Getting a tattoo can be an exciting, fun, and a bit painful experience too. It can serve as a sweet reminder of your loved one, indicate a stage of transformation in your life, or be a sign to commemorate the passing of your dear ones. However, the physical pain that one endures during the tattooing process is debilitating. It can be even more challenging if it involves areas of the body that facilitate lots of movement. Every movement you make reminds you of the painful tattoo session and leaves you wondering why you even went for it. Also, it burns a hole in your pocket. In short, it hurts in more ways than one! Is there a respite from it? Yes, that’s where the numbing creams enter the scene. They are like allies in the battle that can be applied during the tattooing process to minimize the perception of pain. They aren’t a magic solution or act as a substitute for rest or recovery but are incredibly effective in kickstarting the pain relieving process before tattooing, adding to the overall relaxation experience.
Now, let’s understand what they are and how they help to make a tattooing experience a breeze.
In This Article
What Is A Tattoo Numbing Cream?
Numbing creams, as the name suggests, are over-the-counter products used to numb the skin before undergoing a cosmetic process, skin treatment, and medical or tattoo procedure. They help reduce the pain and discomfort you feel during the tattooing process, but cannot really eliminate the pain. A numbing cream works like a topical anesthetic that helps reduce sensitivity to pain by blocking the nerve signals in the areas of the body where it is applied. It contains active ingredients, such as lidocaine or benzocaine, that help provide quick pain relief, soothe the skin, and enhance comfort while undergoing the tattooing process or even during the tattoo removal process.
Understanding what does a tattoo feel like can help prepare you mentally for the process, but for some, the pain is an unavoidable concern. Chloe, a blogger, shared her experience of using a numbing cream. She writes, “I was pretty nervous about getting it done, but I actually didn’t need to be because I didn’t feel any pain at all! The numbing cream I used made it feel like as if someone was writing on me with a pen ( i ).” The blogger was very pleased with the results of the numbing cream and felt that it eased the pain of the needle-based process.
There are several numbing creams available on the market depending on your specific needs, skin type, skin sensitivity, preferences, and the nature of the procedures. Let’s take a look at it!
Key Takeaways
- Tattoo-numbing creams contain active ingredients that help to provide quick relief from the pain during the tattooing or its removal process.
- Numbing creams are available as over-the-counter creams and prescription-strength creams, based on their concentration and strength.
- While numbing creams do help to reduce pain, they may have potential side effects like allergic reactions, skin irritations, etc.
- Numbing creams cannot eliminate the pain completely but do help to reduce discomfort during the tattooing or tattoo removal process.
What Are The Different Types Of Numbing Creams For Tattoos?
Skin-numbing creams mostly vary in concentration and strength. They can broadly be divided into two types:
- Over-the-counter numbing creams
- Prescription-strength numbing creams
The basic difference between these two is that they differ in the level of concentration of active ingredients and the numbing effect they produce. Minor surgeries or medical procedures might require topical application of creams with lower concentrations whereas invasive tattooing procedures might require creams with higher concentrations of active ingredients. The commonly used active ingredients in tattoo numbing creams are lidocaine, benzocaine, pramoxine, tetracaine, and dibucaine.
Typically, prescription-strength numbing creams are used in clinical settings, to monitor the patient and ensure safe and proper application. They are usually used under the guidance of healthcare professionals as they contain a higher concentration of anesthetic agents and monitor potential side effects. While, over-the-counter creams do not necessarily require to be applied in medical settings and deliver milder, short-term pain relief when compared to prescription numbing creams ( 1 ).
When tattooing, it may be helpful to use a numbing cream containing 0.2%-0.5% lidocaine ( 2 ). However, if you are still unsure about the effectiveness of the topical anesthetic, don’t worry as your tattoo artist will normally provide one. They are experienced professionals and can address your concerns about the effectiveness of numbing creams in a better way.
There are a lot of positive effects of using numbing creams, but one should keep in mind it’s not devoid of side effects.
Is It Safe To Use Numbing Creams For Tattooing?
Numbing creams promise to relieve pain if applied evenly and in moderation. However, it’s important to note that the effects of numbing cream are only for a specified amount of time. Numbing creams can help reduce your pain and discomfort during the tattooing process, but they may also have potential side effects:
- They may trigger allergic reactions such as skin irritation, redness, mild burning sensation, changes in skin color, lightheadedness, and nausea.
