Processes in the skin

As we already know PMU procedures are done within the skin, the top third of the Dermis. As its name says it is permanent, will last for about 1-3 years when it can be touched up or redone again depending on its condition. The condition and the long lasting effect of the PMU very much depends on the quality of the skin. In the previous chapters the skin types, issues and natural processes were discussed. During PMU the skin’s processes change a little bit.

1.Tiny holes in the skin

During PMU the skin gets red, dries out and starts to swell. The reason behind this is natural irritation for the contact with the PMU needle and pigments. As the PMU needle leaves tiny holes in the skin and opens it up, the skin’s natural reaction is drying out and turning red. This is the immune system’s reaction for unknown material in the skin.

2. Swelling and irritation

The PMU procedure is a trauma for the skin. As a reaction, the skin gets irritated, swelles, turns red and tissue liquid is being produced.

3. Tissue liquid and Lagerhans cells

This is how the immune system tries to get rid of the unknown material. Langerhans cells can be found in the spinous layer in the epidermis that detect the unknown material and start producing tissue liquid to protect the skin from bacteria, viruses and other substances by pushing them out with the liquid. For the skin, the pigments are also unknown material. This is also a reason why the pigments should be implanted in the dermis, so they are deeper and Langerhans cells cannot go that deep down.

4. Healing

Some parts of the pigments will still be pushed out during healing hence why the PMU looses 30% of its colour.

The Langenhans cells act differently in different skin types. There are many different skin types that affect the right technique of the PMU, the process of the procedure and the final result. The PMU Artist must consider what is the best technique before starting the procedure and also know the best products to calm and keep the skin elastic.

The swelling, redness and dryness on the skin is a normal reaction, however in very rare cases the skin can get an allergic reaction for the pigments.