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So, you’ve got fresh new brows, a flawless eyeliner tattoo, or the perfect lip blush. You’re feeling yourself! ✨

But fast forward a few months—why are your brows fading so fast? Why is your lip blush looking patchy?

The answer might be hiding in your skincare routine.

That’s right! Your favorite serums, anti-aging products, and even your daily SPF could be speeding up pigment fading, changing the color of your permanent makeup, or preventing it from healing properly.

Let’s break down the biggest skincare mistakes that can mess with your PMU—and how to keep your results looking fresh for as long as possible.

1. Retinol: The Silent Killer of Permanent Makeup

If you love your anti-aging skincare, you’ve probably heard of retinol. This powerhouse ingredient helps speed up skin cell turnover, making your skin smoother, clearer, and younger-looking. Sounds amazing, right?

But here’s the problem: Retinol also speeds up pigment fading.

When you use retinol (or prescription-strength retinoids like Tretinoin), your skin exfoliates faster than normal—which means the pigment in your brows, lips, or eyeliner is getting pushed out sooner than expected.

How to avoid it:

• Stop using retinol at least 30 days BEFORE your PMU appointment.
• Avoid applying retinol on or around your tattooed areas after healing.
• If you can’t live without your retinol, use it sparingly and keep it away from your PMU.

2. Exfoliating Acids (AHA, BHA, Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, etc.)

Love a good chemical exfoliant? We get it! AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) help keep your skin fresh, bright, and clear.

But just like retinol, these acids strip away dead skin cells—and can take your pigment with them.

Where these ingredients hide:

• Face washes
• Toners
• Serums
• Night creams
• Acne treatments

How to avoid it:

• Keep exfoliating products at least ½ inch away from tattooed areas.
• For lip blush clients: Be extra careful—many lip balms and glosses contain exfoliating acids!
• If you use strong chemical peels, let your artist know before booking a touch-up.

3. SPF: Your Best Friend & Worst Enemy

You should be wearing sunscreen every day—yes, even in winter!

But if you’re not careful, the wrong sunscreen can alter your permanent makeup color or cause premature fading.

Watch out for:
 

• Chemical sunscreens – Some contain skin-lightening agents that can make your brows fade faster.
• Spray sunscreens – The fine mist can settle onto your brows or lips, leading to uneven fading.

How to avoid it:

• Choose a mineral (zinc-based) sunscreen instead of chemical sunscreen.
• Use a physical barrier (like a hat or sunglasses) when in direct sun.
• Apply sunscreen carefully around tattooed areas, not directly on them.

4. Anti-Aging & Skin Brightening Products

If your skincare routine includes vitamin C, hydroquinone, or other skin-brightening ingredients, be cautious!

These products lighten pigmentation in the skin—and can do the same to your brows, lips, and eyeliner.

How to avoid it:

• If you’re using brightening serums or creams, apply them carefully and avoid your PMU.
• For brows, apply a protective layer of Vaseline before using these products to prevent accidental fading.

5. Microneedling & Laser Treatments: PMU’s Worst Nightmare

Thinking about microneedling, laser facials, or other skin-rejuvenating treatments? Be careful!

• Microneedling can cause PMU to fade faster because it stimulates collagen and increases skin renewal.
• Laser treatments can remove pigment completely—even if they weren’t meant to! Many clients have accidentally zapped off their brows by getting a laser facial.

How to avoid it:

• Let your skincare professional know you have permanent makeup before booking any laser or microneedling treatment.
• If you’re getting laser hair removal, avoid areas where you have PMU.

6. Over-Washing & Harsh Cleansers

Are you scrubbing your face too much? Over-cleansing can strip the skin’s natural barrier and cause pigment to fade faster.

Harsh cleansers to avoid:

• Foaming cleansers with sulfates (drying)
• Acne washes with benzoyl peroxide (bleaches pigment)
• Strong makeup removers (especially oil-based ones)

How to avoid it:

• Use a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser.
• Pat skin dry—don’t rub!
• Avoid cleansing oils directly on PMU (they can break down pigment over time).

How to Keep Your PMU Looking Fresh for Years

Now that you know what skincare products to avoid, here’s how to protect your investment and keep your brows, eyeliner, or lips looking amazing:

✨ Use gentle skincare products—nothing too harsh, exfoliating, or stripping.
✨ Keep strong actives (retinol, acids, brighteners) away from your PMU.
✨ Apply sunscreen daily to prevent fading and color shifting.
✨ Moisturize your skin to keep it healthy and help pigment retention.
✨ Schedule touch-ups as needed—PMU is low-maintenance, not NO-maintenance.

Final Thoughts: What Your Artist Wishes You Knew

Most people think PMU fades because of bad work or because the artist “didn’t go deep enough.”

Truth is, skincare plays a HUGE role in how your permanent makeup heals and lasts.

Before your next PMU appointment, ask yourself:
❓ Do I need to stop using any skincare products beforehand?
❓ Am I willing to adjust my routine to make my results last?
❓ Have I asked my artist what they recommend for long-term care?

Your PMU artist can create the perfect brows, lips, or eyeliner—but it’s up to you to take care of them!

Are You Guilty of These Skincare Mistakes?

Be honest—have you been using retinol on your brows? Skipping sunscreen? Over-exfoliating? 😬

Drop a comment and let’s talk! What’s been your biggest surprise about how skincare affects PMU?