messyhandstattoo · 8 months ago
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Numbing Cream - fight or flight the pain
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Numbing cream can be used during a tattoo to help manage the pain of getting a tattoo. It's an interesting topic in the tattoo space, as some are fiercely against it, some are for and some don't care.
So let's break it down, so you can make decisions about whether you use it or not.
Why do people use numbing cream?
Numbing cream is usually considered an option to manage (not eliminate) pain during a tattoo. I'm sure most people who have sat through hours of tattooing can tell you the different waves of feeling okay and wanting to bite your artist through the experience of getting a tattoo.
This is because while getting tattooed, your body is having a variety of chemical responses to the process and pain. Your body at first is going to feel a rush of adrenaline, which may carry you a bit from feeling lots of pain. When the pain starts to hit, your body releases endorphins - in response to pain, which can make you feel sort of high, and relive the pain to come extent.
This can make the body feel intense and relaxed at the same time, and can last 2-3 hours, depending on the person. It's usually why most people say after the 4 hour mark, everything sucks.
Pain is also psychological too! I'm sure most of us can say our first tattoo, or tattoos in spot people grimace or straight up tell you it's cooked, can be pretty nerve wracking. Which impacts your body's response to pain.
What is it?
We're going to get a bit science-y (very professional way to refer to this), but I think it's important to look at it from this perspective, so you can make an informed decision, rather than just repackaging opinions I have or have heard.
Numbing cream is also known as topical anaesthetic, can include the following main active ingredients
Lidocaine (also called lignocaine)
Prilocaine
Tetracaine.
Please note that here in Australia at least, topical anaesthetics are considered scheduled medicines due to the concertration of these active ingredients. This means they can only be sold/supplied by authorised/licensed individuals under the controlled substances act 1984. Tattoo artists and laser technicians are not authorised to sell or supply scheduled medicines to the public.
Numbing creams that contain more than 2% but less than 10% lidocaine (lignocaine) are available for purchase in a pharmacy. Anything above 10%, are only available via prescription from a doctor.
Why is this? Well there's dangers and risks associated with numbing cream. But let's peddle to how it works first.
How does it work?
Numbing creams work by blocking the nerves responsible fo transmitting pain signals to the brain. I'm sure we would all know from early school science diagrams, nerves extend throughout our bodies.
Numbing cream can come in a gel or cream form, the three main active ingredients (lidocaine/lignocaine, prilocaine and tetracaine) are absorbed through the skin and inhibit nerve function, which provides pain relief.
Sometimes adrenaline or epinephrine are added to numbing cream to reduce bleeding during a tattoo.
Lets extend on those active ingredients and look at what they actually do:
Lidocaine is a nerve deadener, and it stops the initial shock of pain. Though they only affect the nerves on the first layer of skin. You'll still be able to feel pain from the nerves below.
Prilocaine causes loss of feeling in the skin and surrounding tissue.
Tetracaine is a nerve blocker, and stops the nerves from registering pain by dulling the intensity of pain signals sent to the brain. Your body is less what the actual fuck, and more god damn okay.
Epinephrine is a vasoconstrictor, which constricts blood vessels (reducing swelling/bleeding) and slow down the absorption of other aesthetics. Which means a nerve blocking ingredient (such as tetracaine) will last longer. Without a vasoconstrictor, creams wear off quicker.
What are the dangers/risks?
Some of the anaesthetic can get absorbed into the blood stream through the skin, which can have serious side effects or toxicity. You can also have allergies to these anaesthetics.
The amount you apply and how you apply it can have severe side effects or toxicity including:
Irregular heart beat
Seizures
Breathing difficulties
Coma
Death
Applying too much or using occlusive methods without advice from a health professional advice or following product instructions can put you at risk. You may also have underlying health issues that can effect what cream you can and can not use.
