Does Tattoo Numbing Cream Work?

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There’s that one thing that worries tattoo recipients, pain. Getting a tattoo for the first time can cause anxiety. You never know what to expect. Is it going to be painful? Can the pain be relieved? Does tattoo numbing cream work? These questions can plague your mind.

Skin numbing creams are topical medications often used to reduce or relieve pain during and after the tattoo drawing session. Here, we will discuss whether tattoo numbing creams work, whether they are safe for your skin, and when and how to use them.

Let’s get right into it.

Do tattoo numbing creams really work?

Yes, tattoo numbing creams do work by providing temporary pain relief for tattoo clients. However, different numbing creams have different ingredients. This means that some numbing creams may not be as effective as others. So, when purchasing numbing creams, you should consider those with a high amount of lycodine, the aesthetic responsible for numbing the skin and providing relief.

Remember, the work of numbing creams is to minimize pain, not eliminate it. They are best used for sensitive areas, but they wear off quickly (about 45 minutes) and may not last the entire tattooing process, especially if the tattoo is done in a larger area.

Is numbing cream safe for use?

If you are wondering if numbing creams are safe to apply, then yes, numbing creams are usually safe to use, even in sensitive areas. So, if you are nervous about getting that tattoo, you might consider using numbing cream to assist you in dealing with the pain.

How tattoo numbing cream works

When numbing cream is applied to the skin, it blocks the nerves from sending pain signals to your brain. This means that numbing tattoo cream contains ingredients that make the pain bearable for you in case you are experiencing it.

How to use tattoo numbing cream

Before using tattoo numbing cream, you should carefully follow the packaging instructions to avoid experiencing long-term dangerous side effects on your skin. Directions on numbing creams can vary depending on the numbing cream you use and the ingredient concentration.

It is always best to consult a dermatologist to find out how best you can use a particular numbing cream on your skin. 

Here we have outlined the general guidelines on how to use tattoo numbing cream:

  • Follow the instructions supplied with the cream: One thing you shouldn’t do is ignore the instructions that come with numbing cream. Whether it is over-the-counter or prescription cream, please read the instructions carefully and follow them to ensure that you get a comfortable 
  • Give the numbing cream time to take effect: You will not immediately feel the effects of numbing cream. Some aesthetics like Licodaine act quickly, but most people will start the numbing effects between 30 to 60 minutes after the numbing cream has been applied.
  • Cover the cream: After you have generously applied the cream to the skin, you should cover the area with a cling film or cellophane for the cream to last until you are ready for the tattoo. Wait 30- 60 minutes, then proceed once the numbing cream becomes active. Remember, numbing cream shouldn’t stay on the skin for longer than one hour.
  • Remember, you should not apply numbing cream with bare hands. If you are a tattoo artist, wear gloves before applying the cream so that your hands don’t come in contact with it. 

Are there potential risks involved with applying tattoo numbing cream?

Numbing creams are normally considered safe to use. However, as we have said before, you should be careful to follow the instructions that come with the packaging to avoid getting some serious side effects. Do not use more cream than you need to.

Additionally, some people might experience allergic reactions to the ingredients in the numbing cream. Be careful to read the ingredient list to ensure that the numbing cream is right for you before using it. If you have sensitive skin, it is best to consult an expert or a dermatologist to know how best you can use numbing cream and reduce potential risks to your health.

Final thoughts

Not everyone can bear the pain. Remember, there’s always a solution if you are getting inked for the first time, and if you feel nervous about how painful it will be, go ahead and use a tattoo numbing cream.

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  • We are a blog that exists to provide information about tattoos from start to finish. This includes everything from tattoo ideas and meanings to safety tips.

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