All About the Ombre Powder Brows Aftercare Ointment
Learn why the right choice of ombre powder brows aftercare ointment is so important, the best way to use it, what ingredients to look for and which to avoid.
Image source: Freepik
Ombre powder brows are done by opening up the skin with a needle and implementing pigments into the punctures. Since the skin is broken, it has to go through a healing process that will close up the perforations.
During the healing period, it needs some special attention. The right choice of ombre powder brows aftercare ointment can make the process much easier on the client and ensure their brows heal without complications.
But sometimes, artists don’t quite know what to look for in an ombre powder brows ointment, or clients wonder why they can’t just use any moisturizer they already have.
So, we’ve prepared a detailed guide through this product, listing desirable and undesirable ingredients, and sharing our recommendations.
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Why Is a Good Ombre Powder Brows Aftercare Ointment So Important?
The initial stage of the ombre powder brows healing process can be tricky, and getting the aftercare routine right is crucial to the quality of the end results.
If something goes wrong during this time, the client’s brows can get infected, develop thick scabs that can result in patchiness or even scarring, and the pigments may not be retained so well.
The ombre powder brows aftercare ointment is there to minimize the risk of all these scenarios. Its functions are:
- To provide sufficient moisture to minimize scabbing, reducing the possibility of patchy results
- To minimize post-treatment itchiness and prevent the client from scratching their brows, reducing the risk of them pulling off the scabs, which can lead to patchy results and scarring
- To provide a protective barrier and thus prevent the contamination of the wound
- To boost the healing process and make sure it goes smoothly
- To soothe the skin and prevent it from feeling dry and tight
Of course, everybody’s skin and system react differently, and some clients will experience scabbing or minor irritation regardless of the aftercare cream, but on a much smaller scale than they would without it.
Check out our Comprehensive Guide Through Ombre Powder Brows Healing for more info on how the brows heal after the treatment.
Is Wet Healing Powder Brows Always Better?
If an aftercare ointment is used during the ombre powder brows healing process, that means the prescribed aftercare is the so-called wet healing. The alternative is dry healing, which excludes the use of an ombre powder brows aftercare ointment.
While dry healing was thought to be superior in the past, the majority of artists now prescribe the wet healing routine, recognizing its benefits.
However, when prescribing the aftercare routine, artists need to take into consideration the client’s skin type: if it’s fairly oily, it won’t need any extra moisture during healing, so an ombre powder brows aftercare ointment is redundant.
In general, there’s no 1 universal aftercare routine – every client should be prescribed the aftercare routine that their artist decides will be the most beneficial for their skin.
How Should the Ombre Brows Aftercare Cream Be Used?
The ombre powder brows aftercare ointment has to be used in just the right way in order to provide all the benefits without any complications.
That’s why artists need to take the time to explain the aftercare routine to their clients in detail, and double-check whether the client has understood what to do.
Here are general instructions* on how clients should use the ombre powder brows aftercare ointment:
- The ointment must be applied to clean skin, after removing the built-up lymph, dust and sebum, so it doesn’t gets mixed with the product, providing a breeding ground for bacteria.
- The ointment must be applied to completely dry skin. If the area is even a bit moist, and ointment is applied over it, the moisture gets trapped. This is a potential breeding ground for bacteria.
- Aftercare cream must be applied with clean fingers or a sterile q-tip to prevent contamination and subsequent infection.
- A small amount of cream is enough – a rice grain-sized drop is sufficient for both brows if it’s a thicker formula – cream or ointment. If it’s a runny, serum-like formula, a bit more is needed.
- Coated brows shouldn’t be shiny or glossy. A thick layer prevents the wound from breathing.
- Each time the cream is reapplied, all residues of the previous application must be removed. If fresh cream is layered on top, a thick film can form and bacteria can develop.
These general instructions go hand in hand with the rest of the ombre powder brows aftercare routine, which you can find in our Comprehensive Guide Through Powder Brows Aftercare, explained in detail.
*The routine can be adjusted by the artist to best fit the client’s skin type.
