Tattoo numbing creams are made with active ingredients that prevent pain signals from being sent to the brain. They generally have topical anesthetics, which act by temporarily desensitizing the surface of the skin. They reduce the pain, thus making the tattooing process more bearable. Knowing how they work involves researching the science behind their ingredients and their effects on the skin.
How Do Tattoo Numbing Creams Work?
Tattoo numbing creams work by desensitizing skin nerve endings. Upon application, the active ingredients seep into the skin and prevent nerve signals from sending pain to the brain. The effect typically lasts for several hours, depending on the concentration of the anesthetic used.
The numbing effect is achieved through three mechanisms:
- Blocking Sodium Channels – Numbing agents such as lidocaine block sodium channels in nerve cells, which stops pain signals from being transmitted.
- Constriction of Blood Vessels – Epinephrine is found in some creams, which constricts blood vessels, causing swelling to decrease and numbing to last longer.
- Moisturizing and Soothing Agents – Most numbing creams have soothing agents such as aloe vera or vitamin E to avoid excessive dryness or irritation.
What are the most important ingredients in numbing creams?
The majority of tattoo numbing creams include one or a combination of the following active ingredients:- Lidocaine – A strong numbing ingredient that suppresses nerve impulses and brings temporary pain relief.
- Benzocaine – Used frequently in over-the-counter numbing remedies; it performs much like lidocaine but has a little weaker effect.
- Tetracaine – Combined with other anesthetics in some cases to ensure longer numbing effects and greater skin penetration.
- Epinephrine – Constricts blood vessels, lessening swelling, reducing bleeding, and prolonging numbness time.
How Long Do Tattoo Numbing Creams Last?
The length of numbness depends on the composition of the cream and the type of skin. The majority of numbing creams last 1 to 3 hours, some for up to 4 hours if you reapply them. However, body heat, blood flow, and skin thickness can affect how long they work.Can You Prolong the Effects of Numbing Cream?
Yes, it is possible to extend the numbing effect by:- Using a thicker coating and wrapping with plastic wrap to maximize absorption.
- Selecting a cream with greater lidocaine strength (for example, 5% lidocaine is regarded as strong for numbing sensitive areas of skin).
- Applying as directed, but don’t overdo it to avoid side effects like being too numb or irritated skin.
- Keeping the numbed skin cool to reduce blood flow and extend the effect.
Are Tattoo Numbing Creams Safe?
Overall, tattoo numbing creams are safe to use when properly applied. Abuse or overuse can result in side effects, especially if they are used in large quantities or on a wide skin surface.What Are the Possible Side Effects?
Potential side effects are as follows:- Skin irritation – Redness, itching, or minor burning feelings may happen if the skin is sensitive or the cream is applied for too long.
- Allergic reactions – There could be swelling, rashes, or hives in people allergic to lidocaine or benzocaine.
- Systemic effects – Excessive use in extremely rare instances can produce symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, an irregular heartbeat, or shortness of breath. This occurs when the anesthetic is absorbed into the bloodstream in large quantities.
How to Minimize Side Effects
To guarantee safe use of numbing creams:- Perform a patch test prior to full application to detect allergic reactions.
- Follow the dosage instructions and do not apply too much.
- Do not use numbing creams on extensive areas of the body simultaneously, as this raises absorption into the blood.
- Talk to a dermatologist if you suffer from existing skin conditions or allergies.
Do Numbing Creams Affect Tattoo Quality?
There is widespread fear that anesthetizing creams can affect the quality of tattoos. They do not disrupt the absorption of ink but, if used excessively, can make the skin less responsive, more difficult to work on for tattoo artists. Some artists are convinced that very numb skin can become too soft or slippery, and hence more inaccurate for application of ink.How to Ensure a Quality Tattoo with Numbing Cream
- Tell your tattoo artist ahead of time since there are some who will not work with numbed skin.
- Apply only recommended quantities so you do not end up with too much numbing that distorts the skin.
- Select good-quality creams that lack added ingredients unnecessary for their functioning and capable of causing irritation.
- Remove excess numbing cream properly before your tattoo starts.
Can You Use Numbing Cream for Other Procedures?
Yes, numbing creams are commonly used in dermatological and cosmetic procedures such as:- Laser hair removal – Assist in reducing pain caused by laser pulses.
- Microblading and permanent makeup – Relieves eyebrow tattooing and lip coloring pain.
- Waxing and electrolysis – Relieves the discomfort of hair removal treatments.
- Small cosmetic procedures – Applied to minor dermatological treatments such as removing moles or microneedling.
- Tattoo numbing creams operate by inhibiting nerve impulses and, therefore, can be utilized for any treatment that causes skin irritation or pain.
Where Can You Purchase Good Quality Tattoo Numbing Creams?
When you buy a numbing cream, make sure that it is FDA-approved and has safe levels of active ingredients. Buy good brands at pharmacies, online retailers, and beauty spas. When it comes to good quality numbing creams, try Beauty Face UK, which deals with professional-grade products for tattoo fans.What Should You Consider in a Numbing Cream?
When you select a tattoo numbing cream, keep the following in mind:- Concentration of active ingredients – Make sure it has a safe and effective amount of lidocaine or benzocaine.
- Customer reviews and ratings – Verify customer comments to make sure it is safe and effective.
- Brand reputation – Select products from well-known skincare and tattoo aftercare brands.
- Compatibility with skin type – There are numbing creams that work better on dry or sensitive skin than others.
