Do you recall the process you went through to ensure your permanent cosmetic procedure(s) met your specifications? Choosing the perfect technician, the design and color selection process, understanding and complying with the healing instructions, and finally, just what you wanted for yourself – a convenient lifestyle. Now you have the opportunity to either actively take routine measures to preserve your permanent cosmetic procedure(s) or accept the fact that not doing so will result in the need for a color refresher appointment earlier than planned.
There are many enemies of permanent cosmetics; however there is no other enemy that does the overall damage as the sun. Other enemies are some prescription drugs and skin maintenance products that we use on our face that contain ingredients not recommended for application on your permanent cosmetics.
Many clients have expressed they feel sun screen/block products are a bother; They are greasy, clog the pores, burn the eyes, disturb conventional makeup foundation appearance, and so on it goes. A common retort to my advice to wear sun screen/block is that I wear a hat, I wear sunglasses, I never go out in to the sun. You are uninformed if you believe any of these precautionary measures alone protect you adequately from the damaging effects of the sun. You need to use an effective sunscreen.
In addition to the damaging effects of the sun, consider the time spent in public pools or in salt water during leisure time at the beach. The disinfecting chemicals used to maintain health standards of swimming pools are harsh, and people with permanent cosmetics need to take measures to protect their procedures from the color altering effects of these chemicals. Salt water is a very drying natural element and in conjunction with the sun, can substantially contribute to lightening your permanent cosmetic procedure(s).
In order to preserve your investment in your permanent cosmetics, a substantial SPF sunscreen or block should be worn at all times on your eyebrows and your lips. Contact your Dermatologist and ask about the benefits of a sun block product called Ti-Silk by Procyte. It has been my experience that this SPF 45 Sun Block is one of the best guards against the damaging effects of the sun’s rays and provides protective measures for permanent cosmetics. It is waterproof, is creamy in texture and has a nice tinted base. Many people wear it alone as a moisturizer. This product is not sold in general or department stores, it is only sold to physicians and those in the beauty and medical industry that are sponsored by physicians. The cost is minimal, the benefits countless. If you cannot locate a provider that caries Ti-Silk, investigate other similar sun block products with your skin care provider. There are many that do not produce undesirable affects.
Washing the face with products that contain glycolic acids and/or those that cause lightening of the skin or accelerated exfoliation can work against maintaining your permanent cosmetics in a pristine condition. If you have a skin care specialist, ask for professional advice about the ingredients in your skin care products and if they contain products which promote exfoliation, skin lightening, or acids, please don’t use these products directly on your permanent cosmetic procedures.
If planning on activities that take you in public pools or salt water, in addition to your waterproof sunscreen, apply a thin layer of ointment to help waterproof the eyebrows and lips.
Don’t excuse yourself from procedure color saving routines feeling you can always return to your technician for a color refresher. The color you enjoy will only remain pristine if you protect it. Environmental stress elements and products that have an adverse effect.
Have fun in the summer months, but do it safely, and with the goal of preserving the quality of your skin and the permanent cosmetics you chose as an investment in your appearance.