Introduction
Getting permanent makeup—whether for brows, lips or eyeliner—is a smart investment in your look. But one of the most common issues clients face is premature fading or colour shifting. The culprit? Sunlight. UV rays don’t just impact your skin; they can degrade the pigment used in permanent makeup, leading to less vibrant results over time. In this blog, we’ll explore why sun exposure fades permanent makeup, what you can do to protect your investment, and long-term habits to keep your look fresh.
1. Why Sun Exposure Causes Fading
When you receive permanent makeup, pigment is deposited into the upper dermal layer of your skin. While the technique is different from traditional tattoos, many of the same vulnerabilities apply. For example:
-
UV rays break down pigment molecules. According to skin-clinic sources, “UV rays break down pigment molecules… the body’s immune system clears out the broken-down particles. This speeds up fading.”
- The face is especially vulnerable — many permanent makeup areas (brows, lips, eyeliner) sit in zones of frequent sun exposure. One article notes that untreated protection of these areas “will almost definitely result in dramatic fading of the pigmentation.”
- Color shifting: Over time, warm tones can turn ashy or faded, especially when pigments designed for brows or lips are exposed to strong UVA/UVB.
Thus, sun exposure is not just a cosmetic inconvenience—it genuinely impacts how long and how well your permanent makeup holds.
2. How to Protect Your Permanent Makeup From Sun Damage
Once you understand the “why”, here are actionable steps to protect your permanent makeup investment:
-
Use broad-spectrum sunscreen: After the treated area has healed, applying a mineral sunscreen (with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) is key. Sources recommend an SPF of 30 or higher for the treated zones.
- Physical barriers: Wear wide-brim hats, UV-blocking sunglasses, avoid sun exposure during peak hours (e.g., 10 am-4 pm) to reduce direct UV hits on treated areas.
- Avoid tanning beds & intense UV exposure: Tanning devices intensify UV exposure and accelerate pigment breakdown. One clinic warns they “can fade and distort colours much faster than natural sun”.
- Follow after-care instructions: In the initial healing period (first few weeks) your skin is especially vulnerable. Protecting the treated area from sun exposure during this time is critical for colour retention.
3. Long-Term Habits to Maintain Vibrant Results
Even if you protect the treated area after healing, maintaining vibrant results over years requires ongoing habits:
-
Daily sun protection: Even once healed, the pigment is still subject to UV wear. One blog states: “UV rays can cause pigments to fade prematurely, so always shield your treated areas with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.”
- Avoid harsh skin treatments around treated areas: Exfoliants, chemical peels, laser treatments, retinoids and other aggressive skin care can speed up pigment loss or fading.
- Schedule touch-ups: Recognise that fading is natural over time, especially with sun exposure. Even the best protected permanent makeup may require refreshers every 1-3 years depending on lifestyle, pigment quality and UV exposure.
Conclusion
Sun exposure may seem harmless—but for permanent makeup it’s one of the biggest threats to longevity and vibrancy. By understanding the effect of UV rays on pigments, actively using sun protection (sunscreen, hats, avoiding tanning beds) and adopting long-term protective habits, you can significantly extend how fresh and crisp your brows, lips or liner appear. Treat your permanent makeup as the investment it is—and protect it accordingly. With the right care, you’ll keep your look looking polished, crisp and beautiful for much longer.
