What is permanent make-up?
Permanent make-up is a form of cosmetic pigmentation. We apply pigment in the skin to improve colour and shape in a way that suits your face. Popular treatments are eyebrows, eyeliner, lips and faux freckles, which nowadays are impossible to imagine being without.
The goal of PMU is to enhance your natural appearance — without it being noticeable that you have had something done.
Why aftercare after PMU is essential
Your skin is vulnerable after a PMU treatment. How you deal with that largely determines the end result.
Recovery and healing: your skin needs the time and rest to heal properly. That means no scratching, keeping it clean and protecting it against external influences. With the right care you prevent inflammation, scars and pigment loss.
Colour retention: PMU fades naturally through skin renewal, sunlight and skincare products. But without good aftercare it fades faster than necessary. Always use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30, preferably 50. And avoid products such as scrubs, acids and peels in the first weeks.
Fewer touch-up treatments needed: the better you look after your skin, the longer you enjoy the result. Aftercare can considerably extend the lifespan of your PMU.
Health and safety: poor aftercare can lead to infections or skin problems. That is why official guidelines have been drawn up in the Netherlands by the RIVM and the GGD.
A good aftercare cream also helps. Coconut oil or shea butter – such as those from Laliqa – are ideal for this. They keep the skin hydrated and help the healing process run calmly.
It is not only about appearance. Poor aftercare can lead to infections or skin problems. That is why official guidelines have been drawn up in the Netherlands by the RIVM and the GGD. If you are unsure about anything, you can always fall back on those — or consult your specialist.
What should you do after a PMU treatment?
Cleansing: clean the treated area twice a day (morning and evening) with lukewarm or cold water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Then gently pat it dry. No rough towels or rubbing.
Hydrating: after cleansing, apply an aftercare cream to the area. Coconut oil or shea butter works well because these nourish the skin without irritating it. The better you hydrate the skin, the fewer flakes you will get.
Leave it alone: during healing, small flakes often appear. Leave them alone. Scratching can cause pigment loss and leads to uneven healing.
No make-up: do not apply make-up to the treated area in the first week. Also no foundation or BB cream near, for example, your eyebrows.
Avoid the sun: UV radiation fades pigment, especially on eyebrows. As a result they can look grey over time. Stay out of the sun and use sunscreen with a high SPF as soon as your skin allows it.
Follow your specialist's instructions: every treatment is different. Your specialist knows your skin and knows which approach works best.
A few things are really important in the first days after your treatment:
During healing, small flakes often appear. Leave them alone. Do not scratch or pick at them, however tempting it may be. Scratching can cause pigment loss and leads to uneven healing.
How often is a touch-up needed?
Permanent make-up is not literally permanent. Most treatments need a touch-up after 6 to 8 weeks to keep the result sharp. After that it is advisable to schedule an annual refresh treatment.
How often that is really needed depends on your skin type, lifestyle and how well you apply the aftercare.
Common mistakes (and how you prevent them)
We often see that people make these mistakes just after the treatment: using make-up again too soon, pulling off flakes, not applying sunscreen, going to the sauna, swimming pool or sunbed in the first week, and not using a hydrating cream.
By dealing with this consciously, you give your skin the chance to heal in a beautiful, healthy way. Do you have questions about aftercare after a PMU treatment? Then contact your specialist.
Questions? Let us know
Besides permanent make-up, would you also like to get rid of unwanted hair? At IZZI Beauty you can also come to us for laser hair removal of the face, underarms, bikini line and more.
PS: did you know that IZZI Beauty also specialises in laser hair removal? Would you like your legs, face, underarms, bikini line or anything else hair-free? IZZI Clinic can help you!
My name is Isabella Levels and, with years of experience in the industry, I love sharing my permanent make-up knowledge and techniques. My passion lies in accentuating natural beauty, and I hope to inspire others with tips and insights that can help both beginners and professionals in their careers!
Do you have questions about aftercare after a PMU treatment? Leave a comment below or contact your specialist. Unsure about something? Then also check the guidelines of the RIVM or GGD.
Permanent make-up (PMU) is a treatment in which pigment is applied in the upper layer of the skin. The result? A well-groomed look without having to apply make-up every day. Think of crisp eyebrows, eyeliner that always looks right or a natural lip colour.
But the success of your PMU does not depend only on the treatment itself. The aftercare you apply afterwards is at least as important. With the right care you prevent problems and the result stays beautiful for longer.
Follow your specialist's instructions
Every treatment is different. Your specialist knows your skin and knows which approach works best. So follow that advice carefully. Do you have questions or doubts? Then get in touch or check the standard aftercare guidelines of the RIVM.