Position Statement Regarding
Semi-Permanent Makeup
It is the position of the
Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals that pigments (colorants) placed
into the dermis using needles are considered to be permanent. Results of
fading, color change or lack of color are expected and are the result of
factors such as skin variations, and sun fading. Improper application or
faulty equipment can also affect the length of time color appears in the
skin.
Permanent Cosmetics, Permanent Makeup, and Cosmetic
Tattooing are all terms used to correctly identify the process of implanting
pigments (inks) into the skin for cosmetic purposes. The term
“semi-permanent” is reserved for long-wear topically applied makeup and is
misleading to be associated with the tattoo industry. It implies mechanical
control of the length of time a pigment may remain in the skin. There are no
documented findings to suggest cosmetically tattooed skin can be reverted to
its previous unaltered state within a specified timeframe stated by the
technician or any other person.
Rationale:
Permanent cosmetics, when performed professionally with reputable
pigments/ink, is an act of tattooing and is performed with the clear
intention of the resulting implanted color to remain permanently.
Using
the name semi-permanent is a crutch for less than favorable results and may
also be considered an excuse for not properly explaining the nature of
tattooing to a client.
There is no debate that what we do is tattooing.
The accepted definition of a tattoo is a permanent mark or design made on
the skin by a process of pricking and ingraining an indelible pigment or by
raising scars. (Dictionary.com)
It is also common knowledge that many
tattoo pigment colors are highly resistant or impossible to remove even with
the most advanced laser techniques, so not only permanent, but also some may
be non-removable as well. (FDA Science Forum, 2006, Body Marking: Tattoos,
Permanent Make-up and Laser Removal.)
SPCP supplier members who
manufacture pigment and devices were contacted to provide information that
would support their pigments or devices as being able to provide
semi-permanent results. None responded with affirmation that this could
occur.
