Can I use Retinol Before Permanent makeup or Microblading?

January 21, 2025 | Microblading & PMU, Uncategorized | Comments (0)

Why can't I use retinol before a permanent makeup or Microblading

Can I Use Retinol Before Permanent makeup or Microblading?

If you’re preparing for a permanent makeup appointment, you’ve likely come across advice to avoid retinol in the weeks leading up to your treatment. But why exactly is this skincare powerhouse off-limits? Let’s delve into the science behind retinol, how it works, and why it can affect your microblading results — even if you’re not applying it directly to your brows.

What Is Retinol and How Does It Work?

Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A and is celebrated for its ability to improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and promote cell turnover. It works by stimulating the production of new skin cells while encouraging the shedding of old, dead ones. This process helps to:

• Smooth the skin’s surface
• Reduce hyperpigmentation
• Minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

However, retinol also makes the skin more sensitive by thinning the outer layer slightly as it accelerates exfoliation. While this sensitivity is beneficial for renewing the skin, it can create challenges when it comes to treatments like microblading.

Why Can’t I Use Retinol Before Permanent Makeup/Microblading?

Permanent makeup and Microblading involves creating tiny, precise micro wounds in the skin to deposit pigment and achieve the appearance of fuller, more defined brows. The process relies on healthy, resilient skin to ensure even pigment absorption and proper healing. Retinol’s impact on the skin can interfere with this in several ways:

1. Increased Sensitivity: Retinol heightens skin sensitivity, making the brow area more prone to irritation and redness during microblading. Even if you’re not applying retinol directly to your brows, its systemic effects can make your skin more delicate overall.

2. Thinner Epidermis: By accelerating cell turnover, retinol can temporarily thin the top layer of the skin (epidermis). This can lead to:
• Uneven Pigment Retention: Thin skin may struggle to hold pigment effectively, resulting in patchy or faded results.
• Increased Risk of Bleeding: Thinner skin can bleed more easily during the procedure, which can dilute the pigment and make it harder to achieve crisp, precise strokes.

3. Delayed Healing: Retinol’s exfoliating properties can disrupt the skin’s natural healing process, leading to longer recovery times and potentially affecting the final appearance of your brows.

How Long Before Permanent Makeup or Microblading Should You Stop Using Retinol?

To ensure the best results from your microblading treatment, it’s recommended to discontinue retinol use at least 7-14 days before your appointment. This allows your skin to regain its natural strength and resilience, minimizing the risk of complications.
For those using prescription-strength retinoids, a longer break of 4-6 weeks may be necessary. Always consult your technician or skincare professional for personalized advice.

Does Retinol Affect the Skin Even If It’s Not Applied to the Brows?

Yes, retinol’s effects aren’t confined to the areas where it’s directly applied. When absorbed into the skin, retinol influences the entire facial area, including the delicate skin around your brows. This systemic action can still make the brow area more sensitive and prone to the issues outlined above, even if you’ve avoided putting the product directly on your brows.

Preparing Your Skin for Microblading

In addition to pausing retinol use, there are other steps you can take to prepare your skin for a successful microblading session:

• Avoid Exfoliants: Steer clear of other exfoliating products like AHAs, BHAs, and scrubs.
• Moisturize: Keep your skin hydrated to ensure it’s in optimal condition.
• Protect Your Skin from the Sun: Sunburned or irritated skin can compromise the treatment.
• Follow Your Technician’s Guidelines: Every professional may have slightly different recommendations tailored to their technique and products.

The Bottom Line

Retinol is an incredible tool for enhancing your skin, but its potent effects can make it a no-go before permanent makeup. By giving your skin a break from retinol and other exfoliants, you’re setting the stage for beautifully defined brows and a smooth healing process.

Have more questions about microblading prep? Get in touch with our team at Rebecca Jaynes. We’re here to help you achieve your dream brows with expert advice and exceptional care!

 

The key to Natural Permanent Makeup and Microblading

January 16, 2020 | Microblading & PMU | Comment (2)

microblading and permanent makeup specialist

Natural Permanent Makeup & Microblading

The key to natural Permanent Makeup and Microblading is super fine hair-strokes or soft powder implanted in the upper dermal layer of the skin.

Whilst working it’s important to have a super tight stretch on the skin and a very delicate light touch. Barely any pressure is needed for the correct amount of implantation, making it relatively painless. Most clients liken the discomfort to threading or tweezing.