- They may even lead to seizures and cardiovascular collapse and prove to be fatal in severe cases ( 3 ). Hence, it’s essential to follow the dosage instructions stated on the product or aftercare tips provided by medical professionals or tattoo artists.
- The numbing effect of the cream is reduced to a great extent if the cream is wiped off from the skin’s surface. This is because the active ingredients present in the numbing cream might not get enough time to penetrate the skin and exert their full efficacy and effect.
- It is generally suggested to avoid using numbing creams on children. If done it should always be under professional guidance ( 4 ), ( 5 ).
- Also, it is recommended to avoid using numbing creams with higher active ingredient concentrations if you are pregnant or nursing.
How Does A Tattoo Numbing Cream Work?
Tattoo numbing creams provide effective pain relief by blocking the nerve pain signals in the affected area from reaching the brain, if applied correctly. This results in creating a temporary loss of sensation or a numbing effect in the targeted area that, in turn, helps numb the skin’s surface and drastically reduces the pain and discomfort during tattooing procedures.
While these numbing creams may not be able to eliminate the sensation of pain, they can certainly make the tattooing process or tattoo removal procedure a lot less painful. Also, the effectiveness of numbing creams may vary from person to person depending on pain tolerance levels, skin sensitivity, medical history, etc. Having said that, the effectiveness of numbing cream is also determined by the usage duration, method of application, skin thickness, and other factors such as not exceeding the time or frequency recommended on the product label ( 4 ).
Numbing creams can give you a positive overall experience while undergoing the tattooing process, now let’s find out when they can be used.
Can You Use Numbing Cream Before A Tattoo?
Numbing creams can be applied before undergoing the tattooing process to temporarily desensitize the nerves, alleviate pain, and reduce any pressure you may feel from the needle. They are usually considered safe to apply before the tattooing process, especially to those areas of the skin that are extra sensitive. However, it’s important to keep in mind that its effectiveness depends on the type of ingredients, their concentration levels, and absorption rate and time. For longer tattoo sessions one might even be required to re-apply a numbing cream during or even after the completion of the process. The needle penetrates the skin in the tattooing process, so some sensations are likely to be felt even after applying a numbing cream ( 6 ). Generally, your tattoo artist will apply a numbing cream if you have a low pain tolerance, or you can ask them for it instead of applying it yourself.
Now that you know that numbing creams can be used during, before, and after tattoos, let’s talk about how to apply them correctly.
How To Use Tattoo Numbing Cream
It’s important to use a numbing cream properly to avoid any risk of potential side effects or adverse reactions and to get a more comfortable experience. Whether you are opting for over-the-counter or prescription-strength creams, it’s always recommended to consult a dermatologist to ensure the particular numbing cream is right for you. Here is what you need to ensure an effective and safe application:
- Cleanse The Skin
Wash the targeted area with warm water and antibacterial soap. Blot and dry the skin with a soft towel.
- Use Disposable Gloves
Do not use your fingers to apply a numbing cream to your skin. Wear disposable gloves to prevent other areas of the body from coming into contact with the numbing cream.
- Read Through The Dosage Instruction
Before applying the numbing cream to the skin, check the dosage instructions. It’s best to apply a thin layer to the skin to avoid the risk of any potential overdose.
- Avoid Using A Numbing Cream On Cracked Skin
Make sure not to apply a numbing cream to broken skin or delicate areas of your eyes to reduce the risk of irritation or other adverse reactions.
- Consider The Application Time
It’s important to note that the numbing cream might take around 30-60 minutes roughly to work, so always apply it well before heading for your session or as directed by your physician or tattoo artist.
- Cover The Area After Application
After applying the product to the affected area, cover it up with an occlusive dressing to increase the effectiveness of the numbing cream.
Things To Keep In Mind When Using Numbing Creams For Tattoos
To get a safe and effective tattooing experience, it’s important to keep a few things in mind while using numbing creams:
- Exfoliate The Skin
Before applying a numbing cream, it’s best to ensure your skin is exfoliated, as it would lead to better absorption of the product and enhance its effectiveness.
- Always Do A Patch Test
Apply a small amount of numbing cream to an inconspicuous area of your skin before using it on a larger section of the body as a precautionary measure to detect any potential allergic reaction. If you find any signs of swelling, redness, itching, burning, or any other skin irritation, after applying the numbing cream consult a doctor immediately.
