Tattooing is a beautiful but painful process. With the constant puncturing of your skin with a needle to leave ink, pain is unavoidable. What if you were able to avoid or minimize that pain, however? That’s where tattoo numbing creams can help. Topical anesthetics, the creams work by numbing the skin to numb the pain. Whether you have a small design or a massive body piece, numbing cream can make the session much more tolerable and relaxed.
How does lidocaine numb the skin?
Lidocaine is the most popular active ingredient found in numbing creams. It’s a local anesthetic that inhibits nerve impulses in the body. When applied to the skin, lidocaine briefly blocks sodium channels in nerve endings, which prevents the transmission of pain signals to the brain. This results in the area where it’s applied becoming desensitized, providing a pain-free experience during your tattoo session.
When should you use numbing cream for optimal results?
Timing is everything for numbing cream to be effective. Ideally, apply it 30–45 minutes prior to your tattoo session. This allows the active ingredients to penetrate the skin and reach maximum effectiveness. Covering the area with plastic wrap (once the cream is applied) assists in intensifying the absorption by retaining heat and moisture, thereby maximizing its numbing effect.
How do you use tattoo numbing cream correctly?
Using tattoo numbing cream takes a few crucial steps:
- Wash the site: Clean the tattoo area thoroughly with soap and water to remove dirt or oils.
- Dry the skin: Pat it dry with a clean towel—moisture can lower the cream’s effectiveness.
- Put on a thick layer: Use plenty of cream on the area, but do not rub it in.
- Cover it up: Wrap the area with plastic wrap to help the cream activate faster.
- Wait: Let it sit for 30–45 minutes before removing the wrap.
Following this process ensures that the cream works at full potential for a smooth, pain-free tattooing experience.
Which areas benefit most from using numbing cream?
Some body parts are more sensitive than others, making them prime candidates for numbing cream. These include:
Ribs – close to bone, very painful
Elbows and knees – thin skin and nerve endings
Hands and feet – less fatty tissue = more pain
Inner thighs and arms – high sensitivity due to thin skin
Applying numbing cream to these areas can greatly enhance your tolerance and enable longer tattooing sessions.
Can numbing cream impact tattoo quality?
This is a common concern. A properly formulated numbing cream used correctly does not affect tattoo quality. In fact, it may help the tattoo artist do their job better, since you’re less likely to twitch or move from pain. However, overuse or applying creams with heavy oils can occasionally make the skin more slippery or cause swelling. Always choose a cream recommended by professionals and follow directions carefully.
Is numbing cream safe for everyone to use?
While numbing creams are generally safe, they may not be suitable for everyone. People with sensitive skin or allergies should perform a patch test first. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking certain medications, consult your doctor before use. The key is to use a reputable cream with approved ingredients and avoid excessive use.
What should you be searching for in a potent numbing cream?
The best tattoo numbing creams have:
- Lidocaine (5%) – strong anesthetic to numb pain
- Prilocaine or Benzocaine – sometimes paired with lidocaine for increased numbing
- Vitamin E and Aloe Vera – calm and moisturize the skin
- Non-oily base – prevents the tattoo process from being interrupted
Steer clear of creams with too many preservatives or unidentified chemicals, as they can irritate the skin or hinder healing.
How long does it numb for?
Most numbing creams provide a 1.5 to 2 hour window of pain relief. Some last even longer based on skin type and formula. If you’re in for a long session, discuss reapplication of numbing gel with your tattoo artist during breaks.
Why do tattoo artists prefer some brands of numbing cream?
Tattoo artists favor numbing creams that:
- Act quickly and last long
- Don’t alter skin texture
- Don’t leave skin greasy or too soft
- Are safe and dermatologically tested
When a cream ticks all these boxes, it becomes a reliable item in their kit—not only for the client’s comfort, but also for ease of working.
What are the advantages of applying numbing cream during tattooing?
The advantages extend beyond mere pain relief:
- Reduces anxiety: No fear of pain makes you more relaxed.
- Enhances artist’s workflow: You remain stationary, making it easier for precision.
- Permits longer sessions: Do more in one sitting.
- Improved experience overall: You link the tattoo to comfort rather than trauma.
What are the consequences of abusing or misusing numbing cream?
Applying too much cream or using it improperly may result in:
- Skin irritation or rashes
- Transitory swelling
- Dizziness if absorbed through the bloodstream in excess
- Decreased tattoo definition (if used inappropriately)
Heeding instructions and conducting a patch test prevents you from experiencing these problems.
What does “the strongest” tattoo numbing cream consist of?
Multiple reasons make a cream labeled as “the strongest”:
- High lidocaine content (up to 5%)
- Combination with other anesthetics
- Long-active formula
- Rapid onset time
- Positive customer reviews and professional application
Creams with this description generally provide better results in comfort and pain control.
Are numbing creams effective for touch-up tattoos or removals?
Yes, numbing creams work not only for new tattoos, but also for:- Touch-ups – particularly painful in scarred or sensitive tissue
- Tattoo removal – which can be even more painful than getting a tattoo
What’s the difference between numbing cream, spray, and gel?
Cream: Most suited for deep anesthesia and big areas- Spray: Ideal for quick application and touch-ups
- Gel: Used sometimes mid-session to reapply numbing effect
How do I know what tattoo numbing cream is best for me?
Selecting the best cream is based on:- Your tolerance to pain
- Location of tattoo
- Duration of session
- Skin type
