Tattoo Artists Share Their Thoughts on Numbing Creams

Here’s how they work:

• You apply the cream 30–60 minutes prior to tattooing.
• The area is desensitized.
• The effect lasts between 1 to 3 hours, depending on the product and skin type.

Do tattoo artists approve of using numbing creams?

What are artists whispering about behind the scenes?

Tattoo artists tend to have mixed feelings about the use of numbing creams. Here’s an overview of popular opinions:

Artists who approve of it state:

• It makes sessions of long duration easier on client and artist.
• It allows first-timers to cope with their nervousness.
• It’s a lifesaver for painful spots such as ribs or knees.

Artists who don’t approve of it state:

• It can make skin texture harder to work with, making tattooing more difficult.
• Certain numbing agents swell or alter the skin’s elasticity.
• Clients will experience pain later when the cream wears off, which is worse during a session.

When do experts advise using numbing cream?

• Tattoo artists usually advise using numbing cream in the following situations:
• Long sessions (4+ hours): To enable clients to sit longer.
• High-pain areas: Such as ribs, inner arms, knees, elbows, and feet.
• Beginners: Especially those with low pain tolerance.
• Touch-ups or scar cover-ups: Topical anesthesia might be helpful for sensitive skin.

What numbing cream ingredients do artists most rely on?

Although not all artists are fond of them, those that do use numbing creams typically favor oil-free, lidocaine-based creams. Lidocaine ranks among the safest and most effective topical anesthetics available for cosmetic and beauty treatments, BeautyFaceUK advises.

• Reliable ingredients are:
• Lidocaine (4%–5%) – quick and efficient
• Prilocaine – usually in combination with lidocaine
• Aloe Vera or Vitamin E – for soothing and calming the skin
• Non-alcoholic bases – to minimize drying out or irritating the skin

Can numbing creams have an effect on the quality of a tattoo?

Does it make the ink settle differently in the skin?

Yes, in a few instances.

Professional tattoo artists say that some numbing creams tend to change the texture of the skin to be slightly rubbery or more resistant to piercing routinely. This can:

• Interfere with line precision
• Cause ink blowouts (ink spreading under the skin)
• Make the healing process slightly longer
• But high-quality creams used properly often do not interfere with ink or results.

How do artists apply numbing creams correctly?

Some artists won’t use numbing creams, requesting clients to do it themselves. But when it is professionals involved, the process usually goes like this:

• Clean the area with antibacterial soap and pat dry.
• Apply a heavy layer of the numbing cream (don’t rub in).
• Cover with plastic wrap to seal in body heat and set up the cream.
• Wait 30–60 minutes, remove the wrap and wipe away the cream.
• Begin tattooing as soon as the skin is numb.

What are the warnings of artists when working with numbing cream?

Below are typical precautions given by tattoo professionals:

• Try it out first to check for any allergies before applying any product.
• Don’t apply mid-sesh—this may irritate the skin.
• Steer clear of petroleum or lanolin creams, as they can clog pores.
• Don’t count on numbing cream by itself. Pain is still involved.

Some artists even say that clients have adverse reactions once the cream has worn off, usually in the middle of a session, resulting in sudden and severe pain.

Do artists think numbing creams enhance the tattoo experience?

Everyone has an opinion, but most tattoo artists do agree that numbing creams make the session a better experience—particularly for first-time clients or nervous clients. A calm client is easier to work with, less likely to move, and more cooperative for lengthy sessions.

From their perspective:

Happier clients = better tattoos

But creams have to be applied appropriately and judiciously