AFTERCARE
Let it settle. Look after it well.
Permanent Make-up Aftercare
After pigmentation, the treated skin needs time, a little calm and aftercare suited to the area and the way it is healing.
Redness, mild swelling, tightness or fine flaking can occur during the first few days. The colour will also change as the skin heals and usually appears considerably stronger immediately after treatment than it will once settled.
How the area should be cared for depends on both the treatment zone and the technique used. I will give you individual aftercare guidance following your appointment; this page also brings together the key principles for the first stage of healing.
Aftercare by treatment area
Each treatment area heals a little differently. Brows, eyelids, lips and the delicate skin beneath the eyes vary in structure, movement and everyday exposure.
Alongside the general guidance, each area therefore has a few specific considerations.
Brow aftercare
Freshly pigmented brows can initially look stronger, and the skin may feel tight or slightly itchy. Fine crusting or flaking can develop as the area heals; allow this to come away naturally rather than scratching or picking.
Take particular care when washing your face, drying your skin or washing your hair so the pigmented area is not rubbed or soaked unnecessarily. Any additional care is tailored after treatment to the area itself and to how your skin is responding.
The essentials, whatever the area
A few basic principles apply whichever area has been pigmented.
01
Leave the skin to shed naturally
Fine crusting and flaking should loosen on their own. Avoid picking, pulling or peeling.
Keep friction to a minimum
Treat freshly pigmented skin gently during the early healing stage and avoid unnecessary pressure or rubbing.
02
Keep it clean
Touch the treated area only with freshly washed hands wherever possible and avoid unnecessary contamination.
03
Keep skincare and make-up away
Make-up, exfoliants and active skincare ingredients should not be applied directly to freshly pigmented skin.
04
Avoid heavy perspiration
Give intensive exercise a break during the early healing stage.
05
Avoid prolonged water exposure
During the early healing stage, avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas and prolonged or intensive contact with water. I will explain any additional guidance for your treatment area after your appointment.
07
Protect it from UV exposure
Keep the pigmented area out of strong direct sunlight while it is healing. Once healed, consistent UV protection is advisable.
06
Follow the aftercare designed for you
Any additional care depends on the treatment area, the technique used and the way your skin responds. I will give you a specific recommendation after your appointment, and I am available if questions come up while you are healing.
Where individually tailored skincare would also be beneficial, I can take the current condition of your skin into account and adapt the care accordingly.
What changes as Permanent Makeup heals?
Aftercare and healing are closely connected, but they answer different questions. This page focuses on how to look after freshly pigmented skin.
For a fuller explanation of how the skin, colour intensity and visible result can change over the days and weeks that follow, see my dedicated healing guide.
WHEN TO GET IN TOUCH
Mild redness, tenderness or swelling can occur immediately after pigmentation.
If symptoms become noticeably worse rather than settling, the skin feels unusually hot or increasingly painful, there is unusual discharge, or you feel unwell or feverish, seek medical advice.
For significant eye discomfort or any change in vision, seek medical attention immediately.
