Tattoos are a personal expression, and obtaining one is an exciting experience. But pain is a major issue for all. While some like the feeling of the tattoo being inked onto the body itself as a component of the excitement, others can find that they are capable of worrying about the pain that they will be going through, particularly in the case where there is a large or complex design. Tattoo numbing creams step in here. However, what exactly is a tattoo numbing cream, and how are they designed to relieve pain?
How does the tattoo numbing cream work?
Tattoo numbing creams are topical anesthetics which are applied topically onto the skin in such a manner so that the region of the tattoo becomes numbed and hence, pain signals no longer can proceed to the brain.
Most of the numbing creams contain lidocaine, a general local anesthetic, which is the one responsible for blocking the transmission of nerve signals.
Step by step, here’s how numbing cream works:
- Skin absorption: When applied to the skin, the numbing cream is soaked in by the skin layers.
- Blockage of pain signals: The active substance (most commonly lidocaine) in the cream prevents the nerve endings on the skin from being able to feel, closing the pain receptors’ ability to pass a message along to the brain.
- Temporary pain blocking: The effects of numbing cream are only temporary and usually last around 1-3 hours depending on the strength and type of cream.
By numbing the skin, tattoo numbing creams make the process of getting a tattoo more comfortable, allowing the client to tolerate longer sessions without feeling pain and get full value for the work being performed.
What are some benefits of using a tattoo numbing cream?
How does tattoo numbing cream make it easier to get tattooed?
Numbing creams have several advantages that can actually make the tattooing process better, especially in individuals with low pain tolerance or tattooed on sensitive parts of the body. Below is a closer examination of the advantages:
- Pain relief: The biggest advantage of numbing cream is pain relief. Getting a tattoo is piercing the skin with a needle repeatedly, and that hurts. Numbing creams block the pain receptors and make getting a tattoo much more pleasurable.
- More comfort during longer sessions: With hours-in-the-making tattoos, numbing cream may enable the client to sit still for longer durations without the pain that otherwise makes them keep adjusting constantly.
- More focus on the tattooing process: Without pain, clients are able to focus more on the work and enjoy the process instead of being distracted by pain.
Who benefits the most from tattoo numbing creams?
While anyone can use numbing cream, it is especially helpful for:
- People with low pain tolerance: If you’re concerned about the pain, numbing creams can make the experience much more comfortable and manageable.
- Individuals who have tattoos done in sensitive locations: Sensitive locations such as the ribs, back, elbows, knees, and hands are sensitive. Numbing creams will render them less sensitive to tattooing.
- Individuals anxious about obtaining tattoos: Anxiety will increase the perception of pain. Numbing creams will alleviate that anxiety, making the process more relaxed.
Are there any drawbacks to the use of numbing creams for tattooing?
Can numbing creams have an impact on the quality of the tattoo?
Despite all the wonders of numbing creams as a painkiller, there are some issues and risks associated with them. One of them is whether or not the quality of the tattoo is affected by numbing cream. By numbing your skin, you’re also changing its sensitivity level, and this can change the tattooing process in various ways:
- Penetration resistance with the needle: The skin may become thickened by anaesthetic creams, thus more difficult to penetrate. This could result in having to alter the manner of working so that the needle goes deeper. This could slow things down or cause less accurate tattooing.
- Possible problems with the ink: Numbing the skin will, occasionally, prevent the ink from adhering and result in lighter or even colored tattoos. This will possibly need to be retouched or corrected after finishing the tattoo.
Are there any side effects of creams containing numbing agents?
Similar to any cosmetic or pharmaceutical procedure, there are possible side effects to applying numbing creams. Possible side effects are:
- Redness or swelling of the skin: The active ingredients in numbing creams irritate sensitive skin, thus causing redness, burning, or itching.
- Allergic reactions: Certain people are allergic to lidocaine or other active ingredients in numbing creams, and consequently, they develop rashes, swellings, or hives.
- Toxicity with overuse: Overusing numbing creams or applying them to large areas of skin can lead to toxicity, causing side effects like dizziness, heart palpitations, or nausea. It’s crucial to follow the instructions provided with the product.
How should numbing cream be applied for maximum effectiveness?
What’s the best way to use numbing cream before a tattoo?
For maximum effects of numbing cream, you need to use it correctly. Use the following instructions on how to properly use numbing cream to attain the best effect:
- Clean the area first: Wash your skin with mild soap and water first to remove oil and dirt to allow the absorption of the numbing cream.
- Apply the cream: Apply a thin layer of the cream.
- Apply a thick layer: Apply a thick layer of numbing cream to the region that will be tattooed. Be sure to cover the entire region for even pain relief.
- Wait for it to take effect: It will take most numbing creams 20-30 minutes to take effect. In sensitive or deeper skin, leave the cream on slightly longer, as directed by the manufacturer’s instructions.
Can numbing cream be reused throughout the tattooing process?
Reapplication of numbing cream is possible during tattooing, but with care. Here are some reapplication tips:
- Ask your tattoo artist first: Some artists will not reapply numbing cream as it interferes with tattooing, so ask your artist first before reapplying more cream.
- Use proper procedures: If your artist is willing, apply only a small quantity of cream at the correct times to avoid overuse or skin irritation.
Are there other alternatives to the use of numbing creams in pain control?
What else are clients provided other than numbing creams for pain control?
While numbing creams are the most common pain control treatment for tattooing, alternative forms of pain relief vary:- Oral analgesics: Prescription medication such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen can minimize inflammation and pain. They are not nearly as effective as topical anesthetics in truly cutting off pain at the location of tattooing.
- Meditation and relaxation exercises: Meditation and breathing exercises can manage pain and fear. The exercises can divert your mind from pain and soothe your nervous system.
- Hydration and light snacks: Having water and taking light snacks prior to your tattoo session maintains energy levels, which makes it easy to manage pain.
Are these alternatives comparable to numbing creams?
All these alternatives have advantages and disadvantages:
- Oral painkillers manage general pain but provide no localized numbness creams do.
- Breathing exercises calm the mind but do little for body pain.
- The most selective pain relief is numbing creams, but they will have side effects or prevent the tattooing process.
- Finally, the best method is a matter of personal preference and tolerance for pain.
Conclusion: Is tattoo numbing cream worth it?
Tattoo numbing creams are great painkillers and really make getting tattooed a whole lot easier. Numbing cream is a blessing for those who have low pain thresholds or those who are getting tattoos done on more sensitive spots. But one should not forget that there are some drawbacks too, i.e., possible reactions to the skin or affecting the act of getting tattooed.- Advantages of the numbing cream: Less pain, longer time for tattooing, improved focus on the tattoo, useful in sensitive skin areas.
- Disadvantages of the use of the numbing cream: Risk of skin irritation, side effects, and on the quality of the tattoo.
