Your skincare routine protects your investment long after healing. The skin acts like a wick — what you use on your forehead can reach your brows, liner, and lips even if you avoid the tattoo directly.
Do not apply regular skincare or soap on your forehead for 6–12 weeks after your appointment. Use only the approved products below (or what we give you in studio).
Ingredients to avoid
✕ Retinol
Speeds up cell turnover — fades PMU fast.
✕ Retinoids
Same family as retinol. All forms are a no.
✕ Vitamin C
Brightening agent — lightens pigment over time.
✕ Glycolic Acid
AHA — accelerates exfoliation and fading.
✕ Lactic Acid
AHA — same problem as glycolic.
✕ Mandelic Acid
AHA — gentler but still fades PMU.
✕ Salicylic Acid
BHA — penetrates and disrupts pigment retention.
✕ Chemical Exfoliants
Any AHA/BHA — accelerates pigment loss.
✕ Enzymes
Exfoliate at the surface — same effect as acids.
✕ Peptides
Cell-renewal signals — interfere with healing.
✕ Hyaluronic Acid
Draws moisture and can pull pigment outward.
✕ Niacinamide
Brightening — can shift or lighten pigment tone.
✕ Ceramides
Barrier-repair agents that can alter pigment retention.
General PMU skincare tips
- ✓Avoid retinoids & retinols — they can cause fading of the PMU.
- ✓Avoid exfoliants — AHAs, BHAs, & physical exfoliants can lead to premature fading.
- ✓Avoid strong antiseptics — they can dry out & irritate the PMU.
- ✓Use sunscreen daily — protect from sun exposure to prevent fading.
- ✓Avoid products that claim lightening, tightening, brightening, rejuvenating, smoothing, firming, or acne reducing.
Brands to double-check
Popular lines that often contain actives that fade PMU. When in doubt, text us a photo of the label.
✕ Olay✕ La Roche-Posay (active formulas)✕ Mary Kay✕ Meaningful Beauty✕ Hydroboost✕ First Aid Beauty✕ The Ordinary✕ Good Molecules✕ Neutrogena✕ Drunk Elephant✕ Sunday Riley✕ Murad✕ Tatcha✕ L'Oreal Revitalift✕ RoC✕ CeraVe (active formulas)✕ Aveeno✕ No7✕ StriVectin✕ Vichy✕ Burt's Bees (face products)
Safe cleansers
✓ Oatmeal & Aloe Bar Soap
The bar soap we give you at your appointment. Use for the next 12 weeks — wash 2x daily.
✓ Micellar Water
Gentle option for the forehead during healing (no peptides, vitamin C, or hyaluronic acid).
✓ Vanicream Liquid Cleanser
Sensitive-skin formula. Only after 12 weeks from your first session.
Safe moisturizers
✓ A&D or Aquaphor
During healing: apply a thin layer when dry. Keep PMU protected and moist.
✓ Vanicream Moisturizing Cream
Without hyaluronic acid — free of dyes, fragrance, lanolin & parabens. After first session & touch-up only. Use a SMALL amount and do not get it on the brows — the more you do, the more chance you have of losing pigment.
✓ Pure Aloe Vera Gel
No fragrances or alcohols. Gentle hydration when you need something lighter.
Safe SPF
✓ Supergoop! Glow Stick
Broad-spectrum, designed for sensitive skin — The Brow Babes favorite.
✓ Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
Broad-spectrum and safe for PMU clients.
Quick FAQs
Why can't I use retinol?
Retinol and all retinoids significantly speed up skin cell turnover — which is exactly what fades PMU. Avoid all retinol and retinoid products near your brows, eyeliner, and lips long-term.
Can I use Vitamin C?
No. Vitamin C is a brightening agent, and brightening agents lighten pigment — including your PMU.
What sunscreen is safe?
Supergoop! is our go-to recommendation — broad-spectrum and designed for sensitive skin without actives that interfere with PMU.
What if I accidentally use something I shouldn't?
Don't panic — one accidental use isn't going to destroy your PMU. Rinse gently and avoid that product near the treated area. If you notice fading or color shift, text us a photo.
Full safe products guide (all FAQs & label tips) →
Not sure about a product? Text us a photo of the ingredient list at (502) 906-6088
