Picture this: you’re sitting in that tattoo artist’s chair, nervousness and excitement buzzing through your veins. The artist reaches for that little tube of numbing cream like it’s a secret weapon. But what does it really do? It does exactly what it sounds like, it numbs you up. When applied it can numb that specific area and make the tattooing procedure much more bearable. Sounds great so far right? But does numbing cream affect tattoos?
Going under the needle is not walking in the park. Even the toughest and most badasses get nervous when it comes to facing tattoo needles. But using a numbing cream before the tattooing procedure can be a beacon of hope for you. It can numb your skin quite a bit and reduce the uneasiness and nervousness you may have during the procedure. In today’s article, I will elaborate on how these numbing creams work and whether they affect tattoos or not.
Does Numbing Cream Affect Tattoos
Numbing creams do not have any effect on tattoos. However, some tattoo artists say it changes the skin texture and makes it difficult to tattoo, which may affect the tattoo outcome.
Numbing cream is awesome as it reduces the pain quite a bit during the tattooing procedure. It is not a magical potion that will make the procedure completely painless. So, even after applying numbing cream, you will be feeling some level of discomfort or pain during the procedure. But hey, something is better than nothing right?
Using low and cheap-quality numbing agents may affect the tattooing procedure. Low-quality numbing creams may make the area slippery, and slippery surfaces can be very difficult to work on, no matter how experienced the tattoo artist is.
It has the potential to change the skin texture which can be another issue. There are many tattooers out there who do not prefer to use numbing creams. Because it is against the traditional way of the procedure and it reduces sensation which could be a bad thing in some cases.
How come reduced skin sensation can be a bad thing? In some cases, inexperienced tattoo artists may push the needle too deep into the skin or cause some other issue. If the client has reduced sensation they won’t be able to communicate with the tattooist and won’t be able to convey the pain or the issue they are facing. It may create a barrier between skin and needle which could lead to a less vibrant tattoo. It may mess with the sensitive skin leading to delayed healing as well.
Understanding Tattoo Numbing Cream
Numbing cream is like a superhero in the world of tattoos. It’s a topical anesthetic that is applied to the skin before getting inked, and its main mission is to minimize the pain and discomfort that comes along with the tattooing process.
You know that feeling when a tattoo needle starts injecting ink on your skin and you feel like you’re being pricked by a thousand tiny needles? Yeah, that’s where these creams swoop in to save the day.
It contains active ingredients like,
- Lidocaine
- Tetracaine
- Benzocaine
The percentage of these ingredients on over-the-counter numbing agents is 2-5 percent lidocaine, 7 percent tetracaine, and 20 percent benzocaine.
These ingredients work like magic by temporarily numbing the nerves in the skin. It can dull the pain receptors and prevent them from sending pain signals to some extent. Think of it as a powerful potion that takes the edge off the tattoo pain and makes your skin feel numb. But remember, numbing cream is not a substitute for proper aftercare. Once the inking session is done and dusted, you still need to take good care of your fresh ink. Follow your tattoo artist’s instructions, keep it clean, and moisturize it to ensure a smooth healing process.
6 Ways Numbing Cream Can Affect Tattoos
Numbing cream may have some effects on the tattooing process and the final outcome of the tattoo.
I have elaborated a few such ways below:
1. Skin texture
Numbing sprays and creams can alter the texture of your skin, making it harder or rubbery. This can make it more challenging for the tattoo artists to work, affecting their ability to create precise lines or shading. The altered texture may also impact the overall appearance of the tattoo.
2. Reduce skin sensation
It dulls the sensation in the skin, which can make it difficult for clients to provide accurate feedback during the tattoo session. Clients may have reduced sensitivity to pain or discomfort, making it harder for them to communicate their needs or potential issues that arise during the session. It can lead to excessive blood loss, tattoo blowouts, and other complications.
3. Healing process
There is a chance it may interfere with the natural healing process of your tattoo if it contains vasoconstrictors. They may influence the skin’s ability to recover, potentially leading to prolonged healing times or other complications. It’s important that you follow proper aftercare instructions provided by your tattooer to minimize any negative impact on the healing process.
4. Color saturation
It can potentially influence the saturation and vibrancy of the tattoo colors. The dulling product may create a barrier between the ink and the skin, which can result in slightly muted or less intense colors compared to tattoos done without the use of numbing creams. This effect may be more noticeable with lighter or more pastel shades.
5. Allergic reactions
While uncommon, some individuals may have allergic reactions to the ingredients in numbing creams. Allergic reactions can lead to irritation, redness, swelling, or other complications that may impact the overall quality of the tattoo.
6. Slippery surface
If you use a cheap quality numbing agent it may make the canvas slippery. And slippery surfaces would make it difficult for your tattooer to work on. As a result, it would influence the final outcome of the tattoo.
The Time Numbing Cream Takes To Work
The amount of time a numbing spray or cream may take to work depends on the brand. Some numbing creams can numb the skin within 5 to 15 minutes after applying and some may take 15 to 20 minutes to take full effect. In general, it takes around 10 to 15 minutes for a numbing cream to work. So, your tattooist might ask you to apply it before going for the tattoo session. This way you do not have to waste your or the tattoo artist’s time by just sitting on the tattoo bed waiting for the dulling cream to take effect.
Whatever your plan is, make sure to apply a numbing agent to your skin around 20 minutes before getting a tattoo.
