Permanent Makeup and Skincare: How to Protect Your Results from Peels, Lasers, and Exfoliants

Permanent makeup and skincare go hand in hand when it comes to maintaining glowing, youthful skin, but combining the two at the wrong time can cause pigment fading, uneven color, or irritation.
If you’ve ever wondered when it’s safe to get a facial, chemical peel, or laser after your brows, lips, or eyeliner tattoo, this guide explains exactly what you need to know.

Why Skincare Matters After Permanent Makeup

Your permanent makeup (PMU) sits just beneath the surface of your skin. That means any skincare treatment that exfoliates, resurfaces, or renews skin cells can directly affect your pigment.
Products with acids, retinol, or strong exfoliants can speed up pigment fading, while harsh treatments too soon after PMU can slow healing or cause color changes.

The goal? Keep your skin healthy and your pigment vibrant by choosing the right treatments at the right time.

Chemical Peels and Exfoliants

Chemical peels are designed to remove layers of skin and stimulate new cell growth. While they’re great for brightening your complexion, they can also lift or lighten PMU pigments if performed too soon.

Professional advice:

• Wait at least 4–6 weeks after a PMU procedure before getting a peel.

• Avoid applying acids (like glycolic, lactic, or TCA) directly over tattooed areas.

• Stick to gentle, hydrating facials during the healing phase.

If you already have PMU and plan to get a peel, let your esthetician know they can work around your brows, lips, or eyeliner to avoid unwanted fading.

Microneedling and Dermaplaning

Microneedling and dermaplaning both remove surface layers of skin, which can also remove pigment if done too early.
However, when timed correctly, these treatments can actually improve skin texture and help healed PMU look smoother and more even.

Timing tips:

• Wait 6–8 weeks post-PMU before scheduling microneedling or dermaplaning.

• Always let your skincare provider know which areas are tattooed.

• If you’re doing microneedling for color correction, make sure it’s done by a PMU professional experienced with pigment layers.

Laser Treatments

Laser facials, hair removal, or pigment removal can interact with PMU pigments and sometimes cause unwanted color changes (like gray or orange tones).
Certain wavelengths can even partially remove or distort your tattoo.

To stay safe:

• Cover or shield your PMU area during any laser procedure.

• Avoid direct laser contact on tattooed areas unless you’re intentionally removing pigment.

• Always discuss your PMU history with your laser technician before treatment.

Safe Skincare Routine After PMU

Your post-PMU skincare routine should focus on healing, hydration, and protection.

Do:
✅ Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers.
✅ Keep the area hydrated with a light balm (only after the initial healing period).
✅ Use sunscreen daily once healed to prevent fading.

Avoid:
❌ Acids (AHAs, BHAs), retinol, and scrubs for at least 4–6 weeks.
❌ Steam rooms, saunas, and intense exfoliation during healing.
❌ Picking or scratching at any peeling skin.

Expert Tips from Gigi Beauty PMU

At Gigi Beauty PMU, I always remind clients that permanent makeup and skincare can absolutely complement each other, but timing is everything.
Every skin type heals differently, and the right schedule helps preserve your color and shape for years.

If you’re planning to combine PMU with peels, microneedling, or laser treatments, I recommend:

• Consulting before booking: to customize a safe timeline.

• Spacing your treatments: allow your skin time to fully regenerate.

• Protecting your investment: high-quality pigment and proper care mean long-lasting results.

Conclusion

Healthy skin enhances your permanent makeup, but the wrong skincare routine can shorten its lifespan.
By understanding how treatments like peels, lasers, and exfoliants interact with PMU, you can keep your brows, lips, and eyeliner looking flawless longer.

💋 Ready to protect and perfect your PMU?
Book a consultation at Gigi Beauty PMU to discuss your skincare goals and find the right treatment plan for lasting, beautiful results.

Eyebrow tattoo by Gigi

Eyeliner tattoo by Gigi

Lip tattoo by Gigi