Occlusion, is the blockage or closing or an opening, blood vessel or hollow organ. In relation to numbing cream, occlusion techniques you may have heard of is applying a large amount of numbing cream and covering the area with plastic or cling wrap. This can lead to an increased absorption of the active ingredients into the blood stream leading to the toxicity and side effects mentioned above.
To minimise these risks:
Seek, chat to and follow the advice of a health practitioner (pharmacist, compound pharmacist, GP, nurse etc)
Purchase from a reputable pharmacy or chat to a doctor about whether something more than 10% is safe for this process.
Test patch - use the cream in an area away from where you're intending to get the tattoo, to test if you're allergic.
Follow product instructions, along with health practitioner advice.
Openly communicate with your tattoo artist about your decision - as I said in the beginning, there are varying opinions from all sorts of artist about the use of numbing cream. I have been tattooed by and work wth artist that don't mind or are for it, and I've also been tattooed and worked with artist who will cancel or turn you away on the day for using numbing cream. So always inform your artist or ask if they are happy to tattoo you with numbing cream.
Numbing Sprays? And gels? While tattooing?
You may have also see numbing sprays and gels, usually used during the process of tattooing.
I personally have had artists use numbing sprays towards the end of sessions on large pieces, when I start to be a bit more sensitive to touch and tattooing.
Generally it's use on skin already opened by tattooing, which is continually worked on. Usually these sprays and gels are some type of first aid pain relief or antiseptic, used for cuts, scrapes and minor burns. Which can sometimes contain the active ingredients in numbing creams.
Always check what and when your products should be used during a tattoo to minimise any risks. Generally you should also not be choosing multiple products for before and during the tattoo as well.
Why do some artists not like numbing cream?
It's all personal preference for an artist. Generally many will say the pain is a rite of passage (is this kind of sadistic?)
Well it is part of the tattooing culture, and in some cultures it's extremely important. In ancient Polynesia, traditional body tattoos take years and the enduring of pain demonstrated character depth, allegiance and earned respect. "Pe'a", the traditional male tattoo translates to "protect" Mayans receive tattooed in honour of braving the process, as it symbolised they had the fortitude to deal with pain and suffering. Tribes in northeast India perceive tattoos as a symbol of strength, courage and vitality because of the associated pain.
Deferring from the opinions of pain being an essential part of tattooing, we already spoke about the potential risks and dangers associated with using these creams, gels and sprays. This is a valid stand point to have, as we aren't medical professionals and we are not all fully equip to deal with the adverse reactions that can arise from use.
Some also are of the opinion that these creams, gels and sprays interfere with the process and healing of the tattoo. This is a hard one to be on either side of the fence, I think at least. Everyone's body is different and a tattoo artist is susceptible to their own tattoo application as well (you can never guarantee you're tattooing EXACTLY the same every time or every person). There's a lot of competing factors, I think, that create variables already, without the involvement of numbing creams, gels and sprays.
However some say the desensitisation of the skin can make it hard to stretch the skin, make the skin texture slippery or difficult to get the needle and ink into the skin.
I've definitely had this experience, without the knowledge that my client has applied numbing cream, I as an apprentice, thought I was absolutely loosing my god damn mind, because I could not get the needle or ink in.
Some have said during the healing process, the numbing cream, gels and sprays interfere with the natural healing process. Ingredients that impede blood circulation (epinephrine - a vasoconstrictor) delay formation of healing cells, which hinder skin regeneration essential to healing. So you may have a longer healing process and can be susceptible to infections that lead to complications.
Where are we at with it all?
Alright at the end of all this info dump, what should you take away?
Understand the ingredients in your numbing cream to guarantee yourself safety and effectiveness.
Talk to a health practitioner about your health, the risks and options about using numbing creams, gels and sprays before and during a tattoo.
Chat to your artist about what would make you feel most comfortable to manage pain, and if they feel comfortable about your use of these products.
I personally really don't have much opinion due to my own lack of experience using and working with numbing creams, gels and sprays. I am of the opinion to chat to a medical professional to make an informed decision, chat to me about your intention of use and we'll make a decision that make you and I feel comfortable for the process.
