Retinol Before Microblading & Permanent Makeup: Timeline of When to Stop and Restart
Retinol Is Great for Skin — But Here's Why You Should Pause It Before Doing Microblading & Permanent Makeup
A science-backed guide for microblading, nano/hybrid/powder brows, eyeliner, and lip blushing
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When to Stop & Restart Retinol
Stop retinol and prescription retinoids 2–4 weeks before microblading or permanent makeup and avoid restarting until the area is fully healed (usually 2–4 weeks after).
This will reduce bleeding and irritation, and it will help pigment heal more evenly and last longer.
Why Retinol Impacts Microblading & Permanent Makeup
Retinol is one of the most effective skincare ingredients available. Dermatologists recommend it for acne, texture, fine lines, and overall skin quality—and when used correctly, it delivers real results.
But if you're planning microblading or permanent makeup—whether that's nano brows, powder brows, permanent eyeliner, or lip blushing—there's one important consideration:
Retinol is excellent for skin. It just shouldn't be used right before your appointment.
At Le Kitsuné, one of the most common reasons we see increased bleeding, weak pigment retention, and uneven healed results is that clients unknowingly used retinoids or strong exfoliants too close to their procedure.
Microblading and permanent makeup are controlled cosmetic tattoos. During the procedure, tiny channels are created in the skin and pigment is deposited into the upper dermis. Your skin then heals around that pigment to lock it in place.
If the skin barrier is compromised—fragile, inflamed, or turning over too rapidly—pigment will heal lighter than expected, appear uneven or patchy, or fade sooner than it should.
Why People Love Retinol (And Why That's Completely Valid)
Retinoids—including over-the-counter retinol and prescription tretinoin—are widely used for acne control, smoother texture, fine line reduction, and pigmentation improvement. They work by influencing how skin cells grow and renew.
Retinol delivers. We're not suggesting otherwise.
We're not anti-retinol. We're pro-results. And when it comes to microblading and permanent makeup, timing is everything.
What Retinol Does to Skin (The Chain Reaction)
Retinoids don't simply exfoliate the surface. They influence how skin cells behave at a deeper level—and that's precisely why they're so effective for long-term skin health.
Here's what that means for microblading and permanent makeup:
1) Accelerated cell turnover
Skin sheds and replaces cells more quickly than normal.
2) A thinner, less stable surface layer
The outer barrier becomes more delicate and less cohesive.
3) Increased sensitivity and inflammation potential
Skin becomes more reactive to any form of trauma.
When microblading or permanent makeup is performed on skin in this state, the skin is more likely to bleed, swell, and push pigment back out before healing completes properly.
How Retinol Can Compromise Your Microblading & PMU Results
1) Increased bleeding during the procedure
Blood and lymphatic fluid dilute the pigment and interfere with precise placement.
2) Lighter or uneven healed color
Pigment doesn't fully settle before the skin sheds it away.
3) Faster fading over time
Retinoids used too close to treatment—or applied directly over healed microblading—will shorten pigment longevity.
If you've had microblading or permanent makeup that healed patchy or faded faster than expected, retinoid use is one of the most common causes.
Other Exfoliants to Pause (AHAs, BHAs & More)
Chemical exfoliants—glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid (AHAs), and salicylic acid (BHA)—work differently than retinol. But they can still increase sensitivity and promote peeling during the healing window.
These should also be paused before your microblading or permanent makeup appointment and avoided until the treated area has fully healed.
When to Pause Retinol (Le Kitsuné Standard)
Stop BEFORE your microblading or permanent makeup appointment:
| Product Type | When to Stop |
|---|---|
| Retinol / Prescription Retinoids | 2–4 weeks before |
| Exfoliants (AHAs / BHAs) | 7–14 days before |
| Chemical Peels / Resurfacing | Follow provider guidance (often longer) |
When to restart AFTER your appointment:
Do not restart actives on or near the treated area until it has fully healed—typically 2–4 weeks.
For long-term results: Avoid applying retinoids directly over microbladed or tattooed areas if you want to maximize pigment longevity.
Can I Take a Retinol Break? Will My Skin Suffer?
For most people, no.
A short break will not undo years of progress or trigger sudden aging. The benefits of retinol are cumulative and long-term. A brief pause protects your microblading or permanent makeup investment without compromising your skin.
Dermatologist-recommended alternatives during your break:
Service-Specific Considerations by Treatment Area
While the core advice applies to all permanent makeup procedures, each treatment area has its own sensitivities. Here's what to know:
Eyebrows
The brow area is where most retinol and anti-aging products are applied. Actives used near the brows will thin the skin, increase bleeding during your procedure, and accelerate pigment fading over time. Stop all retinoids in the forehead and brow zone 2–4 weeks before.
Explore Brow ServicesEyeliner
Eyelid skin is the thinnest on the face and highly reactive to active ingredients. Even products marketed as "eye creams" can contain retinol. Check your eye area products and pause any actives to reduce swelling, irritation, and uneven pigment retention.
Explore Eyeliner ServicesLip Blush
Lip tissue is delicate and doesn't tolerate irritation well. Exfoliating lip treatments, retinol applied near the mouth, and even certain lip balms with AHAs can compromise your results. Keep the lip area gentle and hydrated in the weeks before your appointment.
Explore Lip ServicesThe Goal: Beautiful Results That Last
Microblading and permanent makeup are an investment. The best way to protect that investment is to arrive with a calm, intact skin barrier and a routine that supports controlled healing.
Ready for a Plan That Fits Your Skin?
If you're unsure what products you're using or how to time your routine around brows, eyeliner, or lips, a consultation will make it simple.
Common active ingredients to check for:
Retinol, Retinal, Tretinoin, Adapalene, Glycolic, Lactic, Salicylic