Aftercare

Unlike their treatment alternatives such as microblading, the application of semi permanent makeup includes absolutely no cutting of the skin. Instead, using a handheld device equipped with an ultra-thin needle, the colour pigment is placed onto the top layer of the skin. The healing process of semi permanent makeup is considerably shorter than alternative treatments. While the treatment area is likely to experience slight redness, scabbing and will feel tender to the touch, the skin will not bleed or be exposed to trauma. To ensure that you have the best results possible, our article will cover the following:

 

Semi Permanent Eyebrow Aftercare

Semi permanent eyebrows are one of our most popular beauty treatments, helping clients to enhance their natural beauty by defining the brow and perfecting the brow shape to beautifully frame their face. As the pigment will be placed around hair follicles, it is highly important to note that you may expect some itching around the area as new hairs try to push through the surface. The biggest piece of semi permanent eyebrow aftercare advice that we can give, is to make sure that you do not pick the scabs. Picking the scabs will remove the pigment from the treated area, and it can also affect hair growth. To avoid large patches of baldness on the eyebrow, we highly recommend that you leave the area as much as possible, meaning not to pick the scabs, get the area wet or apply makeup while healing.

 

In addition to this main advice, we also recommend that you take a look at our general aftercare advice on how to avoid infections and help with the healing process.

 

Semi Permanent Eyeliner Aftercare

Unlike eyebrows, your semi permanent eyeliner is placed on a section of skin that has a tendency to be sensitive and easily irritated. The skilled and professional team at VIP Beauty Clinic will always take extra precaution when applying semi permanent eyeliner to avoid any uncomfortable side effects. One of the most common side effects of this treatment is that it can cause the eyelids to become hot and slightly sensitive. For this reason, our best semi permanent eyeliner aftercare advice is to apply a cold compress onto the eyes, such as a gel mask that can be placed into the fridge. This will help to reduce any swelling, redness or heat that cause discomfort and we advise that you clean the mask after every use. When popping it back in the fridge put it into a box or bag to avoid contact with anything else. The reason for this is that it can cause bacterial infections in the healing area.

 

Semi Permanent Lip Blushing Aftercare

In recent years, semi-permanent lip makeup, also known a lip blushing, has become extremely popular with our clients. You can choose from a selection of vibrant and subtle colours, with our professional team also able to colour match your favourite lipstick! When it comes to semi permanent lip blushing aftercare, you will most likely need to take extra precautions compared to if you were to have semi permanent eyebrows or eyeliner. The reason for this is because the lips are easy to pick, and you will need to take precautions when eating or drinking. Try to avoid hot drinks for the first couple of days, as the heat can cause the already sensitive area to become damaged. We would recommend drinking through a straw, and where possible, try eating foods that require a knife and fork so that you are less likely to come into contact with your lips.

 

In addition to this advice, you must also not put on lip balm as many products have chemicals that dry out the lips, and it can also increase the chances of spreading bacteria. You may also experience a slight swelling of the lips, which will give the illusion of lip fillers, but this should subside in a few days. To help the swelling, apply a cold compress onto the area, and try your best to not touch your lips.

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General Aftercare Advice

Whether you have semi-permanent lips, liner or eyebrows, you will experience similar side effects after the treatment, which usually involve slight swelling, redness and scabbing. This also means that the aftercare advice that we provide all of our clients for semi permanent makeup is the same. Here are our top 9 aftercare tips:

 

1. Ease Swelling With A Cold Pack

While applying a cold pack to the treatment area will not entirely prevent side effects, it will help to ease swelling and work effectively as a comfort measure. Always aim to use a refrigerator cold pack and avoid those that must be placed in the freezer. Cooling the skin works effectively, whereas freezing the treatment area may cause damage. Your treatment area would already be feeling somewhat delicate, which means that applying freezing temperatures to the skin risks complications due to frost damage.

 

We suggest purchasing HypaCool instant cold packs from FirstAid.co.uk as they can quickly be activated when squeezed. There is no need for them to be placed in the freezer or fridge, and they will achieve the perfect cooling temperature instantly. HypaCool packs are single-use, which means that you will not risk spreading bacteria to the treatment area.

 

2. Do Not Pick, Peel or Scratch

If you take only one piece of advice, then it should be never to pick, peel or scratch the treatment area. Scabbing and itching are normal; it shows that your body is naturally healing itself, so allow your skin to work its magic. While it may not look appealing, leave the skin to shed at its own accord.

