In the initial weeks following a microblading session, it might be wise to give Vitamin C a mini-break, at least around the brow area. As the brows heal and the pigment settles, reintroduce Vit C serum slowly, always monitoring how your brows react. Furthermore, consult with your microblading artist and dermatologist.
Because microblading pigments don't spread as easily, they need to be applied very precisely to ensure they last. Sun exposure: UV rays can cause the pigment to fade more quickly. Retinols, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, vitamin C serums, and other acids can be detrimental to the pigment's integrity.
Vitamin C serum after microneedling helps your skin to recover from the treatment and increases your collagen production. Unfortunately not all vitamin C serums are created equal. I recommend my own serum because it is not acidic and will not irritate your skin.
- Using any products on your eyebrows other than the aftercare wipes + ointment given to you by your microblading artist. Face washes, serums, sprays, exfoliants, moisturizers, etc. SHOULD NOT BE APPLIED UNTIL 14 DAYS AFTER MICROBLADING.
Glycolic acid, microdermabrasion, and chemical face peel products cannot be used near the treated area, as it could significantly lighten the pigment. Once the treated area is completely healed, any changes or additions that need to be made can be done at your follow-up appointment – no sooner than 6 weeks later.
- Avoid anti-aging and exfoliating products such as retinols, glycolic, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, etc. This will cause premature fading over time.
Apply a rice grain amount of aftercare ointment (Aquaphor) on each eyebrow with a cotton swab and clean hands, spread a VERY THIN layer of the ointment across the treated area every morning and night.
Retinol is a form of vitamin A that has been shown to have many skin benefits, including reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improving skin texture. Retinol helps exfoliate the skin and promote cell turnover, but it is not typically used to fade Microblading.
Aquaphor. There is no doubt that Aquaphor is the most common ointment used to treat dry and itchy skin. Even tattoo artists would agree. As a moisturizer, it heals wounds faster like in the microblading treatment.
In other cases, mixing can destabilize or cancel out the benefits of the antioxidant. Here are some ingredients to never mix with vitamin C: Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Citric Acid, Tartaric Acid.
Do not use your active products (Vitamin C, retinol, salicylic acids, etc) until the skin feels calm and has recovered from treatment. This typically occurs within three days, but can vary from person to person; please do not hesitate to give us a call if you have questions following your facial treatment.
To retain the color of your new brows, you should always apply SPF to the area when exposed to the sun. Direct sunlight can cause pigment to fade prematurely. Avoid the use of exfoliants or chemical peels on the brow area (retin-A,glycolic/alpha-hydroxy acids, exfoliating scrubs, etc.).
Include nutrient-rich foods in your diet such as fruits, nuts, and vegetables that provide omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, B, C, D, and E. These nutrients are essential for healthy hair growth, including eyebrows.
Sweat. For the same reason that water should be avoided during the healing/scabbing process after microblading, sweat should also be avoided. Sweat comes from the inside of the skin and can push the pigment out and cause the microblading strokes not to retain.
Around days eight or nine of the healing process, your brows may take on a spooky appearance, appearing faded, gray, or even patchy. This is known as the microblading ghosting phase. The fading is a regular and temporary part of the healing process. Your bold, beautiful brows will make their triumphant return.
For about 2 to 10 days following your microblading service, make sure to wash your eyebrows gently (patting motion, not rubbing) each morning and night with water and an antibacterial soap such as Dial or a Cetaphil Cleanser. With a very light touch, use your fingertips to gently cleanse the eyebrows.
Products that are meant for lightening, brightening, or evening skin tone/anti-aging, usually contain glycolic, lactic, AHA, and retinol acids will fade your pigment quicker. Vitamin E and Vitamin C can fade your pigment as well.
Right after microblading, eyebrows often appear darker and thicker than the final result. This is normal, as the pigment will fade during the healing process. Wait for at least 4-6 weeks to see the outcome before making any decisions.
Things to Avoid:
Applying any makeup, moisturizer, lotion, or sunscreen to your eyebrows. Laser or chemical peels, and any other form of exfoliation. Applying any creams to your face or neck containing retinol or glycolic acid. Engaging in tasks like heavy household cleaning where airborne debris can become prevalent.
The worst days after microblading are typically the first two, when you'll likely experience puffiness, redness, and tenderness.
Avoid using chemical skin exfoliants on the brows and forehead area. Use of these products will cause premature fading and tattoo discoloration. Examples may include but are not limited to: Glycolic Acid, Hydroquinone, Retinol, Retin A, Vitamin C, "peels" or "brightening."