Numbing Cream Affect Lasting Time
It is a bit difficult to pinpoint exactly how long the numbing effect will stay. Because it depends on quite a few factors, such as:
- Strength of the numbing cream
- The time you give the cream to take effect
- Individual sensitivity
- Area of application
- Tattooing technique
- Tattoo session duration
All these factors can influence how long the dulling effect stays. But in general, the numbing cream wears off after 30 minutes to an hour of applying. And applying the cream over wounded or broken skin is not recommended. That said there are some strong numbing agents that can numb you up for up to 2 hours. Getting a tattoo can be easier if you choose the right tattoo-numbing product.
See Also: Best Tattoo Numbing Spray
How To Apply Numbing Cream For Tattoos
Make sure to follow the steps below to apply numbing cream properly for tattoos.
1. Choose the right numbing cream
Select a numbing agent that is specifically designed for use on the skin and suitable for tattooing. You can consult with your tattooist during a tattoo appointment or a healthcare professional to get a recommendation on which one to choose.
2. Prep the area
First things first, give your skin a good cleaning. Wash the spot where you’re getting inked with some mild and fragrance-free soap and clean water. Pat it dry with a paper towel.
3. Wear gloves
You can either wash your hands to get rid of any germs or bacteria or you can wear disposable gloves. This way you won’t be rubbing any contaminant on the skin that could lead to infection when you get tattooed. And the cream won’t dull your fingertips if you wear gloves during the application.
4. Apply a thin layer
Squeeze out some of the numbing product onto your fingertips. Don’t be shy, you want enough to cover the whole area. Then, rub it on like you’re icing a cupcake. Smooth it out evenly, making sure to coat every inch of the tattooed zone.
5. Wrap the area & wait
Use a plastic wrap to wrap the area, this will prevent the cream from drying out fast. Putting plastic wrap can ensure the cream gets absorbed into your skin better and eliminates pain
Here’s where the waiting game comes in. Give it some time to work its magic. Usually, you’ll need to let it sit on your skin for about 20-30 minutes. The time might get shorter or longer depending on the brand of product you are using. Use this downtime to mentally prepare yourself for the tattoo.
6. Wipe off the excess
After the designated waiting period, take off the plastic wrap, grab a clean tissue, and gently wipe away any excess cream. You don’t want a thick layer interfering with the tattoo process. Just remove what’s not absorbed into the skin.
7. Reapply
If the tattoo hurts then it means the dulling effects are wearing out. You may need to reapply to get the dulling effect again. Do not worry, applying or reapplying them will not make you fall asleep. Instead, it can help you get your new tattoo with ease.
3 Main Types Of Numbing Cream
There are three types of numbing spray or cream out there.
I will elaborate on each of them below:
- Vasoconstrictors
This numbing cream can be quite strong. Vasoconstrictors are substances that cause blood vessels to narrow or constrict. In some cases, these creams may contain vasoconstrictors such as epinephrine (also known as adrenaline). The use of vasoconstrictors in numbing products aims to temporarily reduce blood flow in the area of application, which can help minimize bleeding during procedures and potentially extend the dulling effect. However, the use of vasoconstrictors in numbing products is not universally employed, and their presence may vary depending on the specific product.
- Nerve deadeners
Numbing agents may contain lidocaine as the main ingredient, which temporarily blocks the nerve endings from sending signals to your brain. Do not get scared or confused by the name, as there is no specific tattoo-dulling product that can completely “deaden” or permanently eliminate nerve sensations. Lidocaine works by temporarily blocking or reducing nerve signals to alleviate pain when you get inked.
- Nerve blockers
Some numbing creams may contain tetracaine and benzocaine as the main ingredient. These creams are called nerve blockers and they work very similarly to nerve deadeners. Meaning they also prevent nerve endings from sending signals to your brain. It is not that strong when it comes to dulling, but it can take the edge off the pain during the session.
Prescription Vs. Over-the-counter Numbing Cream
When it comes to numbing creams, there are two main categories: prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) options. Let’s explore the differences between these two types below and then you can decide which one is better for you:
Prescription numbing creams
In this portion, I have listed the prescription numbing cream’s characteristics. Such as:
- Requires prescription
You can purchase them only if you have a prescription from a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or dermatologist. So, you can not just go to the nearest drugstore and get such products whenever you want, you will require a prescription from a certified health professional to do so. - Stronger numbing effect
They often contain higher concentrations of active ingredients like lidocaine, prilocaine, or other anesthetics. - Used for complex procedures
It can be recommended for more complex or invasive procedures that require stronger dulling effects, such as certain medical procedures or surgeries. - Not easily available
They are typically dispensed by pharmacies and require a valid prescription from a healthcare provider. So you may not find it in regular stores or online stores.
Over-the-counter numbing creams
In this portion, I will list the characteristics of over-the-counter numbing creams.
- Does Not require a prescription
They are readily available for purchase without a prescription at pharmacies, drugstores, or online retailers. - Weaker numbing effect
These creams usually contain lower concentrations of active ingredients compared to prescription creams. - Used for any minor need
People usually use these creams for less invasive procedures, such as getting a tattoo, waxing, or minor skin procedures. - Safer option
They are generally considered safe for self-administration, but it’s important to carefully read and follow the instructions provided with the product.
Final Thoughts
Not everyone will agree to use numbing cream, so make sure to talk it out during the tattoo appointment. The tattooing process can be a bit painful and it is ok if you seek ways to reduce the pain or discomfort when you get inked. Make sure to follow the proper application process of numbing cream as not applying it properly can significantly reduce the effectiveness. Apply on the entire area where you want to get inked. You may use numbing gel, spray, or creams, the form of the product does not matter.
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