Whilst it is safe to use retinoids and retinol skincare products once your permanent makeup treatment is completely healed, the continued use of these products on or near the tattooed area will result in the premature fading of your cosmetic tattoo.
If your tattooed skin feels dry, apply a water-based lotion or cream to it. Petroleum-based products can cause the ink to fade.
In addition, retinol can lessen dark spots. “Retinols can help to reduce the overproduction of melanin, particularly in areas where it is concentrated and causing discoloration,” Dr. Shokeen said.
Apply a mild moisturizer to the tattooed skin several times a day. Avoid sun exposure. Keep the tattooed area out of the sun until it heals. Don't go swimming.
Retinol products are an effective way to fade your cosmetic tattoo faster. There is a reason why cosmetic tattoo artists will ask you not to use retinol on the treatment areas for 8-12 weeks before the application and not at all afterwards.
And the UV frequencies in sunlight are energetic enough to break down the ink molecules over time, so tattoos that are always exposed – such as on the fingers or face – fade quicker than those covered by clothing.
You Shouldn't Use Retinol If You Have Sensitive Skin
If you still find that you're experiencing retinol side effects like excessive dryness or irritation, consult a dermatologist for advice on how to proceed with your routine. Kiehl's Tip: Retinol isn't the only subject of skincare myths.
The retinol uglies can last anywhere from 4–8 weeks. The exact length of a retinoid purge depends very much on your skin type and sensitivity. The amount and strength of your retinoid product can also play a part. Some people experience a purge flare-up for only a few days, and others don't get it at all.
Retinol purging is a temporary reaction where increased cell turnover brings underlying impurities to the surface, leading to breakouts, dryness, and irritation. Symptoms include flaking, redness, and rough texture. Although unsettling, this phase indicates that retinol is working to renew your skin.
The American Academy of Dermatology says petroleum-based products can cause ink to fade. They recommend using water-based moisturizers on new tattoos instead. But why? Products like Vaseline and super thick ointments may trap moisture and bacteria on top of a new tattoo, increasing your risk of developing an infection.
Over time, cells from your immune system – called macrophages - gradually absorb the tattoo ink and disperse it, which can lead to some tattoo fading. On top of this, factors such as sunlight, friction and improper care of your tattoos can all accelerate the process of aging your skin and/or fading your tattoos.
Factors like sun exposure, skin elasticity, friction, improper aftercare, smoking, and tanning can accelerate tattoo fading. Natural methods like exfoliation and using lightening agents may help fade tattoos, but professional laser removal is the most reliable and safest option.
Retinol and glycolic acid
Alternating glycolic acid and retinol might work well to reduce the appearance of dark spots and scars from acne. But they can both irritate your skin. If you want to try both products, consider alternating days or using glycolic acid in the morning and retinol at night.
Avoid treatments that may irritate the skin like harsh chemicals, depilatories, etc. for at least 1-2 weeks before treatment and 2 to 4 weeks after treatment. This includes products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, astringents, etc.
Why can't I use vitamin E on my tattoos? Vitamin E is meant to remove impurities in the skin, to your body the ink is an impurity. The vitamin E can actually remove the ink from your skin causing spots and damage. Many added vitamins can do damage to your new tattoo, so be careful and listen to your artist.
Over the course of a few sessions, you can effectively erase the blurry parts of a tattoo to create the crisp design you originally wanted. If you'd rather not worry about being precise, you can always fix tattoo blowout by getting the design fully removed with lasers.
Natural migration of pigment in the skin is manifested by: lines become visually wider; a small (about a millimeter) shadow may appear near the tattoo lines; there will be less empty space between the lines.