swimming after a perm

Permanent Makeup Before and After Everything You Need to Know

If you’re tired of constantly applying makeup every day, permanent makeup may be the solution for you. Permanent makeup, also known as cosmetic tattooing, is a procedure that involves using tattooing techniques to enhance your natural features such as eyebrows, eyeliner, lips, and even beauty spots. This article will provide you with everything you need to know about permanent makeup, including its pros and cons, alternatives, step-by-step process, tips, and the best places to get it done.

What is Permanent Makeup?

Permanent makeup, also known as micropigmentation or cosmetic tattooing, is a technique whereby pigments are permanently applied to the skin using a needle or blade. It is designed to mimic the look of conventional makeup, but with the advantage of being long-lasting and requiring minimal maintenance.

The procedure involves depositing pigment into the upper layers of the skin, typically on the face, to enhance certain features such as eyebrows, eyeliner, lips, and even moles or scars. The tools used for the application are similar to those used in traditional tattooing, but the technique is different in that the pigments are not implanted as deeply into the skin and are specifically formulated to fade over time.

Permanent makeup can be used to create a variety of looks, from natural-looking enhancements to more dramatic effects. Many people choose to have permanent makeup applied because it saves them time and effort in their daily routine, and can help them feel more confident about their appearance.

Before undergoing permanent makeup, it’s important to find a skilled and experienced practitioner who uses sterile equipment and follows proper hygiene protocols to minimize the risk of infection. The process itself may involve multiple sessions to achieve the desired results, with each session taking anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the complexity of the work.

After the procedure, it’s normal to experience some swelling, redness, and tenderness in the treated area, but these side effects typically subside within a few days. Keep in mind to follow post-treatment instructions carefully, which may include avoiding sun exposure, swimming, and applying makeup or skincare products to the treated area for a period of time.

When Should You Get Permanent Makeup Done?

Permanent makeup is an excellent option for people who want to save time on their daily makeup routine or those who have difficulty applying makeup due to vision problems or mobility issues. It is also ideal for individuals who participate in sports activities, hot yoga, swimming, or other activities that involve water since permanent makeup won’t wash off.

Permanent makeup can be done at any time of the year, including during summer. Yet, you should avoid going swimming or sunbathing for two weeks after the procedure to allow the pigments to settle into the skin properly. It’s also recommended to limit intense physical activity during this time to prevent sweating, which can affect the healing process.

Pros and Cons of Permanent Makeup

Like any cosmetic procedure, permanent makeup has its pros and cons. Here are some to consider:

Pros:

  • Saves time on daily makeup routine
  • Enhances natural features
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Helps people with mobility or vision issues
  • Can boost self-confidence

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • May require touch-ups every few years
  • Potential health risks if not done by a trained professional
  • May cause discomfort during the procedure
  • May not look as natural as traditional makeup

How to Prepare for Permanent Makeup Procedure?

When choosing a place to get permanent makeup done, it’s important to do your research and consider the following factors:

  • The technician’s qualifications and experience
  • The salon or clinic’s reputation and reviews
  • The cleanliness and hygiene of the premises
  • The equipment used during the procedure
  • The cost of the treatment

Before getting permanent makeup, there are some things you need to do to prepare for the procedure. These include:

  • Research the procedure and the technician who will be performing it
  • Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and blood-thinning medications for 24 hours before the procedure
  • Wear comfortable clothing that won’t rub against the treated area
  • Avoid wearing makeup on the day of the procedure
  • Be aware that you may experience some discomfort during the procedure

Step-by-Step Process 

  • Consultation with a technician to discuss your expectations and concerns
  • Choosing the right pigments and design for your skin type and features
  • Numbing the treated area with a topical anesthetic cream or gel
  • Applying the pigments in thin layers using a specialized needle
  • Allowing the pigments to settle into the skin for up to 10 days
  • Touching up the treatment after a few weeks if necessary

Tips for Maintaining Permanent Makeup

  • Avoid sun exposure as much as possible and use sunblock when necessary
  • Don’t use harsh products on the treated area, such as scrubs or exfoliants
  • Moisturize the area regularly to prevent dryness and flakiness
  • Avoid swimming or spending time in hot tubs for at least two weeks after the procedure
  • Follow the aftercare instructions provided by your technician carefully

While permanent makeup is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified professional, there are some risks associated with the procedure. These can include allergic reactions to the pigment or other materials used during the process, scarring or keloid formation, and dissatisfaction with the final result.

