Microblading is a fantastic way to get beautifully sculpted yet natural-looking eyebrows that last. But when you have oily skin, you need to take some extra precautions.
First, it's important to understand that microblading is essentially a form of shallow tattooing. Standard microblading techniques may not work on your skin, and even brows that appear to turn out well at first may run or eventually appear smudged. Oily skin is also at higher risk of infection with any form of tattooing, including microblading.
How Do I Know if I Have Oily Skin?
Before you go exploring microblading alternatives or taking any extra steps, it's worth knowing whether or not you actually have oily skin i the first place. While there are many different sub-types of oily skin, it is generally characterized by a shiny complexion, visible pores, and higher levels of acne. Other indicators are the frequent need to wipe your face, makeup that runs or looks blurred, etc. Whereas some people complain about their skin feeling dry or flaky, your main issue is that you sometimes feel greasy.
If you're still unsure, a dermatologist or experienced aesthetician will be able to tell you. The good news? Oily skin has been shown to show signs of aging at a slower rate than other skin types. The bad news? Microblading is not going to be as straightforward a treatment as it is for others.
Shading vs. Traditional Microblading
When you have oily skin, traditional microblading is likely not going to last as long as it will on others. Furthermore, you risk getting a runny / smudged look that can be challenging to clean up. That said, a good alternative is shading or "microshading".
Rather than making full "hair" strokes along the brow, the technician shades in the brow area with soft pinpoint dots. Many people actually refer to shading as "the powder effect" because of the gentle appearance the fine dots create. And unlike microblading, shading is a lot more versatile. It can be used to create full-looking, bold brows, or it can be used for just a touch more definition. Many people opt for shading to achieve an elegant ombre look that fades across the brow line.
This technique is newer on the cosmetic front, but it is already proving to be popular among people of all skin types. Because it doesn't use the deeper, clear strokes of microblading, shading is particularly ideal for people with oily and sensitive skin.
Proper Aftercare for Oily Skin
Though oily skin will naturally take better to shading than microblading, it is still crucial to practice good aftercare for both treatments. Your technician will go into detail about everything you should do, but generally speaking, you should prevent your brows from getting wet for at least a week (a good rule of thumb is 10 days). You will also need to avoid using makeup on the area while it heals and ignore any urge to touch it. And especially with oily skin, make sure you are still cleaning carefully around (again, not on) the area to prevent any sweat or skin oils from running onto your brows. You may want to use some baby powder on your forehead during this time to help keep the area dry.
Keep in mind that you will probably need to return for a touch up. If you do notice any signs of infection (extremely rare), see your doctor.