Cosmetic tattoos have become a popular option for enhancing natural beauty, offering semi-permanent solutions for eyebrows, eyeliner, lips, and even freckles. However, like any beauty treatment, there’s more to consider beyond the initial result.
From pigment quality to lifestyle habits, several factors influence how long your cosmetic tattoo will last and what you can do to keep it looking fresh for as long as possible. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the fading process and tips for prolonging the life of your cosmetic tattoo.
Let’s get straight to the point
Cosmetic tattoos, such as those on eyebrows, eyeliner, lips, and freckles, gradually fade over time due to factors like pigment type, skin type, sun exposure, and skincare routines. While tattoos typically last 1 to 5 years, depending on the area, sun protection, avoiding harsh skincare products, and regular touch-ups can prolong their vibrancy.
Tattoos fade because of pigment breakdown, skin regeneration, and colour shifts, but proper care helps maintain their look. Regular maintenance and touch-ups are key to keeping them fresh and beautiful.
Factors That Contribute To Cosmetic Tattoo Fading
1. Pigment Type And Quality
The type and quality of the pigment used in cosmetic tattooing play a significant role in how quickly the tattoo fades. Unlike body tattoos, which use permanent ink, cosmetic tattoos use pigments designed to be more delicate and to gradually fade over time.
- Inorganic Pigments (Iron Oxides): These pigments are more stable and longer-lasting, making them a common choice in cosmetic tattooing.
- Organic Pigments (Lakes): These fade faster than inorganic pigments but are often used for certain colours or effects.
The quality of the pigment can also affect the longevity of the tattoo. Higher-quality pigments are less likely to fade quickly, while lower-quality pigments may lose their vibrancy within a shorter period.
2. Skin Type And Condition
Skin type is another key factor in how quickly a cosmetic tattoo fades. Different skin types hold pigments differently, meaning that the tattoo may last longer or fade faster depending on the individual’s skin.
- Oily Skin: People with oily skin often experience faster fading because the oil in their skin breaks down the pigment more quickly. Additionally, oilier skin can cause the tattoo to blur over time.
- Dry Skin: Tattoos tend to last longer on dry skin, as the pigment remains more stable.
- Mature or Thin Skin: Tattoos on older or thinner skin may fade faster due to the reduced collagen production and slower skin regeneration.
3. Sun Exposure
Exposure to sunlight is one of the leading causes of tattoo fading. UV rays break down the pigments used in cosmetic tattoos, causing them to lose their colour over time.
- Direct sun exposure accelerates fading, especially on areas of the face like the eyebrows or lips, which are frequently exposed.
- Wearing sunscreen or protective clothing can help preserve the tattoo’s colour for a longer period.
4. Skincare Routine
Your skincare routine can also have a big impact on how quickly your cosmetic tattoo fades. Using products that contain harsh chemicals or exfoliants can break down the pigment in your tattoo.
- Exfoliating Products: Retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are commonly found in skincare products and can speed up the fading process by removing the outer layer of skin where the pigment resides.
- Facial Treatments: Procedures such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or laser treatments can also cause the tattoo to fade faster.
5. Lifestyle Factors
Certain lifestyle choices and environmental factors can contribute to the fading of your cosmetic tattoo. These include:
- Frequent Swimming: Chlorine in pools or saltwater from the ocean can cause the pigments to fade.
- Sweating: Excessive sweating, especially from regular exercise, can break down the pigment faster.
- Exposure to Harsh Environments: Extreme weather conditions, like excessive heat or cold, may impact the longevity of your tattoo.
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Why Does Cosmetic Tattoo Lose Its Colour?
Even though cosmetic tattoos are designed to be long-lasting, they are not permanent. There are several reasons why the colour fades over time.
1. Pigment Absorption
The body’s immune system naturally breaks down foreign substances, including the pigments used in tattoos. Over time, the body absorbs the pigment, causing it to fade.
- Iron Deficiency: Individuals with iron deficiencies may notice their cosmetic tattoos fading faster because their body absorbs more of the iron oxide pigments used in the tattoo.
