Ink stains on hands and skin: how to remove them

Ink on our skin, especially on our hands, is a common problem for many professionals, particularly those who, such as printers, handle these substances daily and are often faced with the problem of stubborn stains and potential skin irritation.

Of course, it is advisable to wear gloves and other protective clothing when working with ink, But what do you do if these substances break the protective barriers or come in contact with your skin?

In this article, we will explore different practical solutions and effective products to eliminate ink stains from your hands, with a particular focus on Nettuno’s handwash products. Designed specifically to meet the needs of print professionals and anyone who handles ink during their working day, The products in our catalogue help keep skin clean while preventing potential health risks.

 

What is ink made of and why does it stain our skin?

Ink is among the substances known for creating indelible stains on skin, surfaces and fabric. What causes it? Mainly the chemical composition.

Technically, ink is material, usually pasty or liquid, formed by dyes or pigments immersed in an aqueous or oily fluid. Binders, solvents and excipients complete the formulation, which have the peculiarity of being firmly fixed on different supports, such as paper, textiles, plastics, metals and much more. Pigments and dyes are among the most difficult to remove dirt because their chemical characteristics allow them to penetrate deep and adhere to surfaces.

Quick removal of ink stains is a must to minimise the possibility of penetration into the skin and reduce the staining capacity of these substances. In addition, it is an essential gesture to safeguard health: ink, in fact, can represent a danger to the well-being of our skin, because it can trigger irritation, itchy hands, discomfort and real contact dermatitis, caused by allergy or irritation.

 

Removing ink stains from your hands using natural methods

The best way to avoid incurring dermatological illnesses and always have perfectly clean hands is to adopt all safety procedures related to your profession, paying utmost care when handling substances which can generate serious staining, irritation or hazard.
It is also essential to know the best methods for removing ink traces, pigments and dyes from the skin quickly and easily. Instinctively the first thing that comes to mind is to wash our hands with soap and water, trying to remove stains with light rubbing. Although it can be a first step to eliminate dirt, given its ability to adhere to the skin, normal washing strategies on ink (especially industrial ink) can be totally ineffective.

Among the “home methods” to which one is often tempted to resort, there is use of lemon juice, bicarbonate, vinegar or acetone. Although these substances may, through their composition, contribute to the removal of ink stains, their use is risky for several reasons.

First, the most sensitive skin may not withstand the application of acetone and aggressive elements. Additionally, the use of DIY methods generally involves an excessive rubbing action, with high stress on the skin and the potential development of dryness, redness, flaking and irritation, up to serious skin reactions such as allergies and dermatitis.

 

Removing ink from your hands using professional methods

To gently and permanently remove ink from your skin, you should use ingredients capable of emulsifying the colour molecules and facilitate their removal with a targeted abrasive action, which does not affect the physiological balances of your skin.

Nettuno’s experience in the professional handwash sector has developed an effective response to your needs: INKO Special, handwash detergent with microspheres, specifically designed to eliminate ink.

 

Ink on hands: how to remove it with INKO Special

INKO Special is one of the handwash detergents from our professional range, designed specifically for printers and available in a practical 250 ml tube format. Its particularity lies in the microspheres of natural origin with extremely efficient abrasive action, while respecting our skin.
To use it, simply apply a small amount of product on dry hands, add water and rub, then rinse with running water. It is possible to repeat a second application without using water, for particularly resistant dirt.

Formulated with no silicones and preservatives, it is based on natural oils and is also

enriched with sericin, an emollient protein derived from silk. A professional, safe and dermatologically tested solution to take care of working hands and say goodbye to ink-stained skin!

 

Do you want to know more about Nettuno’s handwash products and which types of dirt they can help you eliminate? Consult our catalogue now, or contact our consultants, who can help you plan your effective strategy of protection, washing and skin care!!