- Do Not Keep The Numbing Cream On The Skin For A Long Time
Exceeding the suggested time duration of the product on the skin may pose adverse skin reactions and risks. Anecdotal evidence suggests that keeping a numbing cream for a prolonged period on the skin may lead to itchy skin, breathlessness, dizziness, blurred vision, mood swings, an irregular heartbeat, coma, or even death.
- Do Not Overuse The Numbing Cream
Overusing a numbing cream may not provide any additional benefits. In fact, doing this may cause more harm than good. Over-applying this cream or wrapping the tattooed area with saran wrap after applying the cream may lead to an increased risk of toxicity as the concentrated active ingredients may seep into the bloodstream.
Adherence to these guidelines can help you provide desired pain relief and help reduce the risk of complications. Now, let’s find out where you can get these pain-numbing creams.
Where To Buy Numbing Cream For Tattoos?
In most cases, your tattoo artist will have a numbing cream with them. So, you won’t have to buy one beforehand. However, numbing creams can be purchased from both online and offline sources. They are available in local pharmacies, skincare clinics, and even a few tattoo studios. One can even purchase numbing creams online, but make sure to check product reviews, ingredient lists, product information, and pricing before making a purchase.
After learning about the different sources from where you can buy these creams, let’s learn about their price range.
What Is The Cost Of Tattoo Numbing Cream?
The cost of numbing tattoos depends on several factors, such as the brand, type of formulation, quantity of the product, concentration level of active ingredients, skin type, and how long it works. Anecdotal evidence states that these creams can cost between $10 and $50.
While these creams are a boon, there may be instances where you might require medical attention. Scroll down to know more.
When To Seek Medical Attention?
While a few side effects of numbing creams can be mild, such as slight redness or skin irritation that can temporarily resolve on its own. However, one should consult a doctor if you:
- Notice a purplish-black blotch or bruising on the skin.
- Experience ringing in your ears, mental confusion, or blurry vision.
- Experience sudden drowsiness, dizziness, and headaches.
- Notice swelling and extreme redness around the affected area.
All these above symptoms and signs indicate that one needs immediate evaluation by a doctor to avoid potential complications and health risks.
Though numbing creams do decrease your discomfort a bit, it’s important to keep in mind that the pain does not end immediately after applying the cream but can help to eliminate uncomfortable feelings. You may have to apply it a couple of times throughout the tattooing process. However, remember that numbing creams come with their own set of minor side effects. You may experience a burning sensation, skin irritation, or allergic reaction. Therefore, always consult your tattoo artist or a dermatologist to know which cream will work best for you. Always use the smallest amount of numbing cream possible to avoid side effects. Also, it’s best to be vigilant and seek medical help if you suspect or experience an allergic reaction. Furthermore, mental preparation is key. By reading a tattoo pain chart , you can identify the most painful places to get a tattoo, which can reassure you and make you feel ready for the experience.
What is the best thing to numb tattoo pain?
You may use over-the-counter numbing creams, numbing sprays, painkillers, cold compresses, or even practice deep breathing exercises that can help reduce the perception of pain and offer relaxation.
How long does a numbing cream last for tattoos?
Anecdotal evidence suggests that the effect of a numbing cream can last for around 1-8 hours post-application. However, it also depends on other factors such as skin type, skin sensitivity, and the concentration of active ingredients in the numbing cream.
Illustration: Do Numbing Creams Work For Tattoos? A Complete Guide
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
Using a numbing cream may help reduce pain and discomfort experienced during a tattoo session. Check out the video to learn how to apply it properly and in the right amount.
Personal Experience: Source
StyleCraze’s articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.
References
- Utility of lidocaine as a topical analgesic and improvements in patch delivery systems https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00325481.2019.1702296
- Lidocaine https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539881/
- Cardiac toxicity after intraurethral instillation of lidocaine: A case report and review of literature https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7025837/
- Evaluation of EMLA Cream for Preventing Pain during Tattooing of Rabbits: Changes in Physiological Behavioural and Facial Expression Responses
- Lidocaine: A Local Anesthetic Its Adverse Effects and Management
- Topical anesthesia https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4676230/
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8 Best Baby Footprint Tattoo Ideas
1. Baby Footprint Tattoo For Dad
Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team
A heartwarming design featuring one footprint of the dad and another tiny footprint of the baby. The artist has also taken the creative liberty to add the word “DAD” beneath the footprints; it is that not just the sweetest thing! This tattoo beautifully symbolizes the eternal bond between a father and his child, with the heart representing the unconditional love that flows between them.
