potentially life-threatening liver diseases.
May 10, 2006
Gov. Henry Signs Bill Regulating Tattooing in Oklahoma
Gov. Brad Henry signed Senate Bill 806 on May 10, 2006, making Oklahoma the
last state in the US to legalize tattooing. Recognizing tattooing was
being operated illegally, Henry felt signing the bill would help ensure
greater public health. The new law takes effect November 1st.
May 16, 2006
1500 Year Old Tattooed Mummy Found in Peru
A female mummy with complex tattoos on her arms has been found in a
ceremonial burial site in Peru, the National Geographic Society reported
Tuesday.
May, 2006
SPCP Delegates Attend the FDA Science Forum
Upon notification of the FDA Science Forum,
April 18 - 20, 2006 in Washington, DC by our FDA contact person who works
continually with former Health and Safety Chair, Mary Arnold-Ronish, CPCP,
plans were immediately set into motion for the SPCP to represent the
permanent cosmetics industry at this event. Most importantly, Executive
Director, Kate Ciampi, CPCP, President Dixie Medford, CPCP, and Director
Elizabeth Finch-Howell, CPCP attended to hear and participate in one of the
breakout sessions: Body Markings: Tattoos, Permanent Make-up and Laser
Removal. The session covered the FDA interest in regulatory status,
chemistry, adverse events associated with Premier Pigments, and the
dermatological implications of tattoo removal.
May 10, 2006
American Liver Foundation Kicks Off Hepatitis Awareness Month
An estimated one-third of the U.S. population becomes infected with
hepatitis A during their lifetime, 1.4 million Americans are chronically
infected with hepatitis B, and approximately 4 million Americans have been
infected with hepatitis C. The American Liver Foundation (ALF) is raising
awareness about the risks associated with hepatitis during Hepatitis
Awareness Month (observed annually in May) to promote testing and encourage
people with hepatitis to get treated now.
March 29, 2006
US Army Approves Certain Tattoos
The U.S. Army, which missed its recruiting goal last year, has relaxed its
policy banning certain types of tattoos in a bid to attract new soldiers who
otherwise would have been barred from serving. It will allow women
recruits and soldiers to sport "permanent makeup" in the form of indelible
eye-liner, eyebrows and lip makeup.
October 26, 2005
House approves overriding governor's veto on lower tattoo age
State lawmakers moved closer Wednesday to lowering the legal
age for tattoos in Illinois despite the governor's objections. The
House voted 91-24 for lowering the age for tattoos from 21 to 18. The
changes bring Illinois in line with 37 other states.
September 4, 2005
Waivers and
Releases for Tattoo and Piercing Studios
Waivers can be a great tool for tattoo and piercing shops to protect
themselves from customer’s with “buyer’s remorse” and even law suits, or at
least limit their potential liability. Whether they’re worth the paper
they’re on, however, basically comes down to the five things discussed in
this article.
April 12, 2005
Nevada Assembly Debates New Permanent Cosmetics Legislation
Nevada's permanent-makeup industry is largely
unregulated and subject to minimal fees, but an Assembly bill now in
committee would require technicians to obtain a license and professional
certification, such as the
CPCP
offered by the SPCP.
Mar 11, 2005
Concern in Phoenix, AZ, over lack of Permanent Cosmetic Regulation
Needles and exposure to blood borne pathogens -- you might think the
County Health Department closely watches businesses who expose you to
these risks. But you're on your own when you get your ear pierced
in Maricopa County. It's the same with getting a tattoo, as well as
another growing trend, permanent make-up.
Jan 19, 2005
Bonsai Studio becomes unique location for Permanent Cosmetic Studio
A single-room studio offering cosmetic tattooing is opening in the Inner
Peace Bonsai Studio along Route 26 in Ocean View. Ancient Art Tattoo
Studio's new location will be a place to go for women who want permanent
face makeup and a quiet place to have it applied.
Jan 18, 2005
WQOW,
Wisconsin reports on the rising popularity of Permanent Cosmetics
More and more women are turning to permanent
makeup to save time.
Dec 9, 2004
High Court
Rules on KP Permanent Make-Up v. Lasting Impression
Ruling in a closely watched intellectual property
case, the Supreme Court gave both sides something to celebrate in disputes
involving alleged consumer confusion over trademarks.
Nov 28, 2004
Premier Pigments Offering to Pay for Treatment of Allergic Reactions
Premier Pigments has offered to arrange medical care and financial
support for anyone who has an allergic reaction to permanent cosmetics or
tattoo pigments.
Nov 20, 2004
South Carolina Health Board Approves Tattoo License Draft Standards
The
Board of the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control last week
approved draft standards for licensing tattoo facilities in South Carolina.
See also
here.
Oct 7, 2004 (Original Article Dated July 2, 2004)
FDA
Alert Regarding Premier Pigments
"The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is alerting the public to a
number of reported adverse events associated with...the Premier Pigment
brand of permanent makeup inks, which are manufactured by the American
Institute of Intradermal Cosmetics, doing business as Premier Products, in
Arlington, TX. FDA is currently investigating this matter."
Sep 24, 2004
SPCP Trainer
Summit 2004
See pictures and read feedback from the SPCP Trainer Summit in Las Vegas
in September, 2004.