FAQs 

  1. How long does permanent makeup last? Permanent makeup can last anywhere from 1 to 5 years, depending on the pigments used and how well the aftercare instructions are followed.
  2. Is permanent makeup painful? The procedure may cause discomfort, but most technicians apply a topical numbing cream to minimize any pain.
  3. What are the risks of getting permanent makeup? If not done by a trained professional, permanent makeup can result in infections, allergic reactions, or scarring.
  4. Can I wear regular makeup over my permanent makeup? Yes, you can still wear traditional makeup over your permanent makeup if desired.
  5. Can I get rid of my permanent makeup if I don’t like it? There are techniques that can be used to remove or lighten permanent makeup, although they can be costly and time-consuming.

EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS FOR ELIMINATING BROWN SPOTS

If you’re eager to eliminate those stubborn brown spots, the good news is that there are various solutions available. While brown spots are typically benign and pose no health risks, it’s crucial to monitor any that change in color, size, or texture and to visit your dermatologist regularly. Although treatment for benign spots isn’t necessary, their removal or fading can be both cosmetically and psychologically rewarding. After all, who wouldn’t want a clearer, more even skin tone?

What should I know about spots?

Brown spots, also known as age spots, liver spots, solar lentigines, or sun spots, are flat, oval areas of increased pigmentation that vary in size. Typically gray, tan, brown, or black, these spots appear on areas of the skin that have received the most sun exposure over the years, such as the face, backs of hands, tops of feet, forearms, shoulders, and upper back. They can affect anyone, regardless of sex or race; however, brown spots are more common in individuals with fair skin, a history of frequent sun exposure, regular tanning bed use, and those over 40 years of age.

What causes spots?

Brown spots are caused by overactive pigment cells known as melanocytes. Ultraviolet (UV) light accelerates the production of melanin, the skin pigment responsible for a tan or darker skin. After years of UV exposure, melanin can clump together or be produced in high concentrations, leading to the appearance of brown spots.

There are three main types of benign skin pigmentation resulting from overactive melanocytes: freckles, solar lentigines, and melasma.

FRECKLES

Freckles can be seen as a genetic gift from Mother Nature. These small, flat spots range in color from pale to dark brown and result from an overproduction of melanin in response to UV light exposure. Typically, real freckles are found on younger skin, especially in children, and are most common among individuals with red hair and fair skin that burns easily. They tend to be more noticeable in sun-exposed areas during the summer months and often fade during the winter season.

SOLAR LENTIGINES

Solar lentigines, commonly known as age spots, are dark patches that develop from prolonged sun exposure and are generally harmless. These flat, actinic keratosis lesions can appear yellowish, gray, or light brown, with clearly defined edges. Some may have a dry or slightly scaly texture. Unlike freckles, which are smaller and more diffuse, lentigines are larger and more distinct, typically found on areas such as the face, hands, and chest, accumulating over time due to sun exposure. Unlike freckles, they do not fade in winter and can occur anywhere on the body; they are usually benign.

On the other hand, actinic keratosis represents another form of sun damage that may have the potential to become cancerous. These spots are flat or slightly raised, reddish-brown, and have a more abrasive appearance, often with a scaly surface. Surprisingly, nearly 60 million Americans are affected by this type of sun damage to their skin.

A Woods Lamp (black light) evaluation allows us to detect cumulative skin damage before it becomes visible to the naked eye. It can be eye-opening to observe the extent of sun damage that has already occurred. Since there is always a chance that new lesions may develop in the future, the best preventive measures include avoiding sun exposure, using a broad-spectrum high-SPF sunscreen, and wearing protective clothing and hats.

MELASMA

If you have a Mediterranean-type olive complexion or are of Latin, Asian, or Middle Eastern descent, you are more likely to develop melasma. This condition manifests as large dark patches of pigmentation caused by overactive melanocytes, often appearing as mask-like areas on the cheeks, temples, above the upper lip, and/or forehead. Melasma is believed to be influenced by excessive or repeated sun exposure, as well as hormonal changes. It can develop during the use of birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, or pregnancy, which is why it is sometimes referred to as a “pregnancy mask.” While melasma may be visually unappealing, it is not dangerous and does not cause any physical discomfort.

Another type of brown spot is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which occurs as a result of skin injury. PIH is more common in individuals with darker skin tones and appears as patches triggered by inflammation from conditions such as acne, eczema, or trauma. After the initial condition resolves, dark spots may remain, and their fading over time can vary from person to person.

