What is a Tattoo Numbing Cream?
A tattoo numbing cream is a special anaesthetic formulated to temporarily reduce or eliminate the pain and discomfort during a tattoo procedure. The TKTX Original numbing cream is a non-medical product that contains active ingredients such as lidocaine, prilocaine, and benzocaine to numb the skin’s nerve endings. [1]
When applied directly over the area of the tattoo, a tattoo numbing cream creates a more comfortable healing process and is particularly helpful for larger, more invasive tattoos.
How Do Tattoo Numbing Creams Work?
If you are a newbie in the world of tattoos, you may be curious about how a TKTX numbing cream actually works. Although all tattoo numbing creams essentially perform the same task—numbing the skin—not all are made from the same active ingredients. Some creams, such as TKTX Original, contain lidocaine, which makes them more effective than most other creams. The active ingredients in the numbing creams consequently affect their working and pain-blocking capabilities: Here’s how:- Nerve blockers: some creams contain special chemicals such as Tetracaine and Benzocaine that restrict the pain signals sent to the brain when applied to the skin. These creams work best for smaller areas, but are not effective for larger tattoos. [2]
- Nerve deadeners: The TKTX Original tattoo numbing cream contains lidocaine, which stops the nerves from working temporarily, thus blocking the pain signals. This process makes the tattoo application less painful for a longer time.
- Vasoconstrictors: A more effective form of tattoo numbing cream is vasoconstrictors that cause blood vessels to contract and reduce the blood flow. Containing epinephrine, these creams act fast to lessen the amount of bleeding in the tattoo area, making it less messy.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Using a Tattoo Numbing Cream
A tattoo numbing cream does more than just block pain in the tattoo area, it also seals the color in, leading to a more vibrant tattoo that lasts longer. But before you decide to go under that tattoo needle, here is a clear step-by-step guide to using a TKTX numbing cream for a pain-free tattoo experience:- Step 1: Clean the skin thoroughly: Gently wash the area with soap and water, and dry thoroughly
- Step 2: Perform a patch test: apply a small amount of TKTX Original tattoo numbing cream on a skin patch 24 hours before the tattoo procedure to ensure no allergic reactions. [3]
- Step 3: Apply a thick layer of the cream over the area to be tattooed
- Step 4: Cover the area by using a plastic wrap or a sterile bandage to cover the cream for maximum absorption
- Step 5: Leave the cream on for 30-45 minutes
- Step 6: Remove the covering gently and wipe away any excess cream
- Step 7: Let your tattoo artist know you have applied the cream so they can adjust their processes.
Tips for a Pain-Free Tattoo Experience
Worrying about the pain and discomfort is natural if you are planning to get a tattoo for the first time. However, with these tips, you can be better prepared to face the needle:- Apply a numbing cream beforehand to block the pain, such as TKTX Original, which contains active ingredients for blocking pain signals so that you don’t feel a thing when the needle penetrates your skin
- Seek out a seasoned and professional tattoo artist who can significantly reduce the level of discomfort during the tattooing by giving assurances.
- Hydrate your body, as a well-hydrated skin is more supple and allowing the ink to penetrate more deeply and quickly. [4]
- Choose the right body part for the tattoo carefully, as certain parts, such as ribs, feet, and hands, tend to be more sensitive and delicate than others.
- Bring a distraction to keep your mind away from the tattoo application, such as music or a book.
- Get plenty of rest before a tattoo session, as inadequate sleep can leave you more jittery and anxious, which can affect the tattoo application.
