Achieving a Painless Tattoo Experience with Numbing Creams
Getting a new tattoo can be an exciting experience to permanently decorate your body with meaningful art. However, the sensation of the tattoo needle on your skin can range from discomfort to significant pain depending on factors like location and pain tolerance.
If you dread the potential pain of getting tattooed, specialized numbing creams provide an appealing option. Read on to learn how tattoo numbing creams work and tips for choosing and applying them for a smoother, more painless tattoo.
How Tattoo Pain Varies
The level of pain felt during tattooing depends on several factors:
- Location Areas like the ribs, feet, chest and inner arm tend to be more painful.
- Size Larger, more detailed tattoos take longer and involve more needlework.
- Style Fine line tattoos are less painful than heavy shading.
- Pain tolerance Everyone experiences pain differently based on genetics and other factors.
While tattoo artists aim to help clients stay as comfortable as possible, some lingering discomfort is inevitable during the process without numbing agents.
How Tattoo Numbing Creams Work
Tattoo numbing creams contain anesthetic ingredients like lidocaine that temporarily numb nerve sensations in the applied area. When applied before tattooing, they can significantly reduce pain and discomfort.
The active numbing agents penetrate through the outer skin layers to reach nerve endings underneath. This blocks pain signals from these sensory nerves so they dont reach the brain.
As a result, you experience a numb sensation rather than feeling the sharp poke of the tattoo needle. The effects last long enough to get through a full tattoo session before reapplication is needed.
Benefits of Tattoo Numbing Creams
Using a high-quality tattoo numbing cream offers several advantages:
- Reduces pain and discomfort Enjoy more comfortable tattoo sessions.
- Allows longer sessions Get bigger, more detailed work done in one sitting.
- Minimizes movement Stay still easier so the artist can work precisely.
- Speeds recovery Causes less trauma and inflammation to the skin.
For those who tend to feel pain strongly or easily (especially during long sessions), numbing creams can make getting tattooed much more bearable.
Choosing the Best Tattoo Numbing Cream
With tattoo numbing creams growing in popularity, more options are now available. But not all creams are created equal when it comes to effectiveness and safety. Follow these tips when selecting a numbing cream for your next tattoo:
Check the Active Ingredient
Look for creams containing 5-10% lidocaine as the main active ingredient. This anesthetic is safe, effective, and commonly used by dermatologists and tattoo artists.
Avoid products containing benzocaine, which is less potent, wears off faster, and may cause skin reactions.
Read Reviews
Check for reviews on tattoo forums and websites from fellow artists and clients who have used the numbing cream successfully. This helps confirm quality and performance.
Ask Your Artist
Consult with your chosen tattoo artist to see if they recommend or approve use of a certain cream before your appointment. Some may prefer you dont use any numbing products.
Check Company Reputation
Purchase creams made by established pharmaceutical or supplement companies with a solid reputation. Beware of unknown brands selling numbing creams not intended for tattoo use.
Avoid "Black Henna" Products
Steer clear of "black henna" pastes that claim to numb. These often contain dangerous additives like PPD that can cause injuries.
Skip "DIY" Recipes
Don't attempt homemade numbing cream recipes found online. Only use commercially made creams designed specifically for tattoos.
How to Apply Tattoo Numbing Cream
Using tattoo numbing cream properly is key to achieving optimal pain relief. Follow these instructions when applying it before your tattoo appointment:
Clean and Dry Skin
Wash and dry the area thoroughly to remove dirt, oil and residue so the cream absorbs best.
Apply Thin Layer
Spread a thin, even layer over the tattoo area. Too much can irritate skin. Start with less cream and add more later if needed.
Cover Completely
Extend slightly beyond the planned tattoo area to fully cover. Numbing adjacent areas prevents pain from vibrations.
Wait 30-60 Minutes
Let the cream soak in for at least 30 minutes, up to 1 hour for maximum effect. Keep the area covered with plastic wrap.
Remove Gently
Wipe off carefully before tattooing. Avoid scrubbing harshly, which can thin your skin's surface layer.
Reapply When Needed
Add another thin layer every 1-2 hours during longer sessions as sensation starts returning.
Check Skin Reaction
Monitor for any irritation, swelling, redness or numbing that seems excessive. Alert your artist if concerned.
Following proper application instructions minimizes risks and side effects while allowing the numbing ingredients to work effectively.
Most Effective Tattoo Numbing Cream Ingredients
The key to an effective and safe tattoo numbing cream is the active ingredients it contains. Here are the compounds to look for:
Lidocaine
Lidocaine is the gold standard anesthetic used by medical professionals. Having 5-10% lidocaine allows a numbing cream to work well for tattoos without being overly potent.
Prilocaine
Like lidocaine, prilocaine is an anesthetic agent that provides numbing but with less risk of skin irritation. The two are often combined in creams.
Epinephrine
Added epinephrine helps the lidocaine absorb quickly and deeply into skin for faster, longer lasting numbness.
Natural Oils and Extracts
Ingredients like aloe, green tea extract, coconut oil, hemp oil, and shea butter soothe and protect skin while also extending the cream's effects.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E provides antioxidant benefits to aid healing. It also allows for smooth application and quick absorption into the skin.
Avoid tattoo numbing creams with benzocaine, camphor, phenol or other irritating fillers. The simpler the formula, the better.
How to Make Tattoo Numbing Cream More Effective
To get the most out of your chosen numbing cream, employ these tips:
Apply Thicker Over Bony Areas
Bony, protruding body parts with little cushioning under the skin tend to feel sharper needle pain. Be generous when applying cream over bones
FAQs
Is whey protein safe?
Whey protein is generally safe when used appropriately. However, high doses can cause side effects like nausea or headaches in some. Those with allergies or on medication should consult a doctor before use.
When should I take whey protein?
The best times to take whey protein are in the morning after waking up and within 60 minutes after weight training. This maximizes absorption and supports muscle growth and recovery.
Does whey protein expire?
Unopened whey protein typically expires within 6-12 months. Opened protein has a shorter shelf life of 3-4 months. Check each product's expiration date and store properly to maximize freshness.
Can whey protein cause acne?
There is some evidence linking whey protein with acne flares in those prone to breakouts. This may be due to hormone changes triggered by whey. Decreasing use and cleaning skin regularly may prevent acne.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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