Sep 13, 2004
Hepatitis B
Vaccine May Be Linked to MS
The hepatitis B vaccine series has been administered to over 500
million people in the world. It is more than 95% effective in preventing
an infection that kills millions annually. However anecdotal evidence
has linked the vaccine to an increased risk for multiple sclerosis.
May 5, 2004
Jennifer
Hartman Bonham from NitroLifestyle gives Permanent Makeup a try.
Have you ever been curious about permanent cosmetics?
NitroLifestyle's Jennifer Hartman Bonham took the plunge, and
shares her experience…
January 26, 2004
Cosmetic Tattoo Artist Applies Permanent Eyeliner To Horses
Looking to expand your clientele? This Cosmetic tattoo artist does
not usually have to put her customers under general anesthesia when she is
applying permanent eyeliner, eyebrows or lipstick.
Then again, her customers generally do not bite, kick or weigh 1,000
pounds.
January 20, 2004
South Carolina Senate Removes Legalization Hurdle
The S.C. senate did well last week to approve a bill legalizing the
practice. The bill sensibly would limit the state's role to setting
cleanliness standards, while local governments would be empowered to
regulate tattoo establishments via their zoning codes.
January 11, 2004
Jersey City's First Legal Tattoo Parlor Opens
The first legal tattoo parlor opened in Jersey City last month, after the
City Council voted to allow tattooing in August. The law was changed after a
former underground tattoo artist who was arrested for tattooing illegally
brought the issue before the City Council.
Dec 11, 2003
Who Can Tattoo in Wisconsin?
An interesting article on potential tattoo legislation under review in
Wisconsin. The article highlights the struggle between the tattoo
industry, which has been largely self-regulating to date, and public health
officials looking to add significant training requirements to tattoo artist
certifications.
Dec 10, 2003
Arkansas Tattoo Law is Changing
Nov 15, 2003
Arkansas
Toughens Tattoo Laws
Before August 2001, the only type of body modification covered by
Arkansas law was tattooing and teens only needed a signature of a parent
to get a tattoo. A new law has recently gone into effect that makes it
harder for teens to get piercings or tattoos.
Nov 9, 2003
Nonsurgical
options may help slow time's march
Permanent makeup, considered tattooing in South Carolina, is gaining
favor with women, and a few men, who don't want to look bland and
colorless in the morning or during sweaty workouts.
Sept 1, 2003
Permanent
Cosmetics finds its way to Jamaica
A very nice introductory article to permanent cosmetics. Good
example of how Permanent Cosmetics is finding a world of interest.
July 22, 2003
Twin Falls Doctor Wants State Regulation Of Idaho Tattoo Shops
The barber or beautician who cuts your hair has to have a state
license. But there's no government oversight for people who punch holes
through their customers' skin.
Idaho is only one of six states that doesn't regulate tattoo or body
piercing parlors. But there's a movement to change that.
July 11, 2003
Future
of South Carolina tattoo ban in doubt
The tattoo ban in South Carolina has created a cottage industry for
border towns, but politicians expect up to 100 tattoo parlors to open in
South Carolina if the ban is repealed.
July 9, 2003
Bismarck,
ND Beefs up Tattoo Regulations
The
Bismarck City Commission made it harder to "swing ink on the
fly" at its meeting Tuesday night by passing an ordinance
establishing minimum operational and sanitation standards for
tattooing-body art parlors as well as require the businesses to obtain an
annual permit and subject them to annual inspections.
July 8, 2003
Reno
Tattoo Parlor Aims for a Softer and Friendlier Atmosphere
When Michelle Gandolfo wanted to open a parlor for
body piercing and tattoos that wouldn’t be threatening to a more
mainstream clientele, she couldn’t think of a better place than the
Greenbrae Shopping Center.
July 8, 2003
Safe
Tattoo Program Planned for Prisons
KINGSTON, ONT. -
Corrections Canada is considering setting up a safe-tattooing program for
federal inmates. The hope is that it would cut down on the spread of
HIV and hepatitis C infections.
July 4-6, 2003 (3 articles)
Tattoo
Torment - Infection
fears at tattoo shop - HIV
scare at tattoo
A
tattoo parlor in Scotland is the center of an AIDS scare. The
incident has many calling for the regulation of Scotland's
tattoo industry.
June 19, 2003
Artistic
Tattoos Can Restrict Opportunities with Certain Employers
An
anecdotal example of how one prospective police officer was turned away
because of the content of his artistic tattoos.
June 19, 2003
Texas
Tattoo Removal Clinic Gives Youth a Second Chance at Earlier Mistakes
The
tattoo removal program started several years ago with the Dallas County
Health Department to remove tattoos from the hands, necks and faces of
those 20 and younger.
June 15, 2003
Oklahoma
Tattoo artists fighting Oklahoma ban on Tattooing
While Permanent Cosmetics are legal in Oklahoma, there is still a ban
on tattooing. Two Oklahoma tattoo artists recently caught in the act
are fighting to change that.
June 13, 2003
Tattoo
Vanishing Art for Some
Before laser
treatments, people removed tattoos by sanding them off or cutting them
off. (The medical assistant) began the laser removal when the technology
became more widely available two years ago. The same laser also is used to
remove scars.
