It's important to be aware of the things we put inside our bodies, whether it's the food we eat, the drinks we consume, and the things we put on our skin. The same goes when it comes to micropigmentation aka semi-permanent makeup. 

Micropigmentation is the process of embedding specialized pigments between the epidermis and the dermis layer of the skin, with the use of microneedles and a smart device. This process is different from traditional “tattooing” methods, as the needles used are ultra-fine, the depth of pigment is lighter and causes significantly minimal pain, hence the name “semi-permanent makeup.”

Micropigmentation is a very safe procedure that is used to give people semi-permanent makeup for eyebrows, lips, eyeliner, etc, or for paramedical procedures such as covering scars, skin discoloration, and or bald spots on the scalp. However, though the procedure is very safe, it's still important to know about the pigments that your artist is using. Below is a breakdown of what you need to know about pigments, and why PMU* masters from around the globe are switching to Swiss Color.

Each pigment manufacturer has their own  patented version of pigments containing their own mix of organ or synthetic material that gives the pigment it’s color. However, there are factors that you should consider when choosing a brand of pigment, in order to make sure that they are safe to use. These key factors are 1. Whether or not they contain heavy metals, 2. The type of ingredients used, and 3. Accreditation or certification. 

A lot of common pigments contain too much heavy metals such as Iron Oxide , Nickel and other harmful chemicals. It is best to avoid pigments with heavy metals as you can never be sure how it will affect the body in the long term, once it enters the bloodstream. For example, there are cases in which people who’ve had micropigmentation with pigments that had iron oxide, had problems with MRI scans. They reported that there was a burning sensation in the area where the pigment was applied. This may be because of the iron oxide, reacting with the strong electromagnetic field created by the MRI scan.

When it comes to the type of ingredients, some would opt for organic, or plant-based pigments. However, this does come with its own risks. Though there is a lower risk of long-term negative effects because it's organic, this type of pigments have a higher chance of triggering an allergic reaction. It is hard to know what plants or organic material are used for each pigment, so it's difficult to know if there is an organic substance in the pigment that you are allergic to.

Manufacturing facilities also play a big role, as facilities should be  accredited and or certified by the local health authority. This will give you an extra-level of assurance that the pigment you are using is safe.

At the end of the day, it’s best to do your own research and understand the brand/type of pigments that go into your skin.  

Swiss Color pigments do not contain any iron oxide or any heavy metals. However, they also do not use pure organic material, because as mentioned above, pure organic pigments have a high risk of triggering allergic reactions. Swiss-Color pigments are made of their own patented “synthetic-organic” material, to avoid allergic reactions and to achieve the most optimal results. 

To ensure your utmost safety, the raw materials used for Swiss Color pigments are tested by independent accredited laboratories to make sure that there is no possibility of contamination. The high-purity raw materials used for Swiss Color pigments also goes through a production process that runs it through a vacuum and then sterilized with gamma rays, making it completely pure and safe.

Swiss Color pigments are manufactured in  Switzerland and are available in more than 55 countries worldwide. Aside from making premium quality pigments, they also provide basic semi-permanent makeup training, advanced permanent makeup training, paramedical micropigmentation and more. If you are interested in taking up a  permanent makeup course with Swiss Color in your region, it is best to go to a certified academy or salon with Swiss Color Instructor, Swiss Color Master Trainer or Swiss Color Trainer.

*PMU stands for Permanent MakeUp.