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vaishnavicmi · 3 months ago
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numbastayco · 6 months ago
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Numbastay Tattoo Numbing Cream: Your Ultimate Solution for Pain-Free Piercings
Are you ready to embrace your next piercing adventure without the fear of pain? Say hello to the solution in the body art world – Numbastay Tattoo Numbing Cream! We've crafted something extraordinary that eliminates the discomfort of getting pierced, making your experience not just bearable but enjoyable.
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seoworkslinks · 1 year ago
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Get a painless tattoo session with our tattoo numbing cream. Reach out to our online store now and purchase your cream at a very reasonable price.
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seoconnect · 1 year ago
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3 Benefits Of Applying The Best Tattoo Numbing Cream 
It looks very cool to have a tattoo on your arms or your favorite body part, but getting a tattoo is not that easy, the process is very painful. Many people can't tolerate this pain, and either they start screaming or they ask for frequent breaks in the middle of the tattoo session. Sometimes the artist stops with his artwork because the place swells up badly and it becomes very difficult for the artist to carry on with his work.
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Now you must be afraid, right? Don't worry; you can very easily suppress this pain by applying the best tattoo numbing cream. The numbing creams block the sensory nerves from transmitting the pain to your brain. There are many other advantages that you can receive from applying the tattoo numbing cream. So let's read this blog till the end and explore the benefits of applying the numbing cream in more detail.
Applying The Best Numbing Cream At The Time Of A Long Tattoo Session: 4 Benefits That You Are Going To Receive From It
Here mention all 4 benefits that you are going to receive from applying the best tattoo numbing cream at the time of a long tattoo session
Painless Piercing 
The very first benefit that you are going to receive from applying for a tattoo numbing cream is that it will help you to get a tattoo without feeling any kind of pain. The numbing cream blocks the nerves from carrying the Sensation of pain to your brain and makes your tattoo session very pleasant. Moreover, the tattoo numbing cream also suppresses the swelling that occurs during the tattoo piercing. 
Hassle-Free Inking
Many times the tattoo session takes a lot of time than expected. Because the client asks for frequent breaks in the middle of the tattoo session. This elongates the tattoo session for a long, and it also breaks the concentration of the artist. But when you apply the best numbing cream on the area of your tattoo it will provide you with a quick numbing and you dont have to ask for frequent breaks in the middle of a tattoo session. This will enable the artist to carry on with his artwork and complete your tattoo without elongating the session for a long. 
Painless Tattooing On The Sensitive Body Part
If you are planning to get a tattoo on a sensitive body part, you will feel more pain. Because the sensitive body parts contain more sensory nerves than any other place in your body. The numbing creams are also very effective for sensitive body parts. The cream completely numbs these sensory nerves in your sensitive body part and makes you feel no pain. 
So here are the three benefits that you are going to receive from applying for the Best Tattoo Numbing Cream, and if you find this blog useful, then do visit our online store today and explore our Numbing cream before tattoo available at a very reasonable price range. 
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frostedpuffs · 9 months ago
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the anticipation before getting a tattoo is nerve wracking. it's like, i am so excited that im shaking, but i also might throw up. this is going to hurt so bad. but it'll be a good pain. and it'll be worth it. it will be so sexy
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euripidestrousers · 3 months ago
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Writing true domesticity is hard.
My gf of 8 years and I just settled down for the evening for our ritual of her plucking out my leg hairs with tweezers and a magnifying glass w a flashlight. I tell her it's time by saying I want to make an appointment at amjaji's salon. And when she smacks me for moving too much I say I'm going to leave a bad rating.
How do you replicate this long term relationship nonsense for fiction? Reality is more creative than I am
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o0katiekins0o · 2 months ago
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As a tattoo artist let me weigh in on numbing agents for tattoos:
First of all- a tattoo is not "earned" a tattoo is a very personal service and no one is out here handing out medals for "most pain endured while getting tattooed". So let's get that out of the way from jump.
