10 Permanent Makeup After-Care Rules to Follow

Permanent makeup procedures are an investment in both beauty and confidence. But the results depend heavily on how well you care for the treated area in the days and weeks following the initial procedure. 

Whether you’re healing from permanent eyeliner, ombre brows, or lip blushing, following these essential aftercare rules is critical to prevent complications like patchy results or even scarring.

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After-Care Instructions to Boost the Healing Process Post PMU

1. Keep the Treated Area Clean and Dry

Your skin is highly sensitive after the procedure. During the first week,  keep the treatment area clean and dry to prevent infection and support the process.

Use a damp cotton swab to gently cleanse the area—never use harsh soaps or chemical treatments like glycolic acid, which can damage the fresh tattoo and delay recovery.

2. Apply Aftercare Ointment Sparingly

If your technician recommends an aftercare ointment, apply sparingly—roughly the size of a rice grain—using a cotton swab. Applying too much product can suffocate the skin. Keep the area moisturized but not greasy, as excess moisture can disrupt the healing.

3. Avoid Direct Sunlight and Sun Exposure

Direct sun exposure is one of the biggest culprits of premature fading. For at least 2 weeks, avoid exposure to the sun and tanning beds. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and avoid sunlight on the treatment area if you must go outside. Once the area is fully healed, use SPF to protect your results.

4. No Touching, Picking, or Scratching

As the healing progresses, the treated area may flake or itch. Resist the urge to touch, pick, or scratch, as this can lead to scarring and damaged tissue. Let scabs fall off naturally to ensure optimal results and protect the integrity of the pigment.

5. Hold Off on Applying Makeup

You may be tempted to apply makeup to camouflage redness or flaking, but this can introduce bacteria and disrupt proper healing. Avoid touching the treatment area for at least 2 weeks or until it is completely healed. Your skin is still an open wound during this time, so it’s vulnerable to infections.

6. Stay Away from Water and Excessive Heat

Avoid any environment that encourages sweating or prolonged moisture. Swimming pools, hot tubs, steam rooms, and hot baths can introduce bacteria and delay healing. Heavy exercise and strenuous exercise that leads to excessive sweating should also be avoided during the recovery period.

7. Skip Chemical Peels and Harsh Skincare

Avoid chemical peels and treatments, or any products containing glycolic acid, for at least four weeks. These can cause the pigment to fade prematurely and irritate the treated area. Stick to gentle cleansers and recommended post-procedure products to nourish and prevent dry skin.

8. Use Lip Balm If You Had a Lip Procedure

If you’ve had lip blush or a similar PMU procedure, apply a sterile, fragrance-free balm to keep the treated area hydrated. Be cautious if you have a history of cold sores, as trauma to the lips can trigger outbreaks. Speak with your artist about preventive antiviral medication before the initial procedure.

9. Follow All Aftercare Instructions from Your PMU Artist

Each artist has a unique process, so listen closely to the instructions provided. Whether it involves how often to apply ointment, which products to use, or how to keep the treated area dry, following these directions helps to promote healing and prevent complications. 

Often, they will tell you to skip tanning beds, avoid sleeping on your stomach, and avoid swimming or showering with hot water. 

10. Schedule Regular Touch Up Appointments

Even with the best aftercare, a touch-up is usually needed around six to eight weeks after the initial procedure. This allows your technician to refine the shape, address any patchy results, and ensure the skin has completely healed. Staying on top of touch-up appointments helps maintain pigment and symmetry over time.

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What to Expect on Your First Week Post-Treatment

The first week after your initial procedure is critical to the overall outcome of your PMU. During this period, your treated area will begin the healing process, and it’s completely normal to experience sensitivity, slight swelling, and color that appears more intense than expected. This will soften as the treatment settles into the skin.

You might notice flaking or scabbing on the treated area within a few days. Avoid picking at these scabs—doing so can lead to scarring, pigment loss, or even infection. Instead, keep the area moisturized with a thin layer of your recommended ointment, applied using a clean swab. Stick to a very thin layer—about the size of a rice grain—to allow the skin to breathe and promote healing.

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Proper Care Tips to Follow 2 Weeks After and Beyond

After 2 weeks, the treated area may look healed on the surface, but deeper layers of skin are still recovering. Continue to avoid sun exposure, sun tanning, sun beds, and chemical treatments like glycolic acid to prevent premature fading. 

You can gently apply makeup if the area is completely healed, but always check with a specialist first. Maintain moisture using a light balm or ointment, and schedule your touch-up to perfect shape and color. Proper care protects your results and reduces the need for frequent makeup touchups.

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Prioritize Aftercare to Protect Your Results

Whether you’ve just gotten permanent eyeliner, brows, or lips, your investment deserves the right care. Follow these rules to support proper aftercare, minimize the risk of scarring, and enjoy long-lasting results. When in doubt, always consult your PMU artist—they’re your best resource for making sure your treated area heals beautifully.

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