Yesterday I talked about how to make getting a tattoo pain-free and mentioned using numbing creams as a possible way to avoid the pain. But if after reading yesterday's article you were interested in using numbing creams to get a tattoo and avoid so much pain, today's article will interest you because I want to talk about how to use numbing cream.
If you're buying anesthetic cream for a tattoo, it's crucial to read the instructions inside the product first. This will tell you exactly what ingredients it contains (make sure you're not allergic to any of them). You should also use it correctly to avoid any long-term side effects and ensure it numbs your skin . Ideally, you should test it a few days before getting the tattoo.
But in order to apply this anesthetic cream you must take into account the following points:
- Wash the area of ​​the skin where you will have the tattoo with soap and water.
- Let it air dry.
- Put on sterile gloves and rub the cream on the area where you want to get the tattoo.
- Put a generous amount of cream that is at least one millimeter thick.
- Cover the cream with plastic wrap for 1 hour before starting to get the tattoo, but never leave more time because it could cause skin problems.
- Before the tattoo artist starts your tattoo, tell him that you have applied the cream toto remove it with a damp cloth before applying the tattoo stencil.
When they start to get the tattoo you will feel minimal pain for the first 45 minutes and your skin will wake up during the next hour.
Where to buy an anesthetic cream for tattoos
The best thing to do is go to the pharmacy and ask about them. They're also sold online, but it's best to make sure you're getting a reliable product. Some of the most well-known brands are sold without a prescription, so you shouldn't have any trouble getting them. However, always read the instructions carefully, and it's even advisable to test it on a small area of ​​skin first to avoid any adverse reactions, especially if you have sensitive skin.
What tattoo cream to buy?
TKTX
Without a doubt, the most widely used anesthetic cream is TKTX. It's a perfect way to numb the skin slightly before getting a tattoo. You should apply a layer to the chosen area and then clean it off before getting the tattoo. The effects will begin about 25 minutes after application and last for up to two hours. You have two options: 35% or 40%. These are the percentages of pain reduction . It's one of the most effective, and although the tube is small, it will always be enough for your needs. It costs around 5 euros.
Emma
This is another anesthetic cream you can find at the pharmacy without a prescription. Always follow the instructions and apply the correct amount. It comes in 30-gram tubes and costs around €15 . You can also get it with a prescription from your doctor. It's one of the creams with excellent reviews, as it's truly money well spent. However, you should always be careful with both the areas you apply it and the amount.
45
It's another well-known cream, although not all tattoo artists want to hear about it. It doesn't have as good reviews as the previous ones, despite being from the US and containing 4% lidocaine . While it's true that it's very effective, in this case, we must say that the effect can wear off prematurely. So, if the tattoo session is still ongoing, you'll start to feel quite intense pain. It's not gradual; rather, it will be sudden, which can cause significant discomfort. This is all because it's a fairly strong cream.
What cream to use after the tattoo?
It's true that after getting a tattoo, your tattoo artist will recommend a cream or two. There are several on the market, and not everyone will use the same one. Even so, it's worth mentioning that after getting a tattoo, you should apply a cream to help it heal while also protecting and moisturizing your skin. One of the most common is Bepanthol , as it creates a protective layer on the skin, adding extra hydration.
To retain moisture in the skin and keep it hydrated, which is exactly what it needs, there's another favorite cream like Eucerin's Aquaphor . Besides aiding healing, if it also prevents tattoo fading, then we're talking about another essential cream, such as the well-known 'Modern Day Duke'. So, as we can see, after a tattoo session, we must begin to take thorough care of it. This care includes keeping the area hydrated, helping it heal, and preventing fading of our design.
Images: www.ocu.org, Amazon