Allergies, Cold Sores, Meds & PMU: A Pre-Procedure Checklist

Permanent makeup enhances natural beauty — but not every client can walk into an appointment without preparation. Certain medications, skin conditions, or allergies can affect how pigment heals or how safely the procedure can be performed. Understanding the right pre-procedure checklist helps ensure every PMU session is safe, smooth, and beautifully successful.

⚕️ Why Pre-Screening Matters

Your skin is the artist’s canvas. Medications, medical treatments, and sensitivities can change how the skin reacts to pigment or anesthetics. A professional PMU artist will always perform a thorough consultation to evaluate your health history and tailor the approach for your safety.

🧴 Common Allergies & Sensitivities

• Lidocaine / Topical anesthetics: Some clients may experience swelling or redness. Patch testing is recommended.

• Pigment ingredients: Reputable artists use high-quality, EU-approved or FDA-compliant pigments, but testing is still valuable for sensitive skin.

• Nickel or latex: Check tool materials and gloves if you have known allergies.

💋 Cold Sores and Lip Blushing

If you’re prone to cold sores, a PMU lip procedure can trigger an outbreak — even if you haven’t had one in years.

Preventive tip: Consult your physician for an antiviral prescription such as Valacyclovir or Acyclovir 2–3 days prior to your appointment. This helps minimize the risk of flare-ups and ensures even healing.

💊 Medications to Discuss with Your Artist

• Blood thinners / Aspirin / Ibuprofen: Can increase bleeding and affect pigment retention.

• Accutane or Retin-A: Wait at least 6–12 months after finishing Accutane before any PMU procedure.

• Corticosteroids / Antibiotics: May thin the skin and impact healing.

Always disclose current prescriptions and supplements — honesty ensures the best outcome.

🕊️ Skin Conditions & Contraindications

Avoid PMU during active acne, eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis flare-ups in the treatment area. These can compromise pigment retention and increase risk of irritation.

🌿 The Day-Before Checklist

✔ Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and heavy exercise.

✔ Stop taking fish oil or vitamin E (with your doctor’s approval).

✔ Hydrate well and arrive with clean, makeup-free skin.

✔ Get a good night’s rest — calm skin heals better!

Safety comes before beauty. With proper preparation and open communication, PMU can be a comfortable, safe experience with exceptional results. At Gorgeous Artistry Salon & Academy, we teach every student to approach PMU with knowledge, care, and professionalism — because great results begin long before the first stroke of pigment.