Also, while you're thrashing and moaning and tensing up while trying to "earn" your tattoo- I (the tattoo artist) am trying to operate a delicate machine on your body and your coping tools for the pain of a tattoo don't exactly make my life or job any easier. Usually it's the opposite.
Yes some numbing agents can make the skin feel "tougher" and need a little more finesse to get the ink to hold but there are people whose skin is like that naturally and we don't send them away for not having ideal skin for tattooing.
Some will argue that it's a "fact" colors don't heal the same with numbing agents. I'm here to tell you unequivocally this is false. Primarily because there is no empirical data or peer reviewed studies on the effects of numbing agents with regard to pigment boldness. And since we're only working with personal observation here- I have never witnessed the supposed "dullness" other artists allege numbing agents "factually" cause.
Do I think you should be sneaky and put numbing agents on before you see your tattoo artist that hates numbing agents? Absolutely not. I think you should find a new tattoo artist who respects your wishes.
You know your body best and anyone who would make you feel bad for the accommodations you need is someone who doesn't belong in your life.
ESPECIALLY if it's someone you pay for a service.
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druggeddraccus · 11 months ago
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the outside of my knee is 90% done. all that’s left is some outline work and highlights
we didn’t do anything on the inside of my knee—mostly cause me and my artist were both feeling crappy lol (i’ve been awake since 4am and didn’t get to nap at all cause i had a cardiac infusion class)
my knee is so swollen lol i wish i could’ve gotten more done but even just sitting through this half was hard as fuck. it’s a really tough spot and next time will probably be even worse cause it’s the inside lol
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geekyglamour413 · 7 months ago
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More art on my body neowwwww!!!!!
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freckledsweetpea · 1 year ago
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I'm still never going to be over men in women who skate's comments telling them to wear helmets and pads while not having the same energy for men. Why does our society have this weird idea that women are inherently more breakable than men? A shattered skull is a shattered skull and everyone taking the risk of skating without safety gear is equally in danger.
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lifesupreme-if · 2 years ago
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i think it's important to notify you that, after being made aware tattoo numbing cream is becoming popular, my very first thought was "oh Dylan would LOVE this" 😂
hope you are doing well & had a great valentines day 💗
things i want to print out and post on my fridge
thANK YOU ARLO I LOVE THIS SO MUCH. she WOULD love that, you're RIGHT and you should ABSOLUTELY say it.
she would probably cry while googling how to make tattooing not hurt after committing to getting tatted and then she finds out tattoo numbing cream is an option and she's like :") maybe life not so heck. overnight shipping.
also thank you for saying it because this made my day and it's only the early morning. and i hope you're doing well and had a great valentines day also >:3 💝🌈
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crybaby-bkg · 2 years ago
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I did so well on my homework this week and I didn’t even cry once ^_^
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somethinginred29 · 2 years ago
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Photo by Donna Vann Bushnell on Facebook
When I first heard Garth Brooks was getting a sleeve tattoo and he said he dislikes pain to the point where he doesn’t even eat spicy food, I didn’t believe it was going to happen.
Other thoughts were:
It’ll probably just be an outer sleeve because I’ve heard inner arm is a spicy area.
And
It’ll probably be juuusssst enough ivy to be considered a sleeve.
Judging from the above pic, neither of those thoughts are going to be true. That’s way more ivy than I was expecting.
I’m impressed. Can’t wait to see the end result!
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coldbug · 2 years ago
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some random video on my ig explore this dude talking abt tattooing and how he’s having a bad time after like 5-6 hours “i had to find a solution, and [branded numbing cream] was it” bro didn’t even Consider shorter sessions??? that should be The first solution. if you’re sweating and fully tensed up after 5 hours maybe stick to 3 hour sessions lmao
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cosmictequila · 2 years ago
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dr numb, whoever you are, let me suck ur dick
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