Busting Beauty Myths: Mature Skin - Breaking the Cycle of Misinformation in the Permanent Makeup Industry

By Theresa G., CPCP, Licensed Esthetician & Permanent Makeup Artist

Let’s face it: the permanent makeup industry has a serious game of telephone going on. One artist says something questionable in a training, the next one repeats it in a workshop, and before you know it, a half-truth has been passed down like a family recipe no one ever bothered to write down correctly.

The result? A whole lot of confusion, mixed messages, and questionable advice floating around the industry — all disguised as “expert knowledge.”

It’s time to break the cycle.

The Real Culprit: When “Training” Becomes Storytelling

Here’s the hard truth — much of our industry’s education has been built on repetition, not regulation. Many new artists are learning from trainers who were never properly taught themselves. And because permanent makeup isn’t consistently regulated from state to state (looking at you, Arizona 👀), misinformation spreads faster than a pigment blowout.

In many states, there are zero licensing requirements. That’s right — you could theoretically go from watching TikTok tutorials to tattooing faces by the weekend. Scary, right? Welcome to Arizona!

Even where there are rules, they’re often minimal. Artists are left to piece together their own understanding of skin anatomy, pigment chemistry, and wound healing — sometimes from social media posts or sketchy online courses. That’s like learning brain surgery from YouTube and hoping for the best.

Without real knowledge of how the skin works, even well-intentioned artists can make big mistakes — from choosing the wrong pigment depth to recommending procedures that aren’t right for the client’s skin type.

My Story: Where Science Meets the Art of Brows

Now, let me be clear — I’m not here to throw shade at the entire industry (well, maybe just a soft ombré of shade).

I came into permanent makeup from a background rooted in science and skin health. As a licensed esthetician and former medical assistant, I’ve spent years studying how the skin behaves, heals, and reacts. That foundation gives me the perspective to approach permanent makeup as more than just an art form — it’s applied dermatology with a creative twist. I understand my canvas.

Each client’s skin tells a story, and my job is to listen to it before I ever pick up a machine.

And because science doesn’t stand still, neither should artists. I’m a huge believer in continuing education — staying up to date with new technology, research, and best practices. In this business, lifelong learning isn’t optional; it’s an ethical obligation. That is why I am board certified by the SPCP.

The “Permanent” in Permanent Makeup (Yes, It’s a Tattoo)

Okay, let’s clear up one of the most common myths once and for all:

Permanent makeup is a tattoo. NO SUCH THING AS SEMI-PERMANENT!

No matter what trendy name it’s given — micropigmentation, cosmetic tattooing, nano brows, microblading — if pigment is implanted under the skin, congratulations, you’ve got a tattoo.

There’s no such thing as “semi-permanent makeup.” That term was invented by marketing teams, not medical professionals. The only “semi” part is how it looks over time, because pigments naturally fade or soften. But make no mistake — those color particles are in your skin for good.

The “Mature Skin Myth” — and Why It Needs to Retire

Here’s one that makes my eyebrow twitch: the idea that mature women “aren’t good candidates” for hairstroke or nano brow techniques.

I can’t tell you how many women over 50 come to me heartbroken because another technician told them, “You can’t get microblading or nano brows — your only option is powder brows.”

Why? Because powder brows are the easiest to do. They’re quick, forgiving, and widely taught in beginner classes. Nothing wrong with them — they can be gorgeous! But when a technician only offers powder brows and insists it’s the “only safe choice,” that’s usually a red flag for limited training, not a legitimate skin concern.

Hairstroke techniques (microblading, manual SofTap or nano) take more precision, more patience, and a much deeper understanding of the skin. And unfortunately, not every artist is willing to put in the work to master them.

Nano Brows: Gentle, Sophisticated, and Totally Underrated

Here’s the inside scoop: nano brows are created with a digital permanent makeup machine, not a blade. That means less trauma, more control, and better outcomes — especially for mature or sensitive skin.

When performed by a skilled artist, nano techniques can mimic realistic hair strokes while being far gentler than traditional microblading. They also age beautifully, fading softly and evenly rather than blurring or discoloring over time.

So no, mature skin doesn’t automatically mean “powder only.” It means your artist needs to understand how to adapt techniques to your unique skin — not take the easy route.

Skin Age ≠ Client Age

Here’s the secret the industry often forgets: chronological age and skin age are not the same thing.

I’ve met 70-year-olds with skin tougher and healthier than a 25-year-old’s, and 20-somethings with paper-thin, over-exfoliated skin that can’t handle much of anything.

Hormones, medication, lifestyle, and sun exposure all affect the skin’s strength and healing ability. So while it’s true that cell turnover slows with age (about 28 days when you’re young, up to 50 days as you get older), every face tells a different story.

That’s why every consultation should begin with assessment — not assumption.

The Heart of the Problem: A Lack of Skin Science & Education

Too many PMU artists simply don’t have enough education in skin anatomy and physiology. They may be great at drawing brows, but without understanding the canvas (aka, your skin), it’s like painting in the dark.

If you’ve ever been told you’re “too old for microblading,” chances are it’s not your skin that’s the problem — it’s the artist’s training.

A true professional doesn’t just say “no.” They explain why, offer alternatives, and back it up with science, not fear.

The Takeaway: Your Face Deserves More Than a Shortcut

Permanent makeup isn’t a one-size-fits-all service, especially for mature women. It’s a collaboration between art and biology, guided by experience and integrity.

If you’ve been told you’re “not a candidate” or “too old” for a certain technique, don’t settle. Find an artist who understands the science of skin and takes the time to customize the process for you.

Because your face? It deserves better than someone repeating something they once heard in a weekend class.

It deserves an artist who knows what they’re doing — and why.