 

Disturbing the healing process through picking scabs, itching or peeling dead skin will not only create an uneven pigment but also dramatically increase the risk of infection. If you allow the skin to heal naturally, then you will experience no scarring.

 

3. Avoid Sun Exposure

It is strongly recommended to keep the treated area shaded from sun exposure until the healing process is complete; this includes both natural sunlight and the use of sunbeds. As mentioned previously, the treatment area will already be tender and delicate, so exposure to the sun will only intensify this and increase the likelihood of complications.

 

If you have opted for semi-permanent eyebrows or eyeliner, wearing large sunglasses when in direct sunlight will provide adequate protection. Lips are somewhat harder to protect; an oversized brimmed hat may be able to shade the face, but you should avoid the use of sunbeds altogether.

 

4. Keep The Treatment Area Dry

While it may prove somewhat tricky, try to keep the area as dry as possible during the healing process. When showering or bathing, do not splash your face with water or use your standard face wash. Instead, apply a small amount of a gentle face cleanser to a cotton pad and clean your face. Avoid any cleansers that include alcohol, acids or strong chemicals as it risks burning the treatment area. Simple Skincare has a wide range of ‘kind to skin’ face cleansers, ideal to use during the healing process.

 

If you do accidentally get the treatment area wet, not to worry, simply pat the area dry very gently using a clean tissue or cotton pad.

 

5. Avoid Heavy Exercise

To maximise your results, aim to avoid any form of heavy exercise for five to ten days after your treatment; this differs depending on the individual and the speed of their healing process. Light exercise, such as walking, is permitted as long as you do not sweat. Sweat is filled with salt which will begin to fade the pigment in the semi-permanent makeup. Salt is an ingredient that is used to remove cosmetic tattoos, so allow the skin to heal before you start working out again.

 

6. Sleep On A Clean Pillowcase

The more preventative measures you implement to stop bacteria from reaching the treatment area and the cleaner you keep your skin, the quicker the healing process. With this in mind, we suggest, for the first week or so, to sleep on a clean pillowcase every night. If you feel as if you may not have the time to wash your pillowcase each day, instead opt for covering your pillow in a clean towel before going to sleep.

 

Pillowcases are one of the biggest culprits for harbouring bacteria. Instead of repelling dirt, pillowcases grab onto all of the oil, dead skin and bacteria from your skin and hair. The accumulation of dirt on your pillowcase creates a grubby surface that you lay on every night. Regardless of whether you’ve recently had semi-permanent makeup in Milton Keynes or not, you should wash your pillowcase at least once a week or purchase a silk pillowcase. Silk pillowcases come with a host of benefits, from keeping your skin clean to making your hair extensions last longer! Your skin and hair will most definitely thank you for it!

 

7. Avoid Cosmetic Products

During the healing process, do not apply any cosmetic products to the treatment area; this includes both makeup and skincare. Applying makeup, moisturisers, serums, or any form of product to the skin risks a reaction against the pigment, ultimately, causing a nasty infection.

 

Every individual heals at a different rate which means that there is not an exact number of days before clients can begin wearing makeup and using skincare products again. We usually recommend allowing a seven to ten-day period to allow the skin to heal naturally. Do not attempt to apply any products in or around the treatment area if there is still swelling, tenderness or scabbing. Always wait until the skin is back to normal.

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8. Pin Back Your Hair

For the first week after your treatment, aim to keep all hair tied back and out of your face, especially when you sleep. Particularly if you have a fringe, ensure that the hair is pinned back at all times. Hair is capable of irritating the treatment area and spreading oil or bacteria, therefore, increasing the risk of infection.

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9. Limit Hot Showers and Baths

If you are happy to avoid hot showers and baths altogether during the healing process, then that would be ideal, but if not, limit the duration as much as possible. When spending a long period in a hot bath or shower, the steam will start to affect the treatment area. As mentioned previously, you must keep the skin as dry as possible. Steam will cause excess moisture to build-up on the surface and also cause sweating; both of which prolong the healing process and increase the risk of infection.

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Maximise Results With Our Aftercare Advice!

The success of aftercare is all down to you. It is absolutely guaranteed that if you follow the recommended advice, care for your skin and allow the treatment area to heal disruption-free, you will experience no scarring, infections or irritation. The skin is the largest organ in the human body, meaning that it is incredibly clever in utilising every resource available to heal itself naturally. Keeping the area clean, free from products and training yourself to fight the urge of scratching or picking, will maximise results and enable the skin to repair at its own accord.