2. Baby Footprint Tattoo With Flowers
Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
This baby footprint tattoo is a mesmerizing piece featuring a gorgeous flower. You could even substitute the flower with your own choice, or baby’s birth flower. The soft shading of the petals and the broad brushstroke effect in which the foot is drawn evoke the delicate emotions of parenthood. What makes this tattoo truly special is the two hearts that connect the flower and the footprint. You can consider this composition as a narrative, where the child comes into the world as delicate as a flower, and then grows and steadily blooms into a better version of themselves to leave a mark on their parents’ hearts.
3. Baby Footprint Tattoo With Name
Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team
It is a simple yet profoundly meaningful design—a lone footprint adorned with the baby’s name delicately inscribed on the sole. The tattoo, placed on the back, serves as a gentle reminder of the precious bundle of joy who has indelibly marked your soul. This name tattoo designed with your baby’s footprint is more than just ink on the skin. It is a sacred vow to cherish and protect your baby, a testament to the profound connection between a parent naming their child and the child inheriting that name. This tattoo could be completed with the soft shading of an artistic baby print like this, or with your own baby’s foot print.
4. Baby Footprint Tattoo On Feet
Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
This delicate, small black footprint outline inked a little above the foot is a great placement for a footprint tattoo. To be moving your feet along with your child’s footprint on your own symbolizes a promise to support and carry them forward along with you. This tattoo is a subtle yet poignant way to carry the memory of your child close to your heart, serving as a reminder of the joy and love their presence brings you.
5. Baby Footprint Tattoo On The Neck
Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
Inked on the back of the neck, this tattoo features a baby’s footprint rendered in soothing watercolor shades of blue. It whispers tales of love and devotion. Swirling designs and negative space add depth to the design. It’s an intimate reminder of the precious bond shared between the parent and the child. It is perfect for those who seek a meaningful tribute to their little one.
6. Baby Footprints Tattoo On The Back
Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
Baby footprint tattoos help commemorate the journey from conception to motherhood. The solid footprints encapsulate the innocence and wonder of waking into a new life. This holds true for both the parents and the child; while the child is new to life, the parents are also new to this particular journey of parenthood as well. This tattoo is ideal for new parents seeking a permanent reminder of the joy and love their little one brings.
7. Baby Footprint Tattoo On The Arm
Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
Inked on the upper arm, this tattoo is a testament to the journey of parenthood. The center of the tattoo is plain, and the design grows darker as it merges with the outline. This style symbolizes the baby’s constant growth and development. The shaded-in toes signify the depth of love and the fulfilling joy of parenthood.
8. Baby Footprint Tattoo On The Forearm
Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
Simple yet profound, this forearm baby footprint tattoo adorns the skin with minimalist elegance. Two tiny footprints in blackwork grace the forearm. They symbolize the profound impact bringing up a new life can have on parenthood. With crisp edges and an understated design, this tattoo speaks volumes with its simplicity. The design is ideal for parents, and it serves as a timeless reminder of the boundless love and joy one experiences while welcoming a child into the world.
Explore the realm of baby footprint tattoos that are profoundly symbolic and help offer a heartfelt tribute to the precious bond between a parent and child. With each tiny imprint capturing a moment in time and a love that knows no bounds, these tattoos serve as enduring reminders of the joy and wonder that come with parenthood. We have showcased heartwarming designs that intertwine footprints with names, birth details, and symbolic elements to whimsical interpretations that incorporate vibrant colors and flowers. Each meticulously crafted piece invites you to celebrate the most precious gift of all, the miracle of new life. You can also consider customizing these tattoos by adding elements that have a special meaning for you. For example, you can add constellations, birth flowers, or tiny artistic hearts to the design. You can also incorporate your family name to signify how blessed and happy you feel as a family to have a newborn in your lives. The possibilities are endless and a little creativity and planning can help you settle on the perfect baby footprint tattoo theme to celebrate your child.
Baby Footprint Tattoo Ideas to Cherish Forever
Dive into our video to explore eight heartwarming baby footprint tattoo ideas. Learn design tips, placement options, and personalization tricks to celebrate your newborn. Watch now for inspiration!
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Initial tattoos let you show your appreciation for people close to your heart. L tattoo is a part of the alphabet tattoo series. This alphabet can be inked if the name of someone you love dearly starts with the letter L. These tattoos are small and best if you want to ease your way into body art. Unlike their size, they have immense symbolic value for the wearer. This article elaborates on the meaning of the letter L and shares a few designs for your next tattoo inspiration.
