Getting a tattoo is no small commitment. You put a lot of time, money, and thought into the artwork that will permanently adorn your body. It’s understandable that many people worry about the pain associated with getting inked.
I’m going to share the answer to does numbing cream work for tattoos? Is numbing cream effective in reducing discomfort and pain when getting a new tattoo?
What Exactly Is A Numbing Cream?
A numbing cream is a topical anesthetic used to temporarily numb the skin. It works by blocking nerve signals from the area and decreasing pain, itching, and sensitivity.
Numbing creams usually contain lidocaine or prilocaine as active ingredients that help to change the way nerves process sensation on the skin’s surface.
These creams are most often used for cosmetic procedures such as tattooing, piercings, waxing, laser hair removal, tattoo removal, electrolysis and microneedling. They can also be applied before injections to reduce discomfort associated with it.
Numbing creams are available over-the-counter or through a prescription, depending on the type of procedure being done. The amount of time that it takes for numbness to take effect varies from person to person, but usually ranges from 15 minutes up to 45 minutes, depending on what type of numbing cream is being used.
When using these creams, always remember:
- Do not apply too much cream, which may cause irritation or burning.
- Never exceed recommended use instructions.
- Ensure you cleanse your skin before application.
- Cover the treated area with plastic wrap; and finally,
- Make sure you wash off any remaining residue after the treatment is complete / finished.
When Can A Numbing Cream Be Used?
Numbing cream is a topical anesthetic that numbs localized areas of the skin when applied. The active ingredient in numbing creams is usually lidocaine or prilocaine, both of which are local anesthetics.
Numbing cream works to reduce pain and discomfort from medical procedures, injections, tattoos and waxing by temporarily blocking nerve signals from the affected area.
By preventing the transmission of these signals, it prevents your body from registering any pain or other sensations at the site of application.
It can also be used for minor medical conditions that cause painful skin irritation, such as sunburns or insect bites. Additionally, it can help with muscle aches and pains caused by exercise or injury.
The numbing agents in numbing cream can also provide relief during post-operative procedures such as laser hair removal, where there may be soreness during recovery at the treatment site.
These creams should only be used under medical supervision due to potential side effects including headaches and nausea if used on large areas of skin.
How Long Does A Numbing Cream Numb The Skin For?
Numbing cream is a topical anesthetic that uses active ingredients to disrupt the nerve’s ability to transmit signals. It contains high concentrations of specific ingredients, such as lidocaine and benzocaine, which can help numb sensitive areas of your skin on contact.
Depending on what numbing cream you’re using, it can work quickly within five minutes or could take up to 30 minutes. The numbing effect varies based on individual sensitivity and also depends on how strong the numbing agent is, within your numbing cream.
An average person will feel loss of sensation for around two hours after applying it. If you have a higher pain tolerance, then you might not feel its effects for as long, and will require more applications in order for it to really take hold.
Whereas, if you have sensitive skin, one application may be enough to last several hours. As with any skincare product, it’s important to read the label before using so that you’re aware of any active ingredients and follow all safety precautions stated by the manufacturer accordingly.
Does Numbing Cream Work For Tattoos?
Whether numbing cream works for tattoos is one that has been asked for generations. The tattooing process can be quite painful, and many people are looking for ways to minimize the pain associated with it.
Numbing cream is a topical anesthetic that is applied directly to the area being tattooed before starting the process to block or reduce the sensation of pain.
Numbing creams contain active ingredients such as lidocaine, prilocaine, tetracaine and benzocaine, which are all effective at blocking pain signals from being sent to the brain by blocking certain nerve fibers.
It typically takes about 45 minutes for these agents to begin working once they are applied topically, so it will need to be applied well in advance of beginning the tattoo process.
Once these numbing agents take effect, they usually last up to two hours, but could last longer depending on where they were applied and how concentrated they were when initially used.
Although numbing creams can provide some relief during the tattooing process, not everyone may find them completely effective due to individual differences in response and tolerability.
Some people may still experience discomfort even after applying a numbing cream, or have an allergic reaction due to sensitivity or allergies towards one or more of its components.
If too much anesthetic cream is used or if it’s left on for too long before beginning tattooing, there may be excessive numbness actually hindering the ability to accurately assess how far along the needle needs to go into skin layers correctly during this procedure and potentially resulting in adverse reactions such as prolonged bleeding at injection sites and bruising afterward.
It should be noted that while numbing creams can help alleviate some of the pain associated with tattoos, they do not work on everyone and must be used with caution.
Following instructions provided by experienced tattoo artist professionals familiar with working with these products safely within acceptable medical guidelines applicable in any given jurisdiction.
How Much Pain Does A Numbing Cream Minimize?
Numbing creams work by temporarily blocking the nerve pathways in the skin that send pain signals to the brain, reducing sensation in a localized area.
Numbing cream helps minimize pain that is caused by needles, laser treatments, waxing or other minor medical procedures.
The active ingredient in numbing creams is usually lidocaine, a type of local anesthetic, which acts as a surface nerve deadeners and nerve blockers, by decreasing the transmission of sensations from the site where it’s applied to the brain.
