Are permanent cosmetics really permanent?

Technically, they are considered permanent because the pigment cannot be washed off. However, fading can and does occur and could require a periodic color re-enhancement anywhere from 1 to 10 years.

A variety of factors influence the longevity of Permanent Cosmetics. Ultra-violet exposure from sun or tanning booths, various drugs and excessively dry skin are all factors that may affect all permanent cosmetics.

Alpha- hydroxy, Retin-A, and glycolic acid must be kept away from treated areas. These substances slough away top layers of the skin and eventually the layer of skin that the pigment has been implanted into. I recommend sun block on eyebrows, sunglasses for eyeliner, and SPF on lips to greatly prolong the effective life of these procedures.