SPMU (Semi-Permanent Makeup) Aftercare: Do's and Don'ts

SPMU (Semi-Permanent Makeup) has an outstanding reputation in the cosmetic industry as it is proven to provide long-lasting, natural-looking enhancement of facial features with minimal discomfort, side effects, and downtime.

To ensure optimal results, an experienced cosmetic dermatologist or semi-permanent makeup artist at Citrine Clinic in Gurgaon provides a detailed consultation, performs the appropriate treatment, and offers support and guidance during follow-up appointments.

However, whether you go for microblading for eyebrows, eyeline tattoo, lip blush, or scalp micropigmentation, it’s your responsibility to ensure proper aftercare is followed, as aftercare is equally important for your maximum SPMU outcomes.

Many people who go for SPMU believe that after getting their eye or lip tattooed, the desired results will show up and stay for years to come. But for this to really happen, they miss out on proper aftercare. A poor aftercare plan can lead to infection risk and delayed healing, the need for more touch-up sessions, and uneven or temporary pigment retention.

Thankfully, with a proper understanding of what must be done and what not to do during SPMU recovery, what’s expected can be achieved. So, our experts have put together a comprehensive SPMU aftercare guide to assist you with your healing without serious complications.

Quick Summary About SPMU and After Treatment

• SPMU aftercare supports smooth recovery and better pigment retention.
• Keep the treated area clean and follow the practitioner’s instructions.
• Avoid picking, scratching, swimming, sweating, and harsh skincare products.
• Protect treated skin from UV exposure to prevent premature pigment fading.
• Attend follow-up appointments for long-lasting results.

What is SPMU?

SPMU stands for Semi-Permanent Makeup. It is a cosmetic tattooing or micropigmentation procedure where specialized pigments are used with a shallower application technique. The pigments are deposited in the upper dermis of the skin to accentuate the targeted feature. The resulting shape and color of the makeup/tattoo adapt to aging skin and changing facial features and naturally fade over 1-3 years.

Popular SPMU Treatments

1. Microblading/Powder Brows- for sparse eyebrows
2. Lip Blush- for improving lip definition and symmetry
3. Eyeliner Tattooing- for smudge-proof enhancement of eyelash line
4. Scalp Micropigmentation- for covering a bald scalp

Healing Time

Surface healing (peeling and scabbing): 1-2 weeks
Full healing and appearance of final shade of makeup: 4-8 weeks
In the second or third week, the makeup lightens normally due to settling of new skin.
There is slight variation in the healing process of every individual, based on the procedure.

Common Side Effects

Slight redness, swelling, tenderness, and darker or bolder appearance of treated area for 1-3 days
Light scabbing or flaking of treated skin for 4-10 days

Mandatory Touch Up Session

Typically recommended after 4-8 weeks of the first SPMU session to perfect the shape and color of the makeup, based on the procedure and individual’s healing response.

SPMU Aftercare: Do’s

• Ensure Proper Skin Hygiene

Use only prescribed, gentle cleanser and the recommended way to clean your treated skin. Clean skin will heal faster.

• Stick to Aftercare Plan Provided by Your Doctor

Every SPMU procedure and technique, as well as an individual’s skin type, is different. So, follow only the advised routine and use only recommended products.

• Keep Body and Skin Well-Hydrated

To support healing, proper hydration and moisturization are essential. So, drink enough water daily. If prescribed a healing ointment or moisturizer, apply a thin layer of it, as instructed.

• Protect the Treated Area from UV Exposure

Overexposure to UV light or prolonged direct exposure of the treated area can lead to premature fading of the pigment. So, after complete healing, wear broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed areas of the skin. Before going out in the sun, wear sunglasses or hats.

• Attend All Scheduled Follow-Ups

A touch-up session is mandatory after 4-8 weeks of the first treatment to refine the final results after complete healing.

SPMU Aftercare: Don’ts

• Avoid Picking or Scratching the Scabs or Flaking Skin

As the treated skin heals, skin starts to peel off or develop a scab. Allow the scab to shed naturally. If the healing skin is picked or scratched, pigment can be displaced, infection can occur, healing can be delayed, and pigment settling can be uneven.

• Avoid Engaging in Activities that Cause Excessive Sweating

Until the practitioner says to stop sweaty workouts or activities, even going to saunas, steam rooms, and hot baths. Excess sweat and moisture will not allow the skin pigments to retain longer.

• Avoid Swimming

Swimming in water bodies or chlorinated pools can irritate the healing skin and increase the risk of infection. So, avoid it until healing is over.

• Avoid Using Harsh Cosmetics or Skincare Products

Until the treated skin heals, avoid use of prescription retino-ids, alpha or beta hydroxy acids, strong skin exfoliants, and alcohol-based products, as these could lead to contamination and irritation of the healing skin and cause early fading of the makeup.

Why Is It Important to Follow Proper SPMU Aftercare?

Following an SPMU procedure, the treated area is a controlled, superficial wound. The skin naturally repairs itself while retaining the deposited pigment.

When proper aftercare is followed, there is:

• Smooth healing
• Longer retention of implanted pigment
• Reduced risk of infection and early pigmentation fading
• Minimized uneven pigment fading
• Natural-looking enhancement
• Otherwise, there could be patchy/uneven pigmentation, persistent irritated skin, early or excessive fading of makeup, or the need for corrective treatment.

When to Contact Your Doctor?

If any of these symptoms appear, immediately seek medical evaluation:

• Persistent or worsening pain/discomfort
• Significant swelling
• Persistent bleeding
• Yellow or green discharge
• Extreme redness that spreads beyond the treated area
• Fever.