Permanent makeup uses the same procedure as tattoos and will fade over time. Permanent makeup uses a slightly lighter pigment than the standard tattoo ink. Such pigments will fade faster than other tattoos on your body. The pigment used in permanent makeup is designed specifically to look more natural without the harsh ink effects.
Artists generally use lighter and less pigmented ink in permanent makeup as:
- The face, scalp, and other body parts where permanent makeup is done are more sensitive than the rest of your body.
- People may also wish to change their look or modify their permanent makeup as per the latest trends.
The colors of permanent makeup slowly fade to make them less noticeable to the bare eyes. This enables clients to change their style and color whenever they want to. When you get your permanent makeup done initially, the color will have a darker tone. However, as the swelling will start to subside your skin will start to heal.
You will develop scabs at first and once the skin gets back to normal you will see a much softer pigment. You should let the scabs heal on their own to let your pigment stay longer on your skin. You will need a follow-up session to adjust or modify the color. Permanent makeup can last for one to three years depending on the maintenance and care. However, lighter shades like blonde will last around a year and may need regular touch-ups.
Factors that Cause Permanent Makeup to Fade
The pigment in permanent makeup is applied to the layers of your skin. You need to indulge in proper skincare after undergoing permanent makeup treatment. You must stay away from acids, strong exfoliators, and retinol products as they will prematurely fade your permanent tattoo.
Exposure to the UV rays of the sun will also cause your cosmetic makeup to fade. You should always use sunscreen to keep your skin safe from the harsh rays of the sun. Certain medications can also change the hormones and body chemistry which will affect your permanent makeup.
Young people will also notice fading sooner than aged people. Young people have a faster cellular turnover which makes the pigment lose its effect soon. However, people using anti-aging products regularly will notice a faster fading process.
Lighter colored permanent makeup is more prone to fading than darker shades. The composition of lighter pigments causes them to wash off from your body faster. Also, the device used to insert the pigment is another factor that causes permanent makeup to fade away. A Hand tool deposits less pigment which starts to fade away with new cellular growth. Tattoo machines implant more pigments which makes them long-lasting.
Does Permanent Makeup Fade Completely?
Permanent makeup may start fading after a year or two depending on the maintenance. However, it can fade completely in a few cases. The rate of pigment fading depends on:
1. How deeply the pigment is implanted by your artist
It is the most relevant factor that decides how fast your pigment will fade. If your artist has used lighter strokes while doing your permanent makeup it is likely to fade away sooner. Heavy-handed artist causes the pigments to reach deep within your skin. They will inject the pigments into the dermis of your skin which prevents them from budging.
Tattoos stay longer on your skin than permanent makeup as they are implanted deep into your skin. If the pigment is injected only to the top layers of the skin, it will get exfoliated away with time. Such permanent makeup has a higher risk of fading away from normal exposure to the sun.
2. The type and composition of pigments
The composition of the cosmetic pigment also determines the fading rate of the treatment. Carbon-based ink may show less stability on your skin causing them to wash away soon. However, some carbon-based pigments may last years if the implant technique is correct.
If you opt for lighter colors you may need touch-ups every six to twelve months. Darker pigments can last for three to five years without any corrections or modifications.
Final Thoughts
The pigments of permanent makeup use smaller molecules than that of tattoo inks. The molecules will shrink and fade after a certain period which makes them appear less intense. It enables artists to make changes easily as per the latest trends. Clients can also upgrade their look without undergoing a painful removal process.
