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Can You Laminate Your Brows with Retinol in Your Skincare Routine?

Picture of Jessica Buff
Jessica Buff

CEO/Founder Of Bela Beauty College

TLDR;

No, it’s not safe to laminate your brows while using retinol in your skincare routine. Retinol makes your skin more sensitive, which can lead to irritation, redness, or even chemical burns when combined with the chemicals used in brow lamination. For best results, stop using retinol at least 5–7 days before and after your brow lamination treatment.

What Is Brow Lamination?

Can You Laminate Your Brows with Retinol in Your Skincare Routine?

Brow lamination is a non-invasive beauty treatment designed to give eyebrows a fuller, more defined appearance. Many people ask, “What is brow lamination & when is the best time to get it?” Simply put, brow lamination—also known as an “eyebrow perm” or “brow lift”—is ideal when your brows feel unruly, sparse, or hard to manage, especially before a special event or seasonal change when you want a polished, low-maintenance look.

  • Also known as an “eyebrow perm” or “brow lift”

     

  • It involves applying a chemical solution to restructure and set brow hairs in place

     

  • The result? Fluffy, lifted brows that stay in shape for 4 to 6 weeks

     

This treatment is ideal for those with sparse, uneven, or unruly brows who want a more polished, symmetrical look without daily styling.

At Bela Beauty College, we train our students and clients to approach brow lamination with care—especially when other active skincare products, like retinol, are in play.

What Is Retinol and How Does It Work?

What Is Retinol and How Does It Work?

Retinol is a powerhouse skincare ingredient derived from vitamin A.

  • Boosts cell turnover and stimulates collagen production

  • Fights fine lines, acne, and uneven skin tone

  • Commonly found in anti-aging and resurfacing products

However, with great power comes great responsibility—retinol can cause dryness, redness, and increased sensitivity, especially when introduced too quickly or used improperly.

This is why understanding its role in your skincare routine is crucial when planning a brow lamination treatment.

Can Retinol Affect Brow Lamination Results?

Yes, it absolutely can—and not in a good way.

Here’s how retinol interferes:

  • Skin Sensitivity: Retinol thins the top layer of skin, making it more prone to irritation.

  • Chemical Interaction: The chemicals used in lamination can penetrate deeper and cause more harm.

  • Risk of Burns or Peeling: Clients have experienced chemical burns when lamination was done on retinol-exposed skin.

If your brow area is even slightly irritated, lamination should be postponed. The risks outweigh the benefits.

Preparing for Brow Lamination While on Retinol

How Long Before Should You Stop Using Retinol?

This is where most competitor blogs drop the ball—they say stop but don’t tell you when.

  • Minimum window: 5–7 days before lamination

  • Ideal for sensitive skin: 10–14 days if you’re prone to redness or irritation

Retinol stays active in your skin and continues affecting your barrier even after you stop applying it. So buffer time is essential.

Alternative Skincare Products to Use

During the retinol break, your skin still needs care.

Opt for gentler ingredients such as:

  • Hyaluronic acid – boosts hydration

  • Niacinamide – supports barrier repair without irritation

  • Ceramides – replenish the skin’s natural lipids

  • Aloe vera or calendula – soothe and calm inflammation

Avoid chemical exfoliants (AHAs/BHAs), peels, or anything abrasive.

Reintroducing Retinol After Brow Lamination

When Is It Safe to Resume Retinol?

Once the lamination process is complete, your brows—and the skin beneath—need time to recover.

  • Wait at least 5 days after your appointment before resuming retinol

  • For sensitive skin types, wait up to 7–10 days

Why? The chemical process disrupts the skin barrier. Retinol applied too soon could intensify dryness, cause flaking, or trigger inflammation.

Monitoring Skin’s Reaction

Watch for signs like:

  • Redness or warmth in the brow area

  • Flakiness or unusual dryness

  • Itching or stinging when applying products

If any of these appear, discontinue retinol and consult your esthetician or dermatologist.

Eyebrow Lamination Safety and Sensitive Skin Considerations

Eyebrow Lamination Safety and Sensitive Skin Considerations

If you’re actively using retinol or have recently started, you’re at higher risk during brow lamination.

To reduce your risk:

  • Always do a patch test 24–48 hours before your brow lamination appointment

  • Inform your brow technician about any active ingredients in your skincare routine

  • Avoid waxing, threading, or tinting brows within 72 hours of lamination

People with the following should be especially cautious:

  • Rosacea

  • Eczema

  • Recent sunburn

  • Chemical peels or laser treatments within the past 2 weeks

At Bela Beauty College, we always perform a thorough skin consultation before proceeding with chemical brow services.

What Do Dermatologists and Estheticians Say?

Many skin professionals agree: combining retinol and brow lamination without proper timing is a recipe for disaster.

Expert consensus includes:

  • Dr. Shereene Idriss, NYC dermatologist: “Retinol increases your risk of barrier disruption—wait a week before and after any chemical facial treatment.”

  • Julie Ruiz, esthetician & brow specialist: “You wouldn’t laminate a brow right after waxing, so why do it with a chemical exfoliant like retinol on board?”

Bela Beauty College’s lead instructors echo this sentiment and teach all aspiring brow professionals to prioritise safety over aesthetics.

Timeline for Safe Retinol Use Around Brow Lamination

Here’s a visual reference you can follow to help plan your treatments:

Timeline

Action

Day -14 to -7

Stop using retinol (especially if you have sensitive skin)

Day -7 to -1

Use calming skincare only (hyaluronic acid, niacinamide)

Day 0

Brow lamination appointment

Day 1–4

No retinol or exfoliants, focus on hydration

Day 5–7

Gradually reintroduce retinol if no irritation

Day 7+

Resume normal skincare routine if skin is stable

How to Prepare for Brow Lamination While Using Retinol

If you’re mid-routine with retinol, here’s how to pivot without losing progress:

  • Plan ahead: Book your lamination at least 1–2 weeks after your last retinol use

     

  • Hydrate and heal: Support your barrier with ceramides and gentle moisturisers

     

  • Communicate: Tell your technician everything you’ve applied to your skin in the past week

     

Think of your skin as a canvas—brow lamination works best on a smooth, calm surface.

Common Questions Clients Ask at Bela Beauty College

Can I just skip applying retinol on the brow area?

Even if you avoid the brow directly, retinol migrates. It’s not enough to avoid the area—you must stop using it altogether temporarily.

What if I’ve been using retinol for years? My skin is used to it.

Skin acclimation lowers sensitivity, but it doesn’t eliminate it. Every chemical treatment is still a risk if your barrier is compromised.

Can I use a milder retinoid instead?

Even gentler forms (retinyl palmitate, retinaldehyde) require caution. These still affect the skin's sensitivity, especially near delicate brow areas.

Safe Skincare Practices Post Brow Lamination

After lamination, prioritise recovery. Here’s what your post-treatment skincare should look like:

  • Avoid water or steam on brows for the first 24 hours

  • No exfoliants or active ingredients for 5 days (including vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs)

  • Use a nourishing brow serum to condition hair and skin

  • Stick with fragrance-free products to prevent irritation

When in doubt, less is more. Heal first, glow later.

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