Getting a tattoo is an exciting experience, but it can also be quite painful. The level of pain varies depending on factors like the size, design, and location of the tattoo. To make the tattooing process more comfortable, many people turn to numbing cream. Numbing cream is a topical anesthetic that works by blocking the pain signals sent from the skin to the brain, providing temporary relief and making the tattoo experience more bearable.
Numbing Cream for Tattoos: What is it?
Numbing cream, when applied to the skin, temporarily numbs the area by blocking the nerve impulses responsible for transmitting pain signals. It contains various ingredients with anesthetic properties, such as lidocaine, benzocaine, tetracaine, prilocaine, epinephrine, and menthol. The concentration and mode of action of these ingredients can vary depending on the type and brand of the numbing cream.
There are two main types of numbing creams for tattoos: over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription. OTC numbing creams, like TKTX Numbing Cream, can be purchased online or at pharmacies without a prescription. They typically have lower concentrations of active ingredients (around 5% lidocaine) and provide shorter durations of action (around 1-2 hours). OTC numbing creams are suitable for small or simple tattoos that do not require extensive or deep sessions.
On the other hand, prescription numbing creams are stronger and more effective. They have higher concentrations of active ingredients (up to 20% lidocaine) and provide longer durations of action (up to 4-6 hours). Prescription numbing creams are ideal for large or complex tattoos that require lengthy sessions or deep penetration. These creams can only be obtained from a doctor or a tattoo artist with a medical license.
How to Use Numbing Cream Before Getting a Tattoo?
Using numbing cream before getting a tattoo requires proper preparation and application techniques to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Preparation Steps
Cleanse the area: Before applying numbing cream, make sure your skin is clean and dry. Use soap and water to cleanse the area, and gently dry it with a clean towel.
Consult a professional: If you have any allergies or medical conditions that may affect your reaction to numbing cream, it’s important to consult your doctor or tattoo artist before using it.
Read the instructions: Carefully read and follow the instructions on the numbing cream label to avoid complications. Take note of the recommended amount to apply, the waiting time before getting tattooed, and how often to reapply if necessary.
Perform a patch test: Before applying numbing cream to a larger area, do a patch test on a small, inconspicuous spot of your skin. Apply a thin layer of the cream and let it sit for 15-30 minutes. If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction, wash off the cream immediately and discontinue use. If there are no adverse effects, you can proceed to apply the numbing cream to the desired tattoo area.
Application Process
Apply the cream: Depending on the size of the tattoo and the strength of the cream, apply a thick layer of numbing cream to the tattoo area. Avoid massaging or rubbing it into the skin. Generally, 1-2 grams of cream per 10 square centimeters of skin is recommended.
Cover the area: To ensure the cream stays in place and maximizes effectiveness, cover the tattoo area with plastic wrap. Secure the edges with tape to prevent the cream from rubbing off.
Wait for the recommended time: Different numbing creams have different activation times. OTC creams usually take about 30-60 minutes to take effect, while prescription creams may take 2-3 hours. Avoid leaving the cream on for longer than recommended to prevent skin irritation or damage.
Wipe off excess cream: After the recommended time has passed, remove the plastic wrap and wipe off any excess cream with a clean tissue or cloth. Do not wash off the cream with water, as it may reduce effectiveness. The skin should feel numb and cold to the touch. If you still feel any pain or sensation, you can reapply more cream or wait longer.
Timing for Applying Numbing Cream
The timing of numbing cream application is crucial for maximizing its effectiveness during the tattooing process. The right timing will ensure that the cream lasts throughout your session.
The timing depends on factors such as the brand and type of cream used, the size and complexity of the tattoo, your skin sensitivity, and the tattoo artist’s speed and skill. As a general guideline, apply numbing cream 1-2 hours before your tattoo session. This will allow enough time for the cream to take effect and ensure it lasts throughout your session.
Benefits of Using Numbing Cream for Tattoos
Using numbing cream for tattoos offers various advantages that can enhance your tattooing experience:
Pain relief: The primary benefit of numbing cream is pain relief during the tattooing process. It allows you to relax and stay calm, reducing stress and discomfort.
Precise tattooing: Numbing cream prevents flinching or moving during the session, enabling the tattoo artist to create a more precise and high-quality tattoo.
Reduced bleeding and infection risks: Numbing cream helps control excessive sweating or bleeding, which reduces the risks of infection and scarring.
Faster healing: By minimizing pain and discomfort, numbing cream promotes faster healing and less irritation after the tattoo session.
Larger and more complex tattoos: With the help of numbing cream, you can get larger or more complex tattoos without the unbearable pain that might otherwise limit your choices.
Tattoos in sensitive areas: Numbing cream allows for tattoos in sensitive or painful areas that may have been previously avoided due to discomfort.
Multiple tattoos in one session: If you’re planning on getting multiple tattoos in one session, numbing cream can make the experience more manageable and less overwhelming.
Focus on the design: By eliminating or reducing pain during the tattooing process, numbing cream allows you to focus on the design and meaning of your tattoo rather than the pain.
Overcoming fear: Overcoming the fear of pain and challenging yourself to get a tattoo can make the experience more rewarding and empowering.
Itch relief: Numbing cream can also help calm the itchiness that occurs during the healing process after getting a tattoo. It blocks the itch signals sent by the skin and soothes and moisturizes the skin, reducing dryness and irritation.
In summary, numbing cream provides numerous benefits for those getting tattoos. It enhances the tattooing experience by reducing pain and discomfort, allowing for larger and more complex tattoos, and promoting faster healing. It also helps alleviate itchiness during the healing process.
