Tattoos don’t have to be painful. If you have an upcoming tattoo appointment and feel a little nervous about it, we’ve got your back (or your arm). Numbing the area before your appointment can significantly reduce the discomfort during the tattoo session. Allow us to guide you on how to numb your skin like a pro before getting a tattoo.
Does Numbing Your Skin Before a Tattoo Really Help?
If you’ve had a tattoo before and would prefer not to feel that sensation again, or if you’re getting your first tattoo and want to minimize discomfort, numbing the area can make a difference. While it won’t completely eliminate the sensation, it can turn down the dial a few notches. Think of it as a poke rather than a punch. It’s similar to the feeling when you apply a special cream to an itchy ant bite or soothing cream to a sunburn. Numbing cream for tattoos has the same effect and contains ingredients that can make the experience more bearable.
Can Numbing Cream Mess Up Your Tattoo?
Using numbing creams and gels that aren’t specifically made for tattoos could potentially mess up your experience. Those with fragrance or artificial ingredients, often used for skin waxing, might irritate your skin. Additionally, creams that are too oily can make it difficult for your tattoo artist to work. Avoid numbing creams containing menthol or capsaicin, as they can cause intense burning sensations during the tattooing process. It’s crucial to use products specifically formulated for tattoos.
At TKTX Numbing Cream Store, we offer Hush tattoo numbing cream, which is specially formulated with lidocaine to numb your skin. Our cream also contains soothing ingredients like aloe vera, marigold flower, chamomile, green tea, and comfrey to help settle sensitive skin during the tattoo process. By numbing your skin, you’re not only reducing pain but also providing the nourishment it needs. It’s the perfect combination of ingredients for a tattoo numbing cream.
How Does Numbing Cream Work?
While some tattoo numbing creams contain bonus ingredients to soothe and condition the skin, their main purpose is to numb the area. Lidocaine is the ingredient responsible for the numbing sensation. Lidocaine is a local anesthetic used by dentists and surgeons for procedures without general anesthesia. It hinders the transmission of sensation from your skin to your brain.
Topical lidocaine works similarly to a lidocaine shot but with less intensity. It doesn’t penetrate as deeply because tattoos only go a few millimeters into your skin. As lidocaine sinks into your skin, it reaches the nerves, dulling their response. When lidocaine disrupts the messages your nerves are sending, you won’t feel as much pain.
How To Numb Your Skin Before a Tattoo
If you want to numb your skin before your tattoo appointment, follow these steps:
Step 1: Prep the Area
Before applying the numbing cream, ensure that your skin is free from dirt and oil. Wash the area gently with warm water and mild antibacterial soap to remove any debris or oil. Pat it dry with a paper towel.
Step 2: Apply the Numbing Cream
Apply a thick layer of numbing cream to the area where you’ll be getting your tattoo. Leave about half an inch of extra room on each side. Pack the cream on generously, almost like icing a cake. You can use a popsicle stick or the back of a spoon to apply it. Avoid rubbing it in and let the thick layer of cream sit.
Step 3: Wrap It Up
Cover the area with food service plastic wrap, like the kind you use for leftovers. Ensure that the wrap is secure. If the tattoo is on an area you can’t wrap, such as your chest, use medical tape to secure the plastic wrap. For small tattoos, you can use waterproof transparent wound dressing found in the first aid aisle of any store. These clear, flexible sheets stick to your skin and prevent the cream from leaking out around the edges.
Step 4: Wait It Out
Tattoo numbing cream takes time to work. It typically takes at least an hour for the effects to fully take place. Leave the cream on for at least 60 minutes, but if you have a long drive to your appointment, it’s best to keep it on while you travel. Most tattoo artists won’t mind if you arrive with the numbing cream still on. However, it’s always a good idea to call ahead and ask your tattoo artist for their preferred protocol.
Step 5: You’re Ready To Go
After the 60 to 90-minute window has passed, remove the plastic wrap. Use a paper towel to wipe off all the numbing cream from the surface of your skin. Once the cream is removed, your tattoo artist can proceed with preparing you for your tattoo. You’ll likely only experience minor discomfort during the tattooing process, rather than the full-fledged pain of an un-numbed tattoo. The effects of the numbing cream will last for about an hour to an hour and a half from the time you wipe it off.
Be sure to follow your tattoo artist’s instructions for aftercare. If you experience any lingering discomfort, ask your artist about our aftercare set, which includes a special spray containing lidocaine to numb any itchiness. Remember, never get a tattoo without HUSH from TKTX Numbing Cream Store. Our tattoo care products are designed to make the process comfortable, utilizing skin-healthy ingredients such as plant extracts and CBD to care for your skin. Why endure unnecessary pain when you don’t have to?
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does numbing cream last during a tattoo session?
- The effects of numbing cream typically last for about an hour to an hour and a half from the time you wipe it off.
Can I use any numbing cream for a tattoo?
- It’s essential to use a numbing cream specifically formulated for tattoos. Using numbing creams not designed for tattoos can potentially cause irritation or interfere with the tattooing process.
Can I keep the numbing cream on during my tattoo appointment?
- Most tattoo artists don’t mind if you arrive with the numbing cream still on. However, it’s best to consult with your tattoo artist beforehand to confirm their preferences.
Conclusion
Applying numbing cream before a tattoo can significantly reduce discomfort during the tattooing process. TKTX Numbing Cream Store offers Hush tattoo numbing cream, specially formulated with lidocaine and soothing ingredients to ensure a more comfortable experience. By following the proper application process, you can minimize the pain and enjoy your tattoo session. Remember, never get a tattoo without HUSH from TKTX Numbing Cream Store.
