If you know a bit about microblading, you are probably familiar with the fact that it’s not permanent. Microblading fades after some time, after approximately 2 years, if you don’t touch it up.
It has its pros and cons – it’s a good thing it fades because you don’t want anything permanent on your face, but some people don’t like the idea of their tattoo fading too soon. There are a lot of factors that affect the lifespan of microblading, and one of them is the skincare products we use.
So, let’s start with one of the most popular skincare ingredients nowadays – vitamin C.
Will Vitamin C Fade Microblading, If Applied Topically?
It probably will.
Vitamin C is an exfoliant and a brightening ingredient. It accelerates the production of both collagen and elastin and makes the skin tighter and firmer. Because of that, it penetrates deep under the skin and affects the pigment, if applied to the eyebrows.
It is especially important to avoid vitamin C during the healing process when the wound is still fresh and the pigment hasn’t been retained yet.
Some estheticians claim that it won’t affect an eyebrow tattoo if applied after the brows are completely healed. This can also be individual – some clients have been using topical vitamin C after their brows have healed and haven’t noticed that it causes premature fading. So, there is no proof will vitamin C fade microblading, once the brows are healed.
Some people just need vitamin C for their skincare if it was prescribed, to help their skin regenerate. But they also want great brows. And to be honest, microblading doesn’t come cheap and it would be a pity to disappear too soon. So, if you really need to use vitamin C, try to refrain from it at least while the brows are healing and continue with it afterwards, but try to avoid applying it directly onto your brows.
Image source: Freepik
Should I Stop Using Vitamin C Before the Microblading Treatment?
Yes, most PMU artists will advise all skincare products with brightening ingredients be avoided at least 2 weeks before the microblading treatment.
These products, usually in the form of serums, penetrate deep under the skin and can affect the results. So in order to make sure you get the best results of the treatment, your artist will tell you to avoid vitamin C before the treatment.
What About Vitamin C Supplements?
If you are on vitamin C supplements, consult your microblading artist about having to stop the therapy for a while, before and after the treatment. Most of them will probably advise you not to take a high dosage of vitamin C the day before the procedure.
Can I Use Vitamin C to Fade My Microblading?
If your microblading is too dark at first, you may be experiencing brow shock. The best option will be to wait and be patient. Only when the brows are completely healed can you judge the results.
Applying vitamin C skincare products may lead to premature fading but also to discoloration. We don’t recommend using anything but prescribed ointment during the aftercare.
What Other Skincare Ingredients Should Be Avoided?
While some artists and estheticians will tell you to feel free to use vitamin C with microblading, there’s one thing they are unanimous on – retinol is a no-no.
Much stronger than vitamin C, retinol is used for rejuvenation and is a strong exfoliant. So, you should stop using it at least 2 weeks before your microblading treatment, and during the healing period.
Of course, you can use it on the lower part of the face, but it’s not safe to use it in the forehead area.
Once the wound closes and the brows are healed, most artists will say it’s safe to use vitamin C, but retinol can cause premature fading, so be careful around the brow area.
Image source: Freepik
What Other Factors Can Cause Microblading to Fade Faster?
The speed of microblading fading depends on different factors, but most importantly your skin type and lifestyle. That means that, if you have oily skin and large pores, you can expect your microblading to fade faster, and you’ll need to book touch ups more frequently.
If you spend a lot of time in the sun or in the water, you can also expect your brow tattoo to fade faster. That’s why it’s important to protect your microblading with SPF.
Other things are also forbidden if you want your microblading to last longer:
- Mechanical exfoliation
- Chemical peels
- Microdermabrasion
Conclusion
So, to sum up, vitamin C, when applied topically, can affect your microblading and cause premature fading. That’s why it’s important to avoid it for 2 weeks before the treatment, and after the treatment, during the healing period. Once the wound is closed and the brows are completely recovered, it’s pretty safe to continue with your usual skincare routine. However, you should always consult your microblading artist and check with them about the skincare products.
Cover image source: Freepik
