PMU Aftercare: Magic PJ’s Personal Recommendations

After I got my own first tattoo at 19, a classic rose in memory of my beloved Nana, I remember caring for it tenderly in the following days and thinking to myself, “it’s a beautiful wound.” As a specialized form of facial tattooing, permanent makeup (PMU) to me is the pinnacle of this intentional sort of “beautiful wounding”.

Like with any tattoo, and any wound, your permanent makeup must be cared for as well. Because PMU is a little different from traditional body tattoos, the after care for permanent makeup is also a little different. One of the main differences is that you do NOT need bandaging on your face after receiving permanent makeup, whereas I usually bandage a tattoo on the body, using a type of “second skin” called Recovery Derm Shield.

Permanent makeup tattooing does not go as deeply into the unique and more delicate skin of the face. (This is also why a second session is required with all PMU for more evenly pigmented, defined, and lasting results for years to come.) With being applied more delicately at a shallower depth, PMU does not continue to bleed or peel in the way a tattoo on the body does during healing.

You will be able to go about life as usual immediately.

For sensitive skin that may remain a little rosy and raised in the first couple days, a cold compress can help these symptoms quite a bit. For any more extreme reactions, consult a physician. A patch test is recommended to check for any potential reactions.

Like with a tattoo, I highly recommend avoiding alcohol and blood thinners including aspirin for at least 24-48 hours before and after any procedure. Ibuprofen and paracetamol are fine.

Some old school tattooers swear by a process called “dry healing” which I personally do not recommend for any tattoos especially permanent makeup. In fact, clinical data from PMU research clearly indicates that appropriate moisturizing during healing keeps pigments truer over time. I have applied this knowledge to affirm how I instruct after care for all tattooing I perform.

There are many products on the market used for healing tattoos and every artist has their personal preferences. Fragrance and color free are the main important standards in a healing moisturizer, whether balm or ointment. For permanent makeup, SPF is crucial since pigments are sensitive to light- think about how the sun can bleach colors out of papers and fabrics. It is the same with skin.

I have found that here in the Netherlands Bepanthen is a popular big name brand ointment. After seeing and feeling how it works for myself with a client, I personally do not recommend Bepanthen for tattoos and especially not for permanent makeup.

Why not Bepanthen? It is very thick and has a slight microabrasion in its texture. With a little research I found that their tattoo formula, as released by their parent corporation Bayer, is actually the exact same formula as their original ointment for diaper rash cream only remarketed. It also does not have spf and while bepanthen does offer what they market as a tattoo sunscreen, it is not suitable for freshly inked skin, only fully healed. As a good rule of thumb, moisturizers without any color whatsoever are best for healing tattoos whereas bepanthen is opaque white, just like the diaper rash cream that it really is.

So what healing moisturizer does have the Magic PJ’s seal of approval?

I am really satisfied with the results my clients experience with healing PMU with Balm Tattoo by the independent Spanish company Delab who are dedicated specifically to creating tattoo healing cosmetics. I have some tiny perfectly PMU sized tubes of colorless, clear, soft balm by Delab for purchase at Magic PJ’s studio. This SunShots formula by Delab also has good SPF suitable for fresh ink that I have available on sale for €5 each.

Whatever you use, a very thin layer of moisturizer is necessary once to twice a day or as needed if you feel a little extra dry. I definitely demonstrate in detail how to properly apply it for your healing when you experience permanent makeup at Magic PJ’s.

After about a week following your procedure you will be able to use normal moisturizer and light sunscreen in your daily self care routine. If you opt to purchase a tube of Delab SunShots from Magic PJ’s studio, there should be enough of the Delab tattoo balm left over in the small tube for your second procedure later too. It’s perfectly sized for a permanent makeup experience. 😊

25% off first PMU service

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25% off first PMU service ★

Enjoy 25% off your first brow service at Magic PJ’s PMU & Tattoo Utrecht in exchange for client consent to use before/after photos of your results for promo. Mention this offer during your free consultation.

€300 service is now €225 with promo

Curious about the personalized Magic PJ’s brow experience?

I am happy to answer any PMU questions you have. We can discuss your needs over the phone, via text, or over tea/coffee in person at my studio location in Utrecht.

Magic PJ’s Permanent Makeup & Tattoo is located at Burgermeester Reigerstraat 19 in Utrecht