A Toxic Tale of Tattoos

And why I'm getting mine revamped

Much of the wellness space would say that tattoos are “toxic” in nature, and I admit, they’ve got a point.

Besides the whole putting ink into your skin forever and the likely valid concern of exposures to metals commonly used in said ink, tattoos also create scar tissue on the skin and potentially impact the lymphatic system.

Yet we also see industry leaders like Dr. Gabrielle Lyon and even Huberman himself rocking significant ink— and looking great in it, might I add!

I got my first tattoo at age 18 (sorry Mom and Dad). The year was 2000 and I naturally got a tribal butterfly on my back— though not in a traditional “tramp stamp” placement… mine’s off to the side. So creative.

I paused there until I was going through a devastatingly hard time in my mid-20s. I had ballooned up to over 300 pounds, found myself in a toxic marriage and divorced after just a year and a half, and soon found out he was involved with my best friend.

My world was shattered, and I’ve never felt worse about myself.

So I got the bright idea to get a tattoo— and it did something for me.

It scratched the itch of my rebellious nature, and it helped me feel a little more like a badass, if I’m being honest. And then it happened— the addiction they all warn you about.

One led to another and before you knew it, I had a bit of a collection going on.

I was able to feel a connection to control over my identity again, for better or worse.

Looking back now and knowing what I know about my chemistry, thanks to my DNA— I have a strong tendency toward dopamine-driven behaviors… and this felt good.

Even though I didn’t get any really visible ones until a few years down the road, it changed me. Looking back, it was a big way that I felt like I could make a statement to the world for everyone to know that I wasn’t the stereotypical Southern girl who wanted the stereotypical Southern life. That part was actually an understatement.

Once I got my first substantial work, right there on the front of my forearm: a pinup girl… there was really no going back. Shortly thereafter, I began filling my arm with bright, lively traditional pieces that were mostly just for fun and fit the look that I thought was truly Lindsey-core.

During the time I was getting my visible work done, I was living in LA, where it’s far more normalized and really commonplace, especially compared to back home. Never would I have imagined that one day, namely recent days, that it just wouldn’t feel like ME anymore.

This year, after yet another life-altering series of events that have pushed me to reconsider who I am and how I’m showing up in the world, I decided to investigate making some changes to said brightly colored arm. I got a referral to a local artist, and two lengthy consults later, we devised a plan that felt like a deep, soul YES to overhaul the whole damn arm.

So that is what we are doing— 2 sessions down, probably at least a few more to go.

Am I concerned with increasing my toxic load? Yes.

But what’s potentially more toxic? Living inside a case of outgrown identity? Nope, can’t do it. Not in any way, shape, or form.

It must be said that I use my DNA to understand my individual sensitivity to toxins like metals— and mine’s not awful. I also support systemic detox with daily foundational supplements and habits to improve methylation and other chemical processes that help to naturally clear exposures out of your system.

My personal experience: yes, the right side of my body *does* seem to hold more fluid, suggesting lymphatic impact. But from my perspective, there’s no going back— so I might as well wear something that I feel good in… while I continue to support my lymphatic system like a BOSS.

So here’s how I’m hacking it:

• Taking a Biotoxin Binder (I like Cellcore brand) for a couple of days post-session

• Red Light Therapy sessions (ongoing, but especially during the healing stage)

• Peptides for tissue repair, inflammation, and skin regeneration (shoutout GLOW— IYKYK)

• PEMF mat session day after getting inked to help signal recovery mode

• Sauna sessions once it’s healed

• Lymph work on the daily— have done this for years and absolutely swear by it (think breathwork, walking, dry brushing, self massage, herbal supports— also Cellcore)

Last but not least, I’m focusing on the gratitude of getting a redo that already feels beautiful and aligned with my evolution. Instead of spinning out over the potential for side effects, I’m choosing to make an informed decision that feels right for me.

And I’m also never doing this again, once my arm overhaul is complete. You have it in writing.