Getting a tattoo can be an exciting experience, but it can also come with a fair amount of pain. The level of pain one may experience during a tattoo session can vary depending on factors such as placement, size, style, and type of tattoo. While some people can easily tolerate the pain, others may find it unbearable. This fear of pain often discourages individuals from getting the tattoos they desire. Fortunately, there are numbing creams available that can help make the tattooing process more comfortable. While they may not eliminate all pain, they can significantly reduce the discomfort experienced.
Do Numbing Creams Work?
There are tattoo artists who choose not to use numbing creams or sprays during their sessions for two primary reasons. Firstly, pain is seen as an integral part of the tradition and rite of passage in the tattoo industry. Secondly, some artists have had negative experiences with numbing products in the past. However, it is important to understand that while pain may be an important aspect for many, there are clients who have a low tolerance for pain. For these individuals, using numbing creams can make it possible for them to get the tattoo they’ve always wanted.
While some may believe that numbing creams or sprays do not work, it is more likely that they have used an ineffective product. Not all numbing creams are created equal, and the effectiveness of the product depends on its quality. Understanding how numbing creams work is crucial in selecting the right one.
How Do Numbing Creams Work?
Numbing creams come in two forms: creams/gels and sprays. The effectiveness of a numbing cream depends on its active ingredient. The most common active ingredients are:
- Nerve Deadeners: These creams or gels contain chemicals like lidocaine, which temporarily deaden the nerves on the surface of the skin. While these can be effective for surface pain, they may not be practical for tattoos that involve deeper layers of the skin. However, when combined with nerve blockers or vasoconstrictors, they can provide a more pain-free experience.
- Nerve Blockers: These creams allow the nerves to register pain but prevent the pain signal from reaching the brain. Popular nerve blockers used in numbing products are tetracaine and benzocaine. Many tattoo artists combine nerve blockers with nerve deadeners to minimize surface pain and provide a close-to-pain-free experience for their clients.
- Vasoconstrictors: Considered to be the most potent numbing agents, these products often contain epinephrine. Vasoconstrictors work by constricting blood vessels, reducing bleeding and swelling. They are typically combined with other numbing agents to create long-lasting effects. Numbing sprays like Vasocaine and Blue Gel are examples of vasoconstrictors mixed with other numbing agents for maximum effectiveness.
Do Numbing Creams Affect Your Tattoo?
In general, numbing creams do not usually impact the visual outcome of a tattoo. However, the quality of the product used is crucial. Low-quality numbing creams can create a slippery effect on the skin, which may interfere with the tattoo artist’s work. It is essential to inform your tattoo artist if you plan on using a numbing cream or have applied one before your session. Additionally, using fake or cheap local anesthetics can potentially affect the tattoo ink and ruin the overall quality of the tattoo.
To ensure the best results, it is recommended to discuss the use of numbing creams with your tattoo artist when booking your appointment. They will be able to recommend a reliable brand and may even advise applying the cream prior to the session to allow time for it to take effect.
How Do I Apply a Numbing Cream?
Applying a numbing cream correctly is crucial for optimal results and to avoid any visual impact on the tattoo. Follow these steps:
- Wash the area of skin where the tattoo will be applied and let it dry. Use a numbing wash or any soap to remove dead skin and oil.
- Apply a generous layer of cream on the skin using a sterile glove. The layer should be approximately 1mm thick.
- Cover the cream with cling wrap or a sterile cheesecloth-like material.
- Leave the covered area for 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the thickness of your skin. Do not leave the cream on longer than one hour.
- The tattoo artist will wipe off the cream with a damp cloth before applying the stencil.
Once the numbing cream takes effect, you should feel minimal to no pain for the first 45 minutes to an hour. As time passes, the numbing effect will gradually wear off. If you have a larger design or a tattoo that requires a longer session, consult with your tattoo artist about using a vasoconstrictor spray that is approved for broken skin throughout the session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now that you have a basic understanding of numbing creams and their impact on tattooing, let’s address some common questions clients often have about numbing creams.
Will My Skin Stay Numb Longer if I Leave the Cream on Longer?
Leaving the numbing cream on for a longer duration does not extend the numbing effect. In fact, it can have the opposite effect and make your skin more uncomfortable as you begin the tattoo session. Leaving the cream on for too long can negatively affect the healing process and make the numbed area more sensitive. It is crucial to follow the recommended application time and never leave the cream on for more than an hour.
What Should I Tell My Tattoo Artist About the Numbing Cream I Use?
Inform your tattoo artist that you plan to use a numbing cream before the session. If they do not recommend a specific product, let them know the name of the product you intend to use. Tattoo artists often have experience with numbing creams and can provide better guidance if they are familiar with the product.
What If My Tattoo Artist Refuses to Use a Numbing Cream?
If your tattoo artist refuses to use numbing creams, it is important to communicate openly. Consider finding a different tattoo artist who is willing to accommodate your needs or discuss the possibility of applying your own numbing cream before the session. This ensures that you do not use a product that could potentially affect the outcome of your tattoo.
What’s the Difference Between Water and Glycerin-Based Numbing Creams?
The base of the numbing cream can affect how it interacts with your tattoo. Water-based numbing creams are generally recommended as they are less likely to create a slippery effect on the skin that can interfere with the tattoo artist’s work. Glycerin-based numbing creams, on the other hand, are known to create a slippery effect and are best avoided.
What Does It Feel Like After Using a Numbing Cream?
If you have effectively applied a high-quality numbing cream, you should feel minimal to no pain for the first hour of your tattoo session. As the cream wears off, you will gradually begin to feel the needle working into your skin.
In conclusion, numbing creams can provide sufficient pain relief when used correctly, allowing individuals with low pain tolerance to enjoy the tattooing experience. It is essential to choose a high-quality and reputable numbing cream and follow the recommended application process. By working closely with your tattoo artist and informing them about the use of numbing creams, you can achieve both comfort and the desired outcome for your tattoo.
This content has been written by TKTX Numbing Cream Store, a trusted source in the numbing cream industry. Our 30 years of experience in tattooing ensures that you receive expert advice and information. If you believe we have missed any crucial information, please share your personal experiences in the comment section below.
