Permanent makeup refers to cosmetic tattoos meant to recreate your favorite makeup look on your brows, eyelids, or lips.
The pigments used in cosmetic tattoos are made from smaller molecules than those used in traditional tattoos, and the needle that delivers the pigment doesn’t go as deep. As a consequence, cosmetic tattoos fade faster.
The good news is that during a touch-up you can ask for a change in style or in the color of the pigment, enabling you to try a new look.
Is your permanent makeup changing colors? Are the lines bleeding, or is the color simply fading? Read on as Dr. Pompeyo Chavez, our expert at Soulage Wellness & Aesthetic Center in Bastrop, Texas, explains when it’s time for a permanent makeup touch-up.
There are no hard rules about touch-ups, as each person holds the pigment differently. However, on average, most patients need a touch-up for their permanent eyeliner and microblading every year. For lips, you may need to refresh the color every 6-12 months.
If you don’t retouch them, pigments change color, turning blue or green, and eventually fade away altogether as the skin continues renewing its skin cells.
If you can, avoid applying acids and retinol to the area where you have the permanent makeup. These can accelerate the rate at which cells are shed, speeding up the process in which the cosmetic tattoo fades as well.
Sunlight and tanning can also damage the pigment. If your permanent makeup is on your lips or eyebrows, apply sunblock during the days you plan to spend a lot of time outside. If you can’t tolerate sunscreen on your eyelids, opt for sunglasses with UV protection.
If you have oily skin, you may need to prepare your skin before the treatment with skincare products that reduce oil production so the pigment adheres better to the skin. After the treatment, Dr. Chavez may recommend a special regimen to prevent the overproduction of sebum from interfering with pigment retention.
Sometimes touch-ups are necessary while the cosmetic tattoo is fresh with the purpose of changing the shape of the tattoo or the color of the pigment. Regardless of what your needs are, whether it’s correcting a new cosmetic tattoo or refreshing an old one, our expert can be of help.
Contact us to schedule an appointment to learn more about permanent makeup services.