2. Skin Regeneration
The skin regenerates approximately every 28 to 40 days. Since the pigments are implanted in the dermis, the deeper layer of the skin, the continuous regeneration of skin cells can gradually cause the tattoo to fade.
- Faster Regeneration: Those with faster skin cell turnover may experience quicker fading of their cosmetic tattoos.
3. Colour Shifts
As cosmetic tattoo pigments are composed of different hues, they may change colour over time. For example, brown pigments are a mix of red, blue, and yellow. As the tattoo fades, it’s not uncommon for it to take on a red or blue tint. This can be corrected with colour-correcting touch-ups if needed.
How To Prevent Cosmetic Tattoo Fading?
Although some degree of fading is inevitable, there are several steps you can take to slow down the fading process and prolong the life of your cosmetic tattoo.
1. Sun Protection
Protecting your skin from the sun is one of the most important ways to maintain your tattoo’s vibrancy.
- Use Sunscreen: Always apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 on the tattooed area, especially if it’s on your face.
- Wear a Hat: Consider wearing a hat or staying in the shade when spending long periods outside.
2. Gentle Skincare Routine
Be mindful of the products you use in your skincare routine to avoid prematurely fading your cosmetic tattoo.
- Avoid Harsh Exfoliants: Steer clear of products that contain retinoids, AHAs, and BHAs in areas where your tattoo is applied.
- Moisturise: Keeping the skin hydrated can help maintain the tattoo’s appearance.
3. Touch-Up Treatments
Most cosmetic tattoos will require touch-ups to maintain their colour and shape. It’s normal for a tattoo to lose its vibrancy over time, but regular touch-ups can keep it looking fresh.
- Schedule Touch-Ups: Depending on the type of cosmetic tattoo, you may need to schedule touch-up treatments every 1 to 3 years.
- Wait Until 50% Fading: It’s generally recommended to wait until the tattoo has faded by at least 50% before getting a touch-up to avoid over-processing the skin.
Conclusion
Cosmetic tattoos offer a convenient and long-lasting way to enhance your natural features, but it’s essential to understand that they are not truly permanent. Factors like pigment quality, skin type, sun exposure, skincare routines, and lifestyle choices all play a role in how quickly these tattoos fade.
While some degree of fading is inevitable, there are many ways to prolong the vibrancy of your cosmetic tattoo, from sun protection to gentle skincare practices and regular touch-ups. By following these tips, you can enjoy your cosmetic tattoo for as long as possible, ensuring that it remains fresh and beautiful for years to come.
Keep in mind that each person’s experience with cosmetic tattoos is unique, so being proactive about maintenance will help you achieve the best results.
FAQs About Eyebrow Tattoo That Last
Will My Eyebrow Tattoos Fade?
Eyebrow tattoos are permanent. Once the ink is tattooed onto the skin it is there for life (although undesirable fading of the ink as mentioned above is possible). Once you have an eyebrow tattoo, it’s forever unless removed via tattoo removal treatments.
How Long Does Permanent Eyebrow Tattoo Last?
Microblading eyebrows lasts 1 to 2 years. Eyebrow tattoos last forever. Regular eyebrow tattoos last a lifetime, but with microblading, ink is not placed as deep underneath the skin.
Do Tattooed Eyebrows Look Natural?
No Eyebrow Tattoo Will Ever Look ‘Natural’. Due to changes being made to your brows, any form of tattooing will never look ‘natural’. As microblading blurs over time and can be more traumatic to skin, I chose to specialise in the powder/ombre technique.
Which Is Better Microblading Or Permanent Makeup?
Permanent makeup using a machine will produce longer lasting results than microblading. The pigment is deposited in the dermal layer of the skin about the depth of a dime. It’s a very important factor to know exactly where you are placing the pigment so you retain those crisp hair strokes.
What Is The Newest Technique For Eyebrows?
While microblading was arguably one of the most popular beauty trends of 2018, a new brow technique is ready to replace it. But what is nanoblading? Just like microblading, nanoblading is a semi-permanent brow treatment that uses a combination of fine needles and pigment to create realistic-looking hair strokes.