Getting a tattoo inked is a nice and thrilling experience, but at the same time, it could hurt, specifically the design, the position, and how long the person is there for the session. For many, it makes the experience exciting; however, for those who want to have this experience in a calm manner and with less pain, you may want to use a tattoo numbing cream. This post will guide you step by step on what to do to select the best numbing cream so that the experience of getting a tattoo will be as smooth and pain-free as possible.
Do Numbing Creams Help when Getting a Tattoo?
Tattoo-numbing creams are recommended because they effectively numb the skin for short durations, which makes them ideal for managing pain when a tattoo needle penetrates the skin. They can help make longer tattoo sessions that involve working on sensitive skin much more tolerable. Using a numbing cream can easily make the entire activity, whether it’s your first time getting a tattoo or your tenth time adding to your existing collection, that much more pleasant.
1. Know the Components of the Numbing Cream
The first thing to take into consideration when trying to decide on the best tattoo numbing cream to use is its components. Most effective numbing creams contain none or a number of the following active ingredients:
Lidocaine. A compound widely used in topical formulations for its numbing effects and can be used in tattooing. If you buy a numbing cream, then look for one that contains about 4-5 % lidocaine.
Benzocaine. Another anaesthetic but localised. Common in commercial creams because it doesn’t require a prescription and can be used for surface pain.
Prilocaine. But other times it is included as well with Lidocaine in order to achieve a more intense numbing.
2. Take into Account the Duration of Numbing
The effectiveness of any particular numbing cream varies from patient to patient. For example, some medications can numb the skin for as little as one to two hours, while others can numb it for up to four to six hours. If, for example, you are getting a small tattoo that is only expected to take one hour, the use of a cream with a shorter duration should not be a problem. But if used for such a session, it is advisable to choose a cream that provides a more extended numbing effect so that it does not have to be reapplied every time it wears off during the session.
3. Look at the Onset Time
When it comes to the application of numbing creams, it is critical to understand that these do not work at the snap of a finger, and they will take some time to work. Most of the time, clothes need to be put on for slightly less than one hour. When looking for a product, it is a good idea to check how long it takes the cream to start working so that the application is done at the right time to avoid such a scenario. If you are pressed for time, it is advisable to use topical products that are fast in onset.
4. Safety and Skin Compatibility
It is important to check if the numbing cream you intend to buy is safe and will provide the most relief to your skin. If the person applying the cream has a sensitive skin type or previous allergic history, he should probably go for a hypoallergenic sticker. Even if you do not have sensitive skin, it is generally advisable that a small amount of the content be applied to a patch area of the skin on the arm or the legs before coming for the tattooing service. This way, it is possible to ensure that no adverse reactions like redness, itching or swelling occur due to the use of the content.
5. Ease of Application
The best tattoo numbing cream is the one that can be applied easily and leaves a sticky or greasy screen after the application. If the formula is thick and does not allow for easy absorption, it may make it hard for the tattoo artist to perform his work without the formula’s interference. While some creams come in tubes, others in jars or sprays. Pick one that you find easy to use and allows you to apply an even coat over the tattoo area.
6. Pricing and Affordability
There will always be a factor of price in any consideration, however, it is imperative that a numbing cream is not chosen just for the reason that it is the cheapest one on the shelf. It is not always true that the lowest priced item is the least effective, and at the same, the most expensively priced one is not always required. Instead, go for one that is averagely priced and delivers good levels of pain relief whilst still remaining safe to use.
Conclusion
There is no reason why the quest for the best tattoo-numbing cream goes on forever; it should not be so hard in the first place. An understanding of these ingredients as well as the time taken by each one to take effect and their ability to suit the skin, can enable you to choose an ideal product.
