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!

 

How to Remove Acrylic or Gel Nails

March 27, 2020 | Beauty tips, Uncategorized | Comments (0)

How to remove Acrylic or Gel nail extensions

It pains us to say, it may get to the point where you need these instructions on how to remove acrylic or gel nails. So we put together some instructions for you…

  • Buff or file off the top layer of the enhancements. You may want to shorten the nails with a nail file first. This will speed up the process
  • Emerge nails into a bowl of acetone, and leave to soak. Pure acetone will work faster than standard nail polish remover. (You can buy pure acetone online to avoid going out to the chemist.)
  • It isn’t a quick process and could take quite some time for the nails to start to meltdown, so it will need a little patience. Placing your bowl of acetone into a bowl of warm water whilst you soak can speed up the process.
  • Gently push the acrylic or gel from the nail plate using something with a flat edge. Preferably with an orangewood stick or cuticle pusher, however, the back of a spoon will do the trick! You will need to repeat this a few times until the product is completely removed. You can use your nail file to gently file away any remaining residue.

Your nails are likely to feel dry and brittle and your hands will have a white powder residue on them from the acetone. Apply a moisturiser or cuticle oil (coconut oil will do) and if you have one, apply a nail strengthening product regularly. We recommend OPI nail Envy.

Good Luck! And if you need any help please comment below or follow us on Facebook for more tips and advice

 https://www.facebook.com/rebecca.jaynes1

If you’re feeling fed up and wanting a little pick me up, you may want to have a browse through our treatment menu to see which treatments you’re going to treat yourself too when all of this is over.

Cute Cuticles- DIY

July 2, 2016 | Uncategorized | Comments (0)

Cute Cuticles

How to make your own, homemade cuticle oil

I find, especially during the winter months, my cuticles can get so dry and dehydrated. I spend time on having my nails beautifully manicured, or take the time to pick the perfect colour, but seem to totally neglect my cuticles. When my cuticles look dry and scruffy, it doesn’t do my nails justice one bit.

Although we do sell our chosen cuticle oil in salon, if you have the time, there’s something really special about creating your own homemade version, and it is so easy and in expensive. It can also make a perfect gift idea if you’re strapped for cash, or if you fancy putting a bit of love into your gift ideas.

So here is our blog on how to make your very own cuticle oil.

You will need-

  • 20 drops of frankincense essential oil
  • 20 drops of orange essential oil
  • 4 tablespoons of Jojoba oil
  • 1 tablespoon of vitamin E oil
  • A small, dark tinted glass bottle with dropper
  • Pretty ribbon or accessories to decorate your bottle

Why we chose these oils in particular-

  • Frankincense oil– promotes cellular health, as well as calms and soothes the skin. It also has a high vibrational aroma, which helps to relax and balance mood swings. One of it’s most popular uses is to apply a couple of drops to your finger nails to help strengthen your nails. Which is why it is a perfect ingredient for our homemade cuticle oil.
  • Orange essential oil– not only does it smell amazing and has an uplifting effect on your senses, but this oil has many properties, including being an anti-inflammatory, an anti-depressant, diuretic tonic and many more. If you have any cracks or cuts around your cuticles, orange essential oil can help avoid bacterial or fungal infections occurring, due to it’s antiseptic properties. It is also very good for maintaining healthy, smooth and glamorous skin.
  • Jojoba oil-This is our chosen carrier oil. When using essential oils on the skin, it is essential that you mix them with a carrier oil, diluting the potency of the oil to avoid adverse reactions. Jojoba oil, unlike most vegetable oils, closely resembles human sebum, so it’s uses and benefits to the skin are amazing. Since it has a very low melting point, it practically remains in the liquid state all of the time, making it a perfect carrier for our cuticle oil. (no messing around having to heat the bottle before you use it, as with coconut oil).
  • Vitamin E oil– we chose to add this as a little extra loving for your cuticles. Vitamin E is a nutrient to the skin, it’s also an antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals which damage cells. Although it wouldn’t be super beneficial on it’s owns, teamed with these other powerful ingredients, it will have a fabulous effect on the skin around your nails.

And the method-

Simply mix all of the above ingredients into a small bowl, stir, and use your dropper from the small glass bottle to transport the mixed oil from your bowl into your bottle. Tie a nice ribbon around the bottle and label it if you wish, and Voila! You have yourself a powerful, beautiful smelling little cuticle oil, that will last up to 2 years if its stored in a cool dark place.

Feel free to swap out the orange essential oil for lavender or lemon, whichever you like the smell of the most.

We hope you enjoy making this handy cuticle oil, and would absolutely love to see your creations, or hear any of your own recipes for making your own skin care!

RJ Team xxxx