Allergy Patch Testing for Permanent Makeup

It is said that ignorance is bliss, but this doesn’t always stand true, especially when it comes to trying out cosmetic procedures for the first time. We all have experienced skin allergies and irritations at some point in our lives. However, an allergic reaction caused by a permanent makeup procedure can be a lot more troublesome and painful because it kills the whole purpose of the treatment: to look beautiful.

Getting permanent makeup or cosmetic tattoos entails application of inks and pigments, much like getting a tattoo anywhere else on your body. Even though the pigments used and the procedure of micropigmentation is safe, each person responds differently to these pigments. The mishaps may be rare but they do occur. Going in blind for cosmetic tattooing can be quite similar to going on a blind date: either it will be great or will be a total disaster. So, can you end this uncertainty? Luckily, yes! Dermatologists and professional permanent makeup artists collectively suggest the Skin Patch Test for checking for any possible allergic reactions.

What Is A Patch Test?

A Patch Test is a precautionary procedure which is performed to determine the reaction of your skin when a certain substance comes in contact with it. Your skin can show an allergic reaction such as inflammation, redness, itchiness, blisters, or a rash. This is called contact dermatitis. A patch test is a safety procedure to ensure that a person is not allergic to any of the pigments or makeup products used. Additionally, it also helps the artist and the client to choose a color or a combination of colors that would produce the best results.

Why Is A Patch Test Important?

While some permanent makeup artists skip this important step, the importance of a patch test cannot be overemphasized. Imagine getting your eyebrows micro-bladed or your lips colored permanently only to develop scabs, irritation, and swelling later on. Not only will this ruin the appearance of your face but it’ll be a sad waste of the artist’s efforts and your hard-earned money.

It is a makeup artist’s ultimate responsibility to ensure that the client gets the desired results healthily and without complications. The makeup artist performs the patch test to check anesthetic and pigments to be injected. Also, it must be remembered that the makeup is “permanent”. Even though the pigments fade out, they do not leave the skin completely for a long time. This necessitates the patch test, as it can save you from getting stuck with irritated, swelled-up, uncomfortable, and nasty-looking permanent makeup.

A patch test does not just protect against the temporary mishaps caused by permanent makeup. Sometimes, the allergies can be very severe and may last a lifetime. We are sure nobody would want to regret all his life by missing a simple test. After all, it’s a huge price to pay for wishing to be beautiful.

It’s important to note that even if you’ve been patch tested for your earlier procedures, you must get the patch test performed again when planning to get new permanent makeup. Your skin can react differently to different products at different times. Precaution is better than cure!

How And When To Do The Patch Test?

A patch test is performed at least 12 hours before the microblading or micropigmentation procedure. It is best to carry out the test during the initial consultation meeting with your makeup artist. Some makeup artists also send out patch test kits to their clients before calling them for a meeting. The kits come with clear instructions and the client can perform the test themselves. However, if you are not confident to do it on your own, the artist will most definitely perform it while you discuss your options and requirements. This can save valuable time that might otherwise go in vain if the results are negative.

A professional artist will use a sterile needle, pigments, anesthetics, and an antibiotic ointment.  The test will be performed in an inconspicuous area, such as the back of the ear, scalp, or toes. Two patch tests are conducted simultaneously: a color patch and an anesthetic patch.

The color or pigment patch test will be performed by using pigments that you have mutually chosen for the procedure or a combination thereof. The artist will prick the skin with the needle and apply the pigment to it. The area will be checked for any possible reactions after one to two days. It would be best to schedule the appointment a week later just to be absolutely sure.

For the anesthetic patch test, the skin will be pricked once again on an area other than where the color patch test was done and several drops of anesthetic will be applied on it. Both the patch test sites will be coated with the antibiotic ointment to accelerate healing.

How to Deduce the Results of a Patch Test?

In case of a patch test, no news is good news! If your skin shows no reactions, you are good to go and can reap the benefits of the cosmetic marvels of permanent makeup treatments. However, if your skin shows any allergic reaction, the test is negative and it is not safe to get any cosmetic tattoos. The signs of a negative patch test may include:

• Redness or itching
• Inflammation or more than normal swelling
• Irritation or rashes
• Sore or painful blisters
• Lumps or bumps

What Can Go Wrong If A Patch Test Isn’t Done?

Plenty can go wrong if a patch test is missed. Not only will it cause short-term and long-term discomfort and distress, but it can also become a life-long regret; after all, permanent makeup removal isn’t a piece of cake. You can always opt for a laser treatment but it would take multiple sessions and won’t still guarantee a 100% pigment-free facial feature.

At Simply Beauty, patch tests are an integral part of the initial appointments and pre-procedure routine. This makes the entire process of microblading and micropigmentation safer and helps us give superior-quality results. Remember, if the makeup artist doesn’t mention a patch test, you should ask for one!