A Comprehensive Guide to Tattoo Numbing Creams

July 4, 2022

A common perception pertaining to tattoos is that an individual with a low pain tolerance should not opt for them. It is because of the excruciating pain one goes through while getting inked on their body parts. Sometimes, the pain associated with the process of getting tattoos becomes unbearable, making a tattoo numbing cream second staple for tattoo artists.

Numbing creams help reduce the pain considerably during the tattooing process. Such tattoo products are great for those who want to get tattoos but are afraid of the pain. Numbing creams lessen the pain and discomfort, providing a better tattoo experience for both you and the tattoo artist.

However, there might be various questions brewing in the minds of those who haven't used numbing creams before or are planning to use them for the first time. For example, some people are unaware of the right usage or application of numbing creams, and thus, they ask about how to apply them properly for effective results.

Thus, here is the comprehensive guide for you that answers the most frequently asked questions about numbing creams. Hopefully, after reading the guide, all your queries will be resolved, and you will be able to make the right decision before heading for your next tattoo session.

Your Guide: All You Need to Know About Numbing Creams

Do Tattoo Numbing Creams Actually Work?

The question that ranks at the top of our guide is whether numbing creams really work or it's just a way of tricking customers into buying such creams. Well, numbing creams do work, and many tattoo experts have confirmed it. So, a numbing cream is a totally worthwhile investment if you want to get rid of the pain while getting your favorite tattoo.

However, you have to be very careful while purchasing because there are some branded products that do not deliver the results as promised and fail to work as expected. Such counterfeit numbing creams carry less of the active numbing agent that is advertised. In fact, some products entirely lack Lidocaine, the most active ingredient. Thus, be cautious while buying a numbing cream. Do not worry because later in this blog, we will discuss how to choose the right numbing cream that works.

How do Tattoo Numbing Creams work?

Numbing creams essentially work by deadening the nerves on the skin area to be tattooed. There are three ways through which numbing creams work, and based on them, we can categorize the numbing creams into the following:

Nerve Deadeners

Numbing creams do not let nerves from registering pain when needles penetrate into the skin. They contain an active ingredient called Lidocaine which does not go very deep into the skin. It takes around a half-hour to take effect and lasts between 30 to 120 minutes, depending on the type of your skin.

Nerve Blockers

Nerve blockers work by reducing the intensity of the pain signals that are sent to the brain. It means that you do feel the pain, but it is bearable. The active ingredients present in such numbing creams are Tetracaine and Benzocaine.

Vasoconstrictors

These numbing creams constrict the blood vessels to reduce swelling and bleeding. Moreover, they contain Epinephrine as an active ingredient which slows down the absorption of other anesthetics or chemicals, thus, making them last longer. Therefore, without vasoconstrictors, other numbing creams may wear off midway. Usually, they are available in the form of gels and sprays.

How to Use Tattoo Numbing Creams Correctly?

Here are the right steps to follow to use your numbing creams, so read them carefully.

First of all, wash the area with a green foam soap to keep the pH of your skin neutral. A neutral pH tends to enhance the numbing effects. Also, the alcohol in green soap slows down the effect, making it last longer.
The next step is to apply a thick layer of your tattoo numbing cream, which, ideally, is both a nerve deadener and a nerve blocker. Once done, wait for about 30 minutes for the cream to work.
If you want your number cream to last long, it would be best to use numbing spray, which is a vasoconstrictor, every 20 minutes.
Moreover, after applying the cream, you may cover it with a cling film as the plastic under the wrap helps activate the cream.
Lastly, remove the cling film and wipe off the cream with a paper towel, and you are ready for a painless tattoo session.
After getting the tattoo inked, don't forget to apply an aftercare tattoo balm for faster recovery without after-pains.

How to Find the High-Quality Numbing Cream that Works?

You can't pick your numbing cream randomly if you want to make the right choice that actually works. As discussed before, certain counterfeit products can lure you into making the wrong choice. So, here are the things you must consider before investing in a numbing cream

Look for Side Effects:

Most numbing creams are safe to use. However, you have to follow all the directions given on the cream's packaging. Though these creams seem harmless, they may cause allergic reactions in certain cases. It might be because of your skin type or the composition of the cream. Thus, for the safer side, we would recommend you ensure you are not allergic to any of the ingredients present in the cream. Another tip is to perform a patch or skin sensitivity test before using the product to check if it causes any reaction. Also, make sure not to apply the cream on broken skin.

Buy from a Reliable Source:

There are many unreliable online retailers that are making money by selling ineffective numbing creams. Thus, buying from an authentic place that sells high-quality numbing creams in the market is very important. To find such retailers, you can go through the online customer reviews before making a purchase. You may also take the advice of the best tattoo experts. Toochi Tattoos is one such reliable online seller of tattoo products like numbing cream, tattoo aftercare balm, bandages, and many more. Our products have been used by many tattoo artists and experts. So, you can completely rely on us to buy authentic numbing creams that alleviate the pain and discomfort caused during a tattoo session.

If you are really nervous about your next tattoo session because of the pain that you will have to endure, then getting a numbing cream is a smart choice. Now you know the right place where you can get top-quality tattoo products. To have a pain-free tattoo experience, visit the website of Toochi Tattoos right away!