Hairstroke placement is also really important and should always follow the growth of the natural hair.

Here is a closer look of the detail created in this hair stroke brow treatment for my Competition winner.

For more information or to book a free, no obligation consultation:
CLICK HERE or
▫Telephone- 07949281398
▫Email- info@rebecca-jaynes.com

Everything you need to know about ombrè powder brows

July 15, 2019 | Lashes / Brows / Waxing, Microblading & PMU | Comment (4)

permanent makeup- eyebrow tattoo

There’s no doubt fluffy, natural brows are having a moment. Forget the pencil-thin, overplucked brows of the 90s. Now it’s about embracing a fuller look that enhances your appearance. Introducing, Ombré Powder brows.

Between powders, pencils, tints and permanent makeup, there are so many options to help you get the perfect brows. One thing we’re loving right now is ombrè powder brows. This amazing new brow shaping technique gives effortlessly full and natural brows with just enough definition to give you that polished look. All while saving you precious prep time in the morning.

What are ombrè powder brows?

Ombrè powder brows are a type of semi-permanent makeup technique, similar to microblading. Using a specialised machine, hundreds of tiny dots of pigment are placed under the skin. The effect is a soft yet full finish that looks like you’ve filled in your brows with powder – without spending all that time in the mirror each morning.

Powder brows vs microblading

In many ways, powder brows and microblading are similar. Both use a semi-permanent makeup technique to give long-lasting results.

Microblading is done with a very fine hand-held tool to create strokes of colour that mimic eyebrow hairs. It’s ideal for filling-out existing brows and creating volume.

Powdered brows give a softer, more natural look. It’s more defined than microblading and is ideal for creating depth and adding colour. But you don’t actually have to choose. Both methods can be combined to create a custom look, fill in gaps, and add volume.

Are ombrè powder brows right for me?

If you’re after a bold, full brow, while cutting down your time spent getting ready in the morning, then ombrè powder brows may be perfect for you.

If you’re considering powder brows (or any permanent makeup for that matter) it’s good to do a bit of research first. Take a look at lots of before-and-after images of brows to see if you actually like the look of filled in brows (we have lots of images on our Instagram).

It’s also good to gather some brow-spiration of what you’d like to achieve. You can show these to your specialist to help guide them in creating your brows.

How to get ombrè powder brows?

The procedure itself is pretty simple but the whole process can take up to two hours. First, our resident brow specialist will sit down with you to assess your face shape and discuss your ideal brow look.

Before your treatment, we’ll apply an anaesthetic to the area to numb the skin before marking out the brow shape to make sure you’re totally happy with the placement and look. After this, we will begin applying the pigment to the brows, stopping regularly to check that everything looks good, while you lie there and relax.

Things to know before you go

There are a few things to know before you turn up at your appointment. You’ll need to take care of your skin in the weeks prior by avoiding excessive sunlight or tanning beds, and some types of skincare and other treatments. You’ll also want to stay off the alcohol and avoid certain medication for 48 hours beforehand. Retinol is a big no no for at least 6 weeks prior to having your brows tattooed or microbladed. It’s important not to use it anywhere on the face as retinol get’s into the blood stream and travels to other areas of the face such as the brows.

After your treatment, you’ll have to carefully follow the aftercare information to get the best results. This includes avoiding getting your brows wet for two weeks so the pigment can settle

under the skin. This might sound difficult, but your technician will give you tips so you can still shower and clean your face while keeping your brows dry.

We’ve got more on the pre-treatment and aftercare on our website. {link to these pages}

How long will my brows last?

Once you’ve gone through all that to get gorgeous brows, you want to know that they’re going to last. What’s great about the powder brow technique is that they actually last a relatively long time.

Because the pigment is placed deeper in the skin, it takes longer to wear and fade, compared to microblading. In fact, you can expect your powder brows to last from one to three years (yes, that’s years). All you need is an annual touch up to keep them looking on point.

Where to go for ombrè powder brows?

Trusting someone with your brows is a big deal – we’ve all seen the results of a bad brow job online. Rebecca, our resident permanent makeup specialist, has trained with Nouveau Contour, the leaders in permanent makeup, and worked as a trainer for Karen Betts and Nouveau Beauty Group for many years. She has performed hundreds of brow treatments, working with all types of clients to help them achieve flawless brows.

Want to know more about powder brows and find out if it’s right for you. Book in for a Permanent Makeup consultation at Rebecca Jaynes.