Image source: Instagram @kellylouise_aesthetics
Good Ingredients in an Ombre Powder Brows Aftercare Ointment
The primary function of a brow aftercare ointment is to provide moisturization and ease the uncomfortable symptoms of healing, so the best ingredients are those that provide deep hydration and soothe the skin.
Here’s a list of desirable ingredients – bear in mind that a formula doesn’t have to contain all of them to work:
Natural Plant Extracts
Natural plant extracts can provide a wide range of benefits during its healing process. They can soothe the skin and reduce inflammation, accelerate healing, eliminate itchiness, etc. Look for blends of plant extracts.
Just make sure to ask your client if they have any known allergies to plants or foods (citrus extracts are known to cause allergies in some clients).
Some Natural Oils
Natural oils are good moisturizers in general, and artists like incorporating them in the aftercare routine they prescribe their clients.
They like ointment formulas that contain at least one type of natural oil, but they may also go straight for the pure stuff. Pure grapeseed oil is a good option – it moisturizes the skin without preventing it from breathing.
The same goes for jojoba and coconut oils. Just beware – not all oils are good for freshly implemented pigments, but more on that below.
Shea Butter
The best of nature! Shea butter provides the skin with nourishment and softens it, provides skin-soothing benefits, and it’s known to boost and aid the skin healing process.
Hyaluronic Acid
A universally beneficial moisturizing ingredient.
Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in the skin, so it won’t inhibit the healing process in any way, and there’s no chance of irritation. It works on the principle of tying molecules of water to itself, so it ensures prolonged hydration and works against the sensation of dryness.
NOTE
This list is not final. There are many other ingredients that can be beneficial in an ombre powder brows aftercare ointment; these are just the most common ones.
Bad Ingredients in an Ombre Powder Brows Aftercare Ointment
On the other hand, there are certain ingredients that could do harm to freshly done brows. This is why clients can’t just use whatever moisturizer they already have as an aftercare balm.
Here’s a list of ingredients that should be avoided:
Petroleum
Although Vaseline used to be the go-to option for microblading aftercare petroleum jelly is now considered outdated as a healing product.
The thick consistency of petroleum jelly prevents the wound from breathing, which slows down the healing process, and the physical barrier causes sweating underneath and traps dirt and bacteria.
Note, though, that small quantities in a formula usually aren’t problematic. It’s pure petroleum jelly that can cause complications.
Exfoliating acids (AHAs, BHAs, glycolic, salicylic, etc.)
Exfoliating acids do a chemical peel, which removes a certain amount of skin from the surface. This can remove a portion of pigment along the way, especially during the healing process, but also from healed PMU.
Retinol, or Vitamin A
Retinol is another powerful brightening ingredient that provides exfoliation.
Rosehip oil
There’s been talk over the years that rosehip oil can cause PMU pigments to fade, due to lycopene and beta carotene which are said to be brightening ingredients.
There’s no definite answer as to whether it can do this or not, but it’s best not to risk it and steer clear of rosehip oil.
Corticosteroids
A type of steroid often used to eliminate the itching sensation. Although freshly done brows can be quite itchy, reaching straight for steroids is a bit extreme – it’s unnecessary exposure to synthetic hormones.
Natural soothing ingredients are always a better option.
Artificial Fragrance
Perfume is something that should be avoided in skincare in general. Synthetic fragrances contain alcohol more often than not, which is notoriously drying.
While brows are healing from PMU, they can feel dry anyway and extra dryness is definitely not desirable.
Synthetic Ingredients in General
Exposing a relatively fresh skin injury to often harsh synthetic ingredients is an unnecessary risk of skin irritation, especially since there are so many options based on natural ingredients.
Our Aftercare Cream Recommendations
Ombre Powder Brows Aftercare Ointment – Main Takeaways
As we’ve explained, not every moisturizer is a good option for ombre brows aftercare cream. The formula has to be just right so it gives all the benefits without any of the potential complications. That’s why the artist should provide the client with a product they recommend, not let the client decide.
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