What is Tattoo Numbing Cream and How Does it Work?

Getting a tattoo is an exciting journey, but for many, the pain associated with the process can be daunting. This is where tattoo numbing cream comes into play. At Black Tapestry Tattoo in London, we often get asked about these creams, so we’ve put together a detailed guide to help you understand what they are, how they work, and what you should consider before using them.

What is Tattoo Numbing Cream?

Tattoo numbing cream is a topical anesthetic designed to reduce the sensation of pain on the skin. These creams contain active ingredients like lidocaine, benzocaine, or prilocaine, which temporarily numb the skin. While they won’t eliminate all sensation, they can significantly reduce discomfort during the tattooing process, making it a more bearable experience, especially for those with lower pain thresholds or those getting tattoos in more sensitive areas.

How Does Tattoo Numbing Cream Work?

The primary ingredient in most tattoo numbing creams is lidocaine, a local anesthetic. When applied to the skin, lidocaine blocks the nerve signals in your body, preventing them from reaching the brain. This means that when the tattoo needle penetrates the skin, the pain signals are dulled or blocked, allowing for a more comfortable tattooing experience.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how it works:

1. Application: The cream is applied to the skin about 30-60 minutes before the tattoo session.

2. Absorption: The active ingredients are absorbed into the skin, where they begin to block the sodium channels in the nerve endings.

3. Numbing Effect: Within 30-60 minutes, the area becomes numb, reducing the pain sensation during the tattooing process.

4. Duration: The numbing effect typically lasts for 1-2 hours, depending on the product and application, providing a window of relief during the tattoo session.

How to Apply Tattoo Numbing Cream

Applying tattoo numbing cream correctly is crucial to ensure its effectiveness. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Clean the Area: Start by thoroughly cleaning the area to be tattooed with soap and water. Pat it dry with a clean towel.

2. Apply the Cream: Squeeze a generous amount of numbing cream onto the skin and spread it evenly. Make sure to cover the entire area that will be tattooed.

3. Wrap the Area: After applying the cream, cover the area with plastic wrap. This helps the skin absorb the cream more effectively and keeps it in place.

4. Wait: Leave the wrap on for 30-60 minutes, allowing the numbing cream to take full effect.

5. Remove the Wrap: Just before the tattoo session begins, remove the plastic wrap. Your artist will clean the area before starting the tattooing process.

Potential Risks and Dangers of Using Tattoo Numbing Cream

While tattoo numbing cream can be a helpful tool for managing pain, it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks and dangers:

1. Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may be allergic to the active ingredients in the cream, leading to redness, swelling, or more severe reactions. Always do a patch test 24 hours before your session.

2. Overuse: Applying too much numbing cream can lead to toxicity, especially with high concentrations of lidocaine. Follow the instructions carefully, and never exceed the recommended dose.

3. Skin Irritation: Prolonged use or improper application can cause skin irritation, which could affect the tattoo process and healing.

4. Reduced Ink Absorption: Numbing creams may alter the skin's texture, making it harder for the ink to penetrate. This can result in less vibrant tattoos or the need for additional touch-ups.

How Tattoo Numbing Cream Can Affect Tattoo Healing

Using numbing cream can have implications for how your tattoo heals:

• Delayed Healing: In some cases, the use of numbing cream can slow down the healing process. This is often due to the skin being slightly irritated or compromised by the cream's ingredients.

• Scarring: If the cream causes skin irritation or an allergic reaction, it may lead to scarring, which could affect the final appearance of the tattoo.

• Infection Risk: Improper use or overuse of numbing cream can cause the skin to become overly sensitive or broken, increasing the risk of infection.

At Black Tapestry Tattoo, we recommend discussing the use of numbing cream with your tattoo artist. They can advise on whether it’s appropriate for your specific tattoo and skin type.

WHAT WE RECOMMEND

At Black Tapestry Tattoo, we supply and sell Extreme Numb - We have tried and tested this on various clients and have had good results. There are still some dangers when using numbing creams but this blog post is designed to help you make an informed decision on wether to use it for your tattoo or not.

Final Thoughts

Tattoo numbing cream can be a valuable tool for making the tattoo experience more comfortable, especially for those with lower pain tolerance. However, it's crucial to use it correctly and be aware of the potential risks. Always consult with your tattoo artist before using any numbing products to ensure a safe and successful tattoo experience.

If you’re considering using numbing cream for your next tattoo at Black Tapestry Tattoo in London, don’t hesitate to ask us for advice. We’re here to help you achieve the best possible results with minimal discomfort.