6. The working area on Skin
Optimizing Needle Penetration Depth
Artists familiar with pigmenting other body areas often make the error of penetrating the lip skin too deeply. As previously discussed, the delicate nature of lip skin makes deep penetration risky, leading to unnecessary damage, swelling, and inconsistent results. The key is to employ a "hovering" and "floating" motion with the needle across the surface of the lip skin. The hand movements should be restrained, short, and gentle. Adopting a less-is-more strategy is especially beneficial when you're new to the procedure and gaining experience.
Benefits of Process Butter and Pigment Booster Balms
Many experienced PMU artists recommend using Process Butter and Pigment Booster Balms to improve the skin's texture and the pigment's retention. These products often contain nourishing ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, and various oils, which condition and soften the skin. A well-conditioned and softer skin surface enhances the needle's ease of movement during the pigmentation process.
By conditioning the skin, these products enable it to hold pigment more effectively and act as a protective barrier, reducing the risk of skin irritation and potential damage. This is especially crucial when working on sensitive areas like the lips. Process butter and pigment booster balms also decrease friction between the needle and the skin, facilitating a smoother pigmentation process. This is highly beneficial for minimizing the uncomfortable "dragging" sensation that can occur during some PMU procedures.
Many of these balms contain healing and anti-inflammatory ingredients such as Vitamin E or aloe. Some formulations even include elements that can control minor bleeding and swelling, enhancing the procedure's success and comfort levels.
Psychological Comfort and Placebo Effects
While these butters and balms aren't substitutes for proper numbing agents, they offer a mild soothing effect that improves the client's overall experience. Often, the mere application of these products triggers a placebo effect, leading clients to report reduced pain levels, even if there is no direct physiological reason for this. In essence, the comfort derived may be primarily psychological, but it contributes to a more pleasant procedure for the client.
Managing Bleeding Areas Effectively
Bleeding is sometimes an inevitable part of the procedure and can vary depending on individual factors, including a client's menstrual cycle. Novice artists often make the mistake of persisting on bleeding areas, which should be avoided. The area requires rest, and visibility is crucial for the artist. When blood, lymph, and other bodily fluids mix with the pigment, the work area becomes challenging to manage. Seasoned artists often refer to moving between bleeding and dry areas as "dancing." They mentally divide the lip surface into sectors and immediately switch to a dry, less irritated section if they notice excessive bleeding. This allows time for the problem area to recover before resuming work.