Words of caution and when you should see a doctor

Another type of brown spot is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which occurs as a result of injury to the skin. PIH is more prevalent among individuals with darker skin tones and manifests as patches triggered by inflammation from conditions such as acne, eczema, or trauma. After the initial skin condition resolves, dark spots may remain, and their tendency to fade over time can vary from person to person.

What spots can be treated? 

Brown spots, including liver spots, freckles, solar lentigines, and other benign pigmented lesions that develop after years of sun exposure, can be removed or faded from almost any area of your body. Conditions such as melasma, sun-related brown spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can also be effectively treated. However, actinic keratoses and any abnormal-looking lesions should be evaluated and treated by a physician.

Types of spot treatments

Since the pigment is located at the base of the epidermis—the outermost layer of skin—any treatments aimed at lightening brown spots must penetrate this layer effectively.

Medications and prescription lightening creams containing hydroquinone or kojic acid (pigment-bleaching agents) can be used alone or in combination with retinoids (like tretinoin) and mild steroids to gradually fade spots over several months. However, these treatments may cause temporary side effects, including itching, redness, burning, or dryness. It’s essential to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 during treatment.

FotoFacial or IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatments emit a range of light waves that pass through the skin to target and destroy melanin, breaking up the spots without damaging the skin’s surface. Typically, two to three sessions are required, and after treatment, spots may appear like coffee ground speckles that flake off and gradually fade over several weeks or months. It’s crucial to avoid sun exposure for at least four weeks before treatment and to use sun protection liberally afterward to ensure optimal results.

Cryotherapy, or freezing, destroys the excess pigment by applying liquid nitrogen or another freezing agent to the spots. This treatment is quick but can be painful, and afterward, there may be some discomfort, blistering, or temporary redness and swelling. As the area heals, the skin may appear lighter. Cryotherapy is generally used for single brown spots or small groupings, but it carries a slight risk of permanent darkening of a spot (PIH), lightening of surrounding skin, or scarring.

Chemical peels involve applying an acid that removes the outer layer of skin to allow new skin to grow in its place. Several treatments may be necessary before seeing results, and strong sun protection is advised following the procedure. Temporary redness is common, with a slight risk of permanent changes in skin color.

Microdermabrasion is a less aggressive option that smooths the outer layers of skin using inert crystals to exfoliate. This treatment requires multiple sessions over several months to achieve desired results and is not recommended for those with rosacea or small red veins on the face. After microdermabrasion, mild redness may appear but typically resolves within a few hours, with flaky skin for three to four days. It can be effective, especially when combined with chemical peels.

Non-ablative laser spot removals destroy melanocytes without harming the skin’s surface. At YouBaby Skin Spa, we use a picosecond laser and PICO Genesis Spot treatments, which deliver light deep into the skin at a trillionth of a second. This breaks up melanocytes, allowing them to be eliminated by the body’s lymphatic system. The treated area may darken, resemble bruising, or form a crust for a few days, but fades over the following weeks, improving both the spots and the skin’s texture. Several treatments are recommended to build upon the results of previous sessions as the skin regenerates collagen and absorbs the debris.

Ablative laser resurfacing is a more aggressive treatment that removes sun-damaged cells to refresh the skin and fade spots. This method removes the outermost layer of skin, allowing new skin to grow back, but requires considerable recovery time and healing. One or two treatments can effectively address age spots quickly.

Prevention

To help prevent the reappearance of brown spots and the formation of new ones after treatment, follow these tips to limit your sun exposure:

  1. Avoid the Sun Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
    The sun’s rays are most intense during this time, so try to schedule outdoor activities for earlier or later in the day.
  2. Use Sunscreen.
    Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors. Choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Be sure to apply it generously and reapply every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating.
  3. Cover Up.
    Wear tightly woven clothing that covers your arms and legs, along with a broad-brimmed hat, which offers better protection than a baseball cap or golf visor. Consider clothing specifically designed for sun protection, labeled with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 40 to 50 for optimal safety.
  4. Never Use Tanning Beds.
    Avoid tanning beds, as they can contribute to skin damage and increase the risk of developing new brown spots.

CONCLUSION

Spot removal is not a new concept, and the type of treatment varies, offering different outcomes. In some cases, spots may never be completely eliminated but can fade significantly, becoming much lighter. Proper home care is essential after any removal treatment to maximize your results. Alongside sunscreen, common aftercare typically includes a tyrosinase inhibitor (which targets the enzyme responsible for melanin formation) and a lightening agent.

We design an individualized program tailored to your skin type, the specific spots you have, and the treatment administered. Share your goals with us, and we will guide you to the appropriate treatment options.