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Meaning Of L Tattoos
An L-letter tattoo is a subtle way to get the name of your loved one inked on yourself forever. It can be your name, your partner’s, or someone close to your heart whom you have lost to death. The initial tattoo helps you express strong emotions and love, the reason why many couples get it inked. The letter also exclusively represents the ‘L’ (love) word, another main reason why a large number of people want to get it tattooed.
The meaning of L-letter tattoo largely depends on the meaning the wearer associates with it. Keep reading to learn different combinations of the initials to spice up your tattoo.
8 Stunning L Tattoo Designs To Inspire Your Next Ink
The following designs will definitely make you excited to get one of them tattooed. Let us take a look at them:
1. Butterfly With L-Letter Name Tattoo
Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team
Butterflies are a common element in the tattoo industry, especially among women folk. It represents freedom and growth accompanied by sophistication and delicacy. This tattoo portrays a butterfly on the back with the name ‘Lucy’. The name might be of the woman herself, her pet, or of someone close to her heart. You can add color to the tattoo to make it more vibrant.
2. L-Letter With Heart Tattoo
Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team
Tattoos are a perfect and permanent way to express your strongest emotions to the other person. It might be subtle but is definitely effective. The tattoo here features the L-letter inside a stylized heart. It indicates the place the person must occupy inside your heart and how precious they are to you. You can add a name or quote to give the design a personalized effect.
3. Cursive L Tattoo
Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team
If you adore an elegant mix of flora and cursive tattoos , this design is perfect for you. The tattoo portrays a stylized and delicate cursive L with flowers and leaves. It is a good tattoo idea if your name starts with L while the flora shows your journey of self-growth.
4. L Tattoo On Finger
Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team
Sometimes simple things convey more than you think is possible. This minimalist L-letter tattoo engraved on the finger makes it look elegant. The use of bold lines and sharp edges make the initial stand out and attract more attention. It serves as a constant reminder of the value that person holds in your life and gives you strength in testing times.
5. L Tattoo Behind The Ear
Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team
If your body is filled with tattoos, one behind the ear may be a good location for a meaningful tattoo. A tattoo here is uncommon and usually remains hidden. This tattoo portrays an L tattoo with two stars, giving a cosmic elegance. It clearly shows your affection for the person to whom the tattoo is dedicated.
6. L Tattoo Font
Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team
If you prefer a stylish design over a plain initial letter tattoo, you can opt for this. The curved lines at the end may seem confusing but they serve as the beginning of the rest of the design that extends over the shoulders to the back and top of the upper arm. This tattoo has an emotional touch to it and holds a special meaning for the wearer, reminding them of the person who helped them grow and supported them in the darkest times.
7. L Letter Tattoo Design On Hand
Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team
Are you a pet parent who adores their furry baby the most? This is the most adorable way to express your unconditional love for your pet in the most permanent way. The cursive L has extra curves, representing the playful nature of your pet. The furry paw with a small face drawn on it shows your baby.
8. Double L Tattoo
Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team
What is better than one? Two! This tattoo showcases a double L tattoo on both wrists. It is a good combination for someone who shares their name’s initials with their partner or dear one. The tattoo may even indicate your trust in love and honor your journey to self-love.
It is important to consider personal significance, placement, and tattoo style when choosing a L tattoo design that resonates with you.
- Reflect on what the letter L represents for you personally. Is it a tribute, a meaningful initial, or a symbol of strength?
- Also, think about how you want it to be visually expressed. Consult with a professional tattoo artist to further customize it, if needed, with additional motifs or symbols that add to its meaning.
- Then think of where you want the tattoo on your body. If you want a large or intricate design, then consider the back, thigh, and upper arm as they give the artist enough room to work. If you prefer a small or minimalist design, then the wrist, ankle, nape, or forearm is a great placement choice.
- Once you’ve gotten the tattoo, proper aftercare is crucial to ensure that it heals properly and stays vibrant. Make sure to keep the area clean and moisturized, avoid direct sunlight, and refrain from soaking the tattoo in water for at least two weeks.
Taking these steps will help preserve the beauty of your tattoo while supporting the healing process.
Creative L Tattoo Ideas to Personalize Your Style
Watch now to discover unique L tattoo ideas, from elegant cursive scripts to bold tribal designs. Dive in for creative tips and inspiration to personalize your ink!
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