Most numbing creams are designed for temporary use before minor medical procedures and can be applied directly to the surface of the skin before the procedure begins.
This helps reduce discomfort during medical treatments and increases patient comfort levels by minimizing any associated pain.
Most numbing creams last approximately 30 minutes and should not be used longer than is necessary due to potential side effects such as allergic reactions and skin irritation.
Using an appropriate amount of numbing cream according to instructions can help minimize pain caused by certain medical procedures while providing much-needed relief for patients.
What Are The Cons Of Using Numbing Creams When Getting Tattoos?
Numbing creams are a popular addition to tattoo sessions, as they can reduce the pain felt during the process. However, there are a few cons associated with using numbing creams when getting tattoos.
The primary downside to using numbing cream is that it could extend the tattoo session and interfere with the healing process.
When applied too early before the start of your tattoo, numbness from the cream can temporarily disrupt communication between you and your artist. This can cause delays in finishing and perfecting your design due to possible miscommunication about what details need to be changed or added.
Additionally, using numbing creams on tattoos can also cause an increase in bleeding from the area due to their ability to alter skin textures, making them more vulnerable and prone to tearing while being pierced by a tattoo needle.
This could make it difficult for you or your artist to see what is being created on your skin clearly enough to ensure details are accurate and complete; resulting in blotchy or unfinished areas which may require time consuming corrections down the line during future touch-ups at a tattoo shop.
Finally, when numbing creams are used excessively during a session they have been known to have adverse effects such as burning sensations or mild rashes throughout your body; neither of these should be overlooked as serious skin allergies may develop if ignored.
For these reasons, it’s important for both you and your artist alike keep their usage limited during each individual session for optimal results, both aesthetically and medically speaking.
How To Use A Numbing Cream To Minimize Tattoo Pain?
When it comes to tattoos, the psychological and physical pain can be as intimidating as the idea of getting a tattoo itself. Fortunately, there are numbing creams available that help minimize discomfort during a tattoo session.
Nerve blockers work by temporarily numbing sensations in the skin. To use, apply a generous layer of the best numbing creams about an hour before your next tattoo session for optimal results.
Make sure to wash your hands with soap and water before applying the cream, and after it’s been applied, cover the area with plastic wrap so that it remains moist while you wait for it to take effect, as part of the process for pain-free tattoos.
Depending on how sensitive your skin feels after application, you may need to reapply every half hour or so before the start of the body art ink session for maximum results. If possible, test out different numbing creams ahead of time, so you can figure out what works best for your skin type and amount of sensitivity.
Lastly, make sure you completely remove numbing cream from the skin surface before beginning any tattoo appointment, as so you don’t have a skin feel residue sensation, which will interfere with accuracy and overall design outcome at your next tattoo appointment.
They are the main reasons, using a numbing cream should make it easier and more comfortable when preparing for your next long tattoo sessions, as recommended by the tattoo community for less pain.
Numbing Cream Vs Numbing Spray: Which Is Best For Tattoos?
Numbing products are a great way to reduce the discomfort associated with tattoos. The best tattoo numbing cream and numbing spray are two popular numbing solutions for tattoos, but it can be difficult to decide which one is best for you, especially for your first tattoo.
Own numbing creams typically contain 4-5% lidocaine, which helps block nerve signals from reaching the brain, from the blood vessels. This makes getting tattooed less uncomfortable for most people for their tattoo experience, as it takes away a significant amount of sensation from the area being worked on.
When applied correctly, numbness should set in within 10–20 minutes after application and last between 1–3 hours, depending on how much product was used. One major drawback, however, is that the cream must be applied an hour before your appointment begins so that it has time to take effect before starting any work.
Numbing sprays are a popular choice, and offer more convenience during the tattoo process, than their cream counterparts, since they don’t require extra advance preparation or application by a professional.
They can quickly and easily provide temporary relief without having to wait long periods of time beforehand. The spray also works differently than creams, as it provides a cooling sensation rather than total numbness.
This may improve them options for those who prefer some sensation while getting tattooed as opposed to complete anesthesia. Numbing sprays will wear off faster than numbing creams, however; when used properly, their effects last anywhere from 30 minutes up to an hour and a half max.
Summary
So, does numbing cream work for tattoos? Yes, numbing creams can help reduce the pain associated with getting a tattoo. Creams contain lidocaine or prilocaine, which are active ingredients that block nerve signals from reaching the brain and reduce pain, itching, and sensitivity.
Apply a generous layer of cream about an hour before the tattoo session begins to allow it time to take effect. Numbing cream side effects include irritation and allergic reactions if used on large areas of skin or when not applied properly.
Some people may still experience discomfort even after applying numbing cream or have an allergic reaction due to sensitivity or allergies towards one or more of its components.
Hi, my name is Gemma, and I’m the owner of MakeupMuddle.com. I’m a true beauty obsessive, and love writing about anything to do with beauty – I have been a beauty writer since 2012.
As well as owning Makeup Muddle, I also own GemmaEtc.com, and love sharing my thoughts and feelings about the greatest (and not so great) beauty products!