Essential Skincare Tips Your PMU
What is Aftercare? Aftercare isn’t just for the first few weeks; it’s a lifelong commitment to preserving the beauty and longevity of your permanent makeup (PMU). Proper aftercare ensures your results stay vibrant for years to come.
Let me be clear: just because your scabs have flaked off and you "think" you're healed, DOES NOT mean you can jump back into your regular skincare routine. For the next 12 weeks, the only products that should touch your forehead, eyes, or lips are those I’ve approved. What you do from the eyes down? That’s your call. But from the forehead to the lips, it's my business.
Your Skincare Routine Just Got a Makeover!
Let’s be real—your skincare routine is about to change forever. But don’t worry, it’s like anything new; you’ll adjust and soon it’ll feel like second nature!
First things first: Say goodbye to your old routine and hello to a new one. You’ve invested good money into your PMU, so let’s protect it! The more chemicals you slather on your face around your tattoo, the more likely you are to see it fade, turn weird colors (like gray, blue, or red), or lose its warmth. Think about it—you’re putting chemicals on top of chemicals, and that’s just asking for trouble.
Here’s a quick science moment: The products we use on our face are designed to speed up cell turnover. And this isn’t like a regular body tattoo that sits deep in the skin. PMU is closer to the surface—think of your skin as a cake. A body tattoo is at the bottom layer, and your PMU is between the icing and the top of the cake. That’s why body tattoos last longer—we don’t put anti-aging potions on our arms and legs, but we sure do on our faces!
So, what do you do?
When it comes to washing and moisturizing, from the eyes down—it’s all yours, do what you want! But above the eyes, you’ve got to be cautious. Personally, I have two cleansers. I use my anti-aging cleanser below my eyes, and a gentle one on my forehead. When I moisturize, I’m careful to keep it away from my brows, and if I do use my fancy skincare, I keep it at the very top of my forehead, far from my PMU and only 1-2x times a week.
And don’t tell me, “But I don’t put it ON my brows!” That’s gotta change. Your skin is like a wick—it’ll soak up whatever’s nearby and pull it into the PMU area. The same goes for eyeliner! What you’re putting on your eyelids can make your liner turn blue or gray faster. And while lips don’t have pores, you still need to be mindful of what you’re applying. So grab your current products and lets start reading!!
Products that are not safe for permanent makeup: may also use terms like Anti-acne, anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, brighten, cell turnover, clarify, clear, correct, detoxify, enzyme, exfoliate, fade, firm, glow, hydrate deeply, lighten, lift, microdermabrasion, peptides, peel, plump, pore-refining, refine, regenerate, rejuvenate, renew, resurface, restore, revitalize, tighten, tone, and youthful radiance.
Using Facial Products
Grab your products & Lets read them together!
It’s important to understand that you must discontinue the use of most cleansing and moisturizing agents on the forehead region during the healing process. Why? The skin acts like a wick, meaning that what you apply to your forehead will eventually reach your brows, even if you avoid the brow area. Think of it like dipping the edge of a paper into water—eventually, the entire paper gets wet.
While we don’t expect you to neglect your forehead, being mindful of the products you use and wiping your brows afterward will protect your results. A good rule of thumb is to use most facial products from the eyes down and opt for something gentler on the forehead, like micellar water or Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser (without peptides, vitamin C, or hyaluronic acid).
NOTE: Remember, even if you’re avoiding direct contact with your eyebrows, they can still be affected. Taking these precautions will help ensure your brows stay in the best condition possible. DO NOT APPLY any of your regular skincare products or soap to your forehead for 6 weeks. Only use the products listed below.
General Tips for PMU Care
- Avoid Retinoids & Retinols: Can cause fading of the PMU.
- Avoid Exfoliants: AHAs, BHAs, & physical exfoliants can lead to premature fading.
- Avoid Strong Antiseptics: Can dry out & irritate the PMU.
- Use Sunscreen Daily: Protect from sun exposure to prevent fading.
Avoid Products with Specific Claims: Lightening, Tightening, Brightening, Rejuvenating, Smoothing, Firming, Acne Reducing.
Essential skin care tips for your PMU
Permanent makeup (PMU) brows are a fantastic way to achieve a flawless look with minimal effort. To ensure your brows remain vibrant & well-defined, it’s crucial to use the right skincare products & follow proper aftercare. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the do’s & don’ts of PMU brow care, brought to you by Heal Skincare X Beauty & The Brow Babes.
