What to Look for in the Best Tattoo Numbing Cream?

What is Tattoo Numbing Cream?

Tattoo numbing cream is a type of topical anesthetic designed to numb the skin and reduce the pain or discomfort associated with getting a tattoo. These creams are formulated to be applied to the skin before the tattooing process begins.

How Does Numbing Cream Work?

The most common active ingredient found in numbing creams is lidocaine. Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that, when applied as a skin cream, effectively numbs the treated area. This numbing effect is achieved by blocking nerves from transmitting pain signals to the brain, providing temporary relief from discomfort or pain in the applied area.

What to Look for in the Best Tattoo Numbing Cream?

1. Numbing Effectiveness: The cream should provide a reliable and strong numbing effect to minimize pain during its use. The highest safe concentration of lidocaine allowed is currently 5%.
2. Ingredients: The ingredients should be clear, effective, and safe for the user’s health. For example, TKTX’s main components include 5.0% lidocaine, 5.0% prilocaine, and 1.0% epinephrine, all of which are safe and certified.
3. Duration of Effect: A good numbing cream should act quickly after application and maintain its effectiveness for a sufficient duration to meet usage needs. TKTX offers various creams suited to different needs.
4. Safety and Side Effects: The product should be safe with minimal side effects or skin irritation. High epinephrine levels can cause irritation and redness. While epinephrine reduces swelling and prolongs the numbing effect by constricting blood vessels, excessive use can lead to unnecessary side effects. Many tattoo artists prefer creams with lower epinephrine levels to avoid affecting tattoo quality once the effect wears off.
5. Ease of Use: The cream should be easy to apply, with a suitable texture that is neither greasy nor sticky.
6. Cost and Value: The price should correspond with the quality and effectiveness of the product.
7. Consumer Reviews: Positive feedback from consumers and healthcare professionals is an important indicator of the product’s quality.
8. Certifications and Approval: The product should have certifications from competent health authorities, ensuring it has been tested and approved for safe use.

In summary, choosing the best tattoo numbing cream requires attention to its numbing effectiveness, safety, ingredients, ease of use, cost, and user reviews. A good numbing cream should effectively reduce pain with minimal side effects and be straightforward to apply. It’s also important to consider feedback from other users and any relevant certifications. Ultimately, the right numbing cream can significantly improve your tattoo experience by lessening discomfort, but always use it wisely and consult professionals when needed.

Additional Information: All TKTX anesthetic creams are water-based, preventing oily skin after application, which could affect the tattoo artist’s work, the ink, or the healing process.