Tattoo numbing cream: All you need to know!

Many hesitate to get tattooed because of the pain and discomfort associated with the process. But not anymore! A tattoo numbing cream is a savior for those with poor pain endurance but is fascinated by body inking and tattoos.

 

Regardless of whether you’re planning to get your first tattoo or have had a disastrous experience in the past, there’s nothing to hesitate or worry about. There’s no denying the fact that getting tattoos can be painful and extremely discomforting.

 

This pain is caused due to a number of factors such as the body area that will be tattooed, the type of tattoo, the needles in use, etc. 

 

However, the pain can always be toned down or minimized using tattoo numbing creams that aim at easing the pain during and post the process. The popularity of numbing creams has risen significantly over the years with a variety of options available in the market.

 

While your tattoo artists may use or suggest a numbing cream, it is important to know how these work and then decide for yourself. 

 

What is a tattoo numbing cream? 

 

As the name suggests, a tattoo numbing cream is an anesthetic formula that is applied to numb a specific area of the skin. Most numbing creams are topical anesthesia that has lidocaine in common and works to block sodium in the body and restrict nerve transmission temporarily. 

 

How does a numbing cream work? 

 

Typically, numbing cream is applied to the skin before the tattoo session, and the varied ingredients of the cream are focused on reducing the pain. Broadly speaking, tattoo-numbing creams are available in three different types that serve varied purposes: 

 

• Numbing cream with nerve deadeners: This is one of the most popular types of numbing cream used which when applied to the skin stops the nerves from picking up the pain sensations. Since the needles go deep within the skin layers, these nerve deadeners may not be able to numb the pain all away. Applying this cream can numb the skin for an hour or two only. 

 

• Numbing cream with nerve blockers: These types of numbing creams block the pain partially by reducing the intensity of pain caused by the needles. These creams are often used along with nerve deadeners to ensure minimal pain and discomfort during the tattoo session. 

 

• Numbing cream with vasoconstrictors: Vasoconstrictors are composed of epinephrine, one of the most powerful numbing creams available on the market. When applied, this cream constricts the blood vessels reducing any form of bleeding or swelling in the tattooed region. Hence, this numbing cream is typically used to back the entire tattoo session. 

 

Things to keep in mind while using tattoo numbing cream 

 

Using a tattoo numbing cream in the right way is essential to keep the pain minimal while avoiding any side effects. If you are planning to use a prescription strength cream, make sure to discuss with your dermatologist whether numbing creams are right for you or not. 

 

While the usage and application of these numbing creams vary depending on the tattoo artist, the cream composition, allergies, etc., some general instructions should be abided by. The following are a few things that should be kept in mind while using any tattoo numbing cream: 

 

• Pick the right cream - Given the wide variety of options available, it becomes necessary to pick the right numbing cream that ensures effective results whilst minimal side effects. Either a dermatologist can be consulted or other safer alternatives like the TKTX Numbing Cream for Tattoos can be used for best results. 

 

• Apply the cream as per instructions - Dosage instructions are essential that should be followed to ensure maximum efficacy of the numbing creams. Most numbing creams instruct the usage of a numbing wash to get rid of dead cells in the region. Similarly, numbing creams yield the best results when applied 30-40 minutes prior to the actual tattoo session. Hence, following these instructions can help gain maximum pain numbing from the cream. 

 

• Avoid using fingers to apply the cream - This is quite obvious that any skin that comes in contact with the cream will go numb. Hence, it is best to avoid the cream on any skin region that is not intended to be numbed. Typically, gloves or a tongue depressor can be used to apply the numbing cream without any unwanted skin contact. 

 

Final Note 

 

A tattoo numbing cream is an excellent choice for those who fear the unbearable pain that follows the tattooing process. While using a numbing cream is not mandatory for all, they are certainly a good option to have a less discomforting session. Some people are hesitant to use these creams presuming that they may have serious side effects. However, using a good quality numbing cream can assure effective skin numbing with minimal or no side effects.