What is Aftercare?
Aftercare doesn’t just mean the few weeks after your session; it means the care you give to your PMU forever. Proper aftercare ensures the longevity & vibrancy of your PMU brows.
Using Facial Products
It’s important to understand that you must discontinue the use of most cleansing and moisturizing agents on the forehead region during the healing process. Why? The skin acts like a wick, meaning that what you apply to your forehead will eventually reach your brows, even if you avoid the brow area. Think of it like dipping the edge of a paper into water—eventually, the entire paper gets wet.
While we don’t expect you to neglect your forehead, being mindful of the products you use and wiping your brows afterward will protect your results. A good rule of thumb is to use most facial products from the eyes down and opt for something gentler on the forehead, like micellar water or Vani cream (without peptides, vitamin C, or hyaluronic acid).
Remember, even if you’re avoiding direct contact with your eyebrows, they can still be affected. Taking these precautions will help ensure your brows stay in the best condition possible. DO NOT APPLY any of your regular skincare products or soap to your forehead for 6-12 weeks after the appointment. Let the tattoo settle into the skin. Only use the products listed below.
Ingredients to Avoid
It’s crucial to avoid certain ingredients, as they can lighten pigment, accelerate cell turnover, or cause pigment to fade or change color (blue, purple, gray, or red). These ingredients can compromise the longevity and appearance of your PMU. Take the time and look at your products its hidden in everything including foundation!
Avoid these ingredients as they may lighten pigment, pull pigment from accelerated cell turnover, or act as accelerants to heal skin,or will cause pigment to fade Or turn blue/purple/gray or red.
- Acids: Lactic, Ferulic, Resveratrol, Glycolic, Azelaic, Mandelic, Kojic, Arbutin, Tranexamic, Glutathione, Hyaluronic.
- Brightening Agents: Niacinamide, Hydroquinone, Vitamin C.
- Retinoids: Retinol, Retin A, Retinyl acetate, Retinyl palmitate, Retinaldehyde, Propionic acid,
- Peroxides: Hydrogen peroxide, Benzoyl peroxide.
- Other Ingredients: Tar, Mineral oil, Stem cells, Coconut Oil, Growth factors.
- Physical Scrubs: Apricot, micro beads, microdermabrasion, hydrafacials.
Specific Products to Avoid
- Essential Oils & Witch Hazel: These contain alcohol, which can dry out your skin and damage the pigment.
- Brightening Plant-Based Products: Ingredients like pumpkin, lemon, cherry, blueberry, pomegranate, citrus, licorice, bearberry, and willow bark should be avoided as they can lighten your PMU.
- Snail Mucin & Korean Beauty Products: If the ingredient list isn’t clear, avoid using them.
- Popular brands you should avoid include Olay, La Roche-Posay (unless using a gentle cleanser), Mary Kay, Meaningful Beauty, Hydroboost, First Aid Beauty, The Ordinary, Good Molecules, Neutrogena, Drunk Elephant, Sunday Riley, Murad, Tatcha, L’Oréal Revitalift, RoC, CeraVe (unless using a gentle cleanser), Aveeno, No7, StriVectin, Vichy, and Burt’s Bees (for face products).
These common anti-aging and drugstore skincare products may contain active ingredients that could interfere with your healing process and compromise your PMU results. Stick to the approved aftercare products to ensure your results remain long-lasting and beautiful!
Safe Products for PMUSafe Hydrating Products:
- Aloe Vera Gel: Pure aloe vera without fragrances or alcohols.
- Cucumber Gel: Gentle hydration.
Safe Cleansers:
- Vanicream without Hyaluronic acid (studio favorite)
Safe Moisturizers:
- Aquaphor Healing Ointment: For use during the healing process.
- Vanicream Moisturizing Cream: Free of dyes, fragrance, lanolin, & parabens. without Hyaluronic acid (studio favorite)
Safe Sunscreens:
- Supergoop! Sunscreens: Broad-spectrum, designed for sensitive skin (The Brow Babes Fav).
For curated skincare product recommendations & help with anti-aging, acne concerns, or rosacea, please contact Honey @ Heal Facial Spa by calling or texting 502.397.9303 www.facialslouisville.com
By following these guidelines & using the recommended products, you can help ensure the longevity & vibrancy of your PMU brows while maintaining overall skin health. Always consult with your PMU artist or esthetician for personalized recommendations based on your specific skin type & needs.