Understanding Tattoo Numbing Cream Activation
For anyone considering a tattoo, particularly for large or sensitive areas, minimizing pain is a common concern. Tattoo numbing creams provide a solution by acting as topical anesthetics to dull nerve endings and make the process more comfortable. However, the key to success lies in proper application and understanding the activation timeline. These creams need sufficient time to penetrate the skin and block the pain signals sent to the brain, which is why timing is critical. Simply applying it just before the needle touches the skin will yield poor or no results. Proper planning, in coordination with your tattoo artist, is a crucial step for a smoother and less painful experience.
Factors Influencing Activation Time
Several factors can influence how quickly a numbing cream starts to work and how long the effect lasts. While the general consensus is to wait about an hour for optimal results, these variables can cause the timeline to shift:
- Active Ingredients: The specific active ingredients play a major role. Lidocaine, the most common component, is a fast-acting anesthetic, but some creams contain a blend of lidocaine, prilocaine, and benzocaine for enhanced effectiveness. Vasoconstrictors like epinephrine may also be included to help the numbing effect last longer.
- Concentration: The percentage of active ingredient, particularly lidocaine, directly correlates with its potency and absorption time. Over-the-counter creams often contain 4% to 5% lidocaine, with higher percentages generally requiring slightly more time to reach full effect. Prescription-strength formulas used in medical settings can have higher concentrations, offering faster and stronger numbing.
- Application Method: The way the cream is applied significantly affects its efficacy. A thick, even layer is necessary, and covering the area with an occlusive dressing like plastic wrap is often recommended to accelerate absorption by trapping heat and moisture. Failing to follow these steps can result in a longer activation time or weaker numbing.
- Body Location: The skin's thickness and sensitivity vary across the body. Areas with thinner skin, like the ribs, ankles, or top of the feet, may absorb the cream faster, while thicker, fleshier areas may take longer to feel the full effects. The specific nerve density of the area also plays a part.
- Individual Skin Chemistry: Everyone's body is different, and skin can react uniquely to topical anesthetics. Factors like hydration levels, body temperature, and overall skin health can all play a part in how quickly the cream is absorbed and how long the effects last.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Numbing Cream for Tattoos
To ensure your numbing cream works as intended, follow these steps with care:
- Consult with Your Tattoo Artist: Before using any numbing cream, discuss it with your tattoo artist. Some artists have specific preferences or may not work with clients who use them, often due to concerns about altered skin texture affecting the final result. It is crucial to be open about your plans well in advance of your appointment.
- Conduct a Patch Test: For safety, perform a patch test on a small, discreet area of your skin 24-48 hours before your session. This checks for any adverse allergic reactions like redness, itching, or swelling.
- Clean and Prepare the Area: Thoroughly wash and shave the area to be tattooed. Use a mild, antibacterial soap and warm water to remove oils, dirt, and dead skin cells that could act as a barrier and inhibit absorption. Pat the skin completely dry.
- Apply a Thick Layer: Apply a generous, thick layer of the numbing cream, about 2mm thick, over the entire area. Avoid rubbing it in completely. The cream needs to sit on the surface to be absorbed effectively.
- Cover with Plastic Wrap: Immediately after application, cover the area with plastic food wrap or an occlusive dressing. This is a critical step that creates a sealed environment, enhancing the cream's penetration into the skin and preventing it from drying out. Secure the wrap with tape if necessary to prevent it from shifting.
- Wait for the Recommended Time: Leave the cream and plastic wrap on for the product's recommended duration, which is typically between 60 to 90 minutes. For longer sessions or highly sensitive areas, some suggest waiting up to two hours for maximum effect, but always follow manufacturer instructions.
- Remove and Clean Just Before Tattooing: Once you arrive at the studio and are ready for the stencil, the cream and wrap should be removed. Your artist will clean the area again, and you will be ready to begin. The numbing effect will typically last for 1 to 4 hours from this point.
Potential Downsides and Safety Precautions
While numbing creams can significantly reduce discomfort, they are not without potential issues. Improper use can lead to serious health complications, and there are artistic concerns to consider. For example, using too much cream on a large area of the body can cause an overdose of lidocaine, leading to systemic toxicity with symptoms like seizures, dizziness, and irregular heartbeat. It is always best to use the smallest effective amount and only apply it to the specific area being tattooed.
Some tattoo artists believe that numbing creams can affect the skin's texture, making it rubbery or difficult to work with, which could potentially impact the final tattoo quality. In addition, the numbing effect can wear off abruptly during long sessions, leading to a sudden and possibly more intense pain sensation for the wearer. Always communicate with your artist and choose a reputable, high-quality product to minimize risks.
Numbing Cream Comparison
| Feature | Lidocaine Cream (e.g., Ebanel Numb 520) | Combination Cream (e.g., Dr. Numb) | Vasoconstrictor Spray (e.g., Vasocaine) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredients | 5% Lidocaine | 5% Lidocaine + Prilocaine + others | Lidocaine + Epinephrine |
| Application | Rubbed on skin before session | Rubbed on skin before session | Sprayed on skin DURING session |
| Activation Time | Quick (peaks at 20-25 mins) | Fast (starts in 15-30 mins) | Immediate (2-5 mins) |
| Numbing Duration | Up to 2-4 hours | Up to 2-4 hours | Up to 1-2 hours |
| Best For | Short to medium sessions on specific areas | Longer sessions or more sensitive areas | Boosting numbing mid-session or for quick relief |
| Effectiveness | Strong and fast-acting | Enhanced and long-lasting | Quick boost, but not as deep |
Conclusion
For those seeking to reduce pain during a tattoo session, numbing creams can be a highly effective tool when used correctly. The typical activation time is approximately 30-60 minutes, though this can vary based on the cream's ingredients, concentration, and how it is applied. Proper preparation, including cleaning the skin and wrapping the cream-covered area, is vital for achieving optimal results. Always communicate your intention to use numbing cream with your tattoo artist beforehand, as some may have preferences regarding its use. By understanding the pharmacology and following safe application guidelines, you can ensure a much more comfortable and successful tattooing experience. Taking the time to prepare properly and follow all instructions will help you achieve a better and safer result, allowing you to focus on the art rather than the pain. Read more about the safe use of topical anesthetics on Verywell Health.
