A lot of folks are curious about what is out there as far as numbing products for tattoos. There are different kinds that can be used for different purposes to help you through your session.
Lidocaine for Tattoos
The main ingredient in most topical numbing products is lidocaine. Lidocaine products are available without a prescription in a quantity up to 5%. You can get creams with a higher percentage of lidocaine with a prescription from your doctor.
Lidocaine can be used before a tattoo to numb the skin completely, or it can be used during a session to take the edge off.
It's important to note that some people have an allergic reaction to lidocaine. Always patch test any new product.
CBD For Tattoos
Before getting into CBD I feel I need to say that it does not help to get high before your tattoo. In fact, I've had experiences with clients that suggest that the opposite is true. Many people become more physically sensitive when they're under the influence of marijuana which can lead to issues during the tattoo session.
I have however, had good experiences with topically applied CBD products. I haven't found that CBD will numb pre-tattooed skin but it can somewhat take the edge off when applied onto skin during the tattoo.
If your employer does drug tests of any kind, or you are a military member, CBD products may not be appropriate even topically.
What to Ingredients to Avoid in Numbing Products for Tattoos
Some numbing products have vasoconstrictors in them. There are different chemicals that cause vasoconstriction but the ingredient list on a product will usually label it as a vasoconstrictor. Even so, it's important to look up the ingredients in any product before you use it on an open wound.
Vasoconstriction limits blood flow which in turn, limits the body's ability to heal itself properly and protect itself from infection. In my opinion, no product with a vasoconstrictor is suitable for the tattoo process.
Types of Numbing Products for Tattoos
There are a few types of numbing products for tattoos including, creams, glides, and sprays. The following is some information about the different products I have experience with as a tattoo artist.
Numbing Creams I Recommend for Tattoos
Products that will fully numb an area before a tattoo are usually creams. With this method, you can't be shy with the amount of product you use. Apply a thick layer onto the area and cover with saran wrap. You need to do this 1-2 hours before tattoo time to give the product time to work.
Usually people find that their skin is completely numb in patches and will have some sensation in other patches with this method. It's important to note that this does not numb the skin long term. At best, you will be numb for about 2 hours.
I have found that with some clients that use this method, their pain threshold is altered and returning sensation is very uncomfortable. I usually only recommend this method for areas that are relatively small and sensitive (feet, hands, elbow, elbow ditch, knee, knee ditch, armpit, nipple area) because these area can usually be tattooed relatively quickly while the cream is still effective.
The brands I have worked with for this method are Mad Rabbit, Dr. Numb, Numbskin, and Inkeeze.
Tattoo Glides to Numb the Skin
Another method is to use products that are designed to replace the usual tattoo glide. The glide is a petroleum ointment used throughout the tattoo process by the artist. There are products the artist can use instead that contain CBD or lidocaine. In this way, the numbing agent is applied continuously throughout the process.
This method does not numb the skin completely, but it does take the edge off and make the process a bit more tolerable. It doesn't interfere with the pain threshold like complete numbing does. The products I have worked with for this method is Hustle Butter CBD Luxe.
Always patch test new products before bringing them to your tattoo appointment.
Numbing Soaps for Tattoos
Hustle Butter makes a products to be used during the tattoo session called Hustle Helper. I would say this 5 oz bottle might last for 2-4 long sessions so the amount of product does not go very far. However, I have had good feedback about it helping with pain and can be used in conjunction with their Hustle Butter CBD Luxe. This is a lidocaine product. Always check for allergies.
Numbing Sprays
Lidocaine sprays can be used sporadically throughout the tattoo process, such as before and after breaks, or when the client hits a pain wall. When sensation returns, it is gradual and does not interfere with the pain threshold. This helps move the client through sticking points and get back to the rhythm of natural pain management. I use this method on occasion using Bactine which I keep on hand in my studio.
Will Numbing Products Affect my Tattoo?
The overuse of lidocaine on skin can cause a change in the skin texture as the artist works. In my experience, sometimes the skin will not accept ink as well because of it. It's important to respect the body's natural process of handling trauma as much as possible so consider numbing products carefully.
Note:
Please do not show up to your appointment with a new product without checking in with the artist. Also, again, patch test everything. With the popularity of tattoos growing, there are tons of products out there and not all of them are regulated.
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