Permanent Makeup Aftercare: A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide

Getting permanent makeup is an excellent way to enhance your natural beauty and save time in your daily routine. However, proper aftercare is crucial to ensuring that your results are both beautiful and long-lasting.

Whether you’ve opted for permanent eyeliner, lip blush, or microblading, following a dedicated aftercare routine is key to achieving the best outcome.

In this guide, we will walk you through the essential steps to take care of your permanent makeup after the procedure.

Immediate Care (First 24 Hours)

Taking proper care of your skin immediately after the procedure helps kickstart the healing process and protects the treated area from infection and pigment loss. Here’s what you need to do during the first day:

• Clean Gently: Use a clean, damp cotton pad or a soft cloth to gently blot the treated area. This helps remove any lymph fluid, which can cause scabbing. Be gentle and avoid any aggressive rubbing or scrubbing.
• Hands Off: Refrain from touching the treated area with unwashed hands. Touching the area can introduce bacteria, leading to infection and poor healing.
• No Makeup: Avoid applying makeup on or around the treated area for at least 10 to 14 days. This includes foundation, concealer, or any other cosmetic products that might interfere with the healing process.

Healing Period (Days 1-7)

The first week after your permanent makeup procedure is critical for the healing process. Your skin will begin to recover, and following these guidelines will help ensure the best results:

• Moisturize Appropriately: Apply the aftercare ointment recommended by your permanent makeup artist. Use a clean cotton swab to apply the product lightly. Be careful not to over-apply, as excessive moisture can cause the pigment to heal improperly.
• Avoid Sun Exposure: Sun exposure can cause premature fading and damage the healing process. Stay out of direct sunlight and avoid tanning beds. If you need to be outdoors, wear a wide-brimmed hat or sunglasses to protect the treated area.
• No Swimming or Saunas: Avoid swimming, hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms for 7-10 days after the procedure. Excess moisture can disrupt the pigment retention and cause uneven healing.
• Don’t Scratch or Pick: As your skin begins to heal, you may experience itching, scabbing, or dryness. It’s important not to pick or scratch the area, as this can lead to pigment loss, scarring, or infection.
• Clean the Area Carefully: Use a mild, unscented soap and lukewarm water to gently clean the treated area. Avoid scrubbing the skin and pat it dry with a clean towel.

The Peeling Phase (Days 4-10)

Around day 4, you’ll notice that the treated area starts to peel or flake. This is completely normal and part of the natural healing process.

• Peeling is Normal: Expect light peeling or flaking during this time. The new skin underneath will be revealed as the old skin sheds, and this process is necessary for healing.
• Temporary Fading: During the peeling phase, the pigment may appear lighter or patchy. Don’t worry—this is temporary. The color will gradually settle in and become more vibrant as the skin continues to heal.

Weeks 2-4: Recovery and Color Development

By the second week, your permanent makeup will start to look more settled, but the healing process is still ongoing. The color will continue to evolve, and you need to take care during this stage.

1. Avoid Intense Sweating: Minimize heavy physical activity that causes excessive sweating, as this can interfere with the pigment’s ability to settle into the skin properly.
2. Hydration: Keep yourself well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and apply a gentle moisturizer around the treated area (but avoid direct application to the permanent makeup itself unless advised by your artist).
3. Monitor Healing Progress: By weeks 3-4, you’ll notice the color settling into its final shade. This is the point when you can assess whether any touch-ups are necessary. Typically, a touch-up session is recommended after 4-6 weeks to perfect the look and fill in any areas that may have healed unevenly.

Long-Term Care (After 1 Month)

Once your permanent makeup has fully healed, maintaining your results requires some ongoing care. Here are some tips to help you enjoy your beautiful new look for years to come:

• Sun Protection: UV rays can cause permanent makeup pigments to fade over time. Make sure to apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to the treated area when exposed to sunlight, even after the healing process is complete.
• Gentle Skincare: Avoid using harsh skincare products around the treated area, especially those containing retinoids, exfoliants, or acids. These ingredients can break down the pigment and cause it to fade prematurely.
• Touch-ups: Depending on your skin type and lifestyle, periodic touch-ups (typically every 1-3 years) may be necessary to maintain the freshness and vibrancy of the pigment. Oily skin types may require touch-ups more frequently, while dry or normal skin tends to hold the pigment longer.

What to Avoid During the Healing Process

To ensure the best possible results and avoid complications, it’s important to stay away from certain activities and products during the healing process:

• No Makeup on the Treated Area: Avoid using makeup on the treated area until it is fully healed. This helps prevent infection and keeps the pigments intact.
• Avoid Facials or Peels: Don’t schedule facials, chemical peels, or laser treatments near the treated area for at least one month after the procedure.
• No Retinol or Acids: Anti-aging creams or treatments containing retinol, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid can cause the pigments to fade, so avoid using these products on or near the treated area.

Conclusion

Proper aftercare is essential to achieving flawless, long-lasting permanent makeup results. By following this step-by-step guide, you can ensure your skin heals correctly and that the pigments retain their vibrancy and shape.

Patience is key during the healing process, and although the initial results may change as your skin heals, you’ll soon enjoy the full benefits of your permanent makeup.

If you experience any issues, such as excessive redness, swelling, or signs of infection, it’s important to contact your permanent makeup artist for advice and guidance. With the right care, your permanent makeup will stay beautiful for years to come.