Does Tattoo Numbing Cream Work?

Over-the-counter skin numbing creams such as Emla 5% Cream are commonly used as a topical anaesthetic before minor procedures such as injections or to numb the area before skin procedures including tattoo application, laser tattoo removal, cosmetic procedures, microdermabrasion, waxing, body piercing, and cosmetic filler injections.

Does it work? Yes. Most tattoo artists highly recommend skin-numbing creams such as Emla Cream, so tattoo clients can have a pain-free experience. 

To learn more about how Emla Cream can make getting a tattoo less painful, we’ve answered all your questions here.

Uses for Emla Cream

Emla Cream is used for a variety of purposes, and one of its most popular uses is for getting a tattoo.

Since Emla Cream is a topical anaesthetic that creates a numbing effect on the surface of the skin. There are many uses for it and many doctors also recommend Emla Cream for Premature Ejaculation since it is so effective for numbing the skin area where it’s applied.

Why Use Emla Cream for Tattoos?

Let’s face it, getting a tattoo is painful! So, sometimes a little extra help can make the difference between a miserable experience and a manageable one when it comes to getting a tattoo. Emla skin numbing cream is a trusted brand that can help you through your tattoo appointment by reducing the pain of getting a tattoo. Using Emla Cream when getting tattoos is a safe and easy way to get some pain relief during the procedure.

Emla 5% Skin Numbing Cream (2.5% lidocaine, 2.5% prilocaine)

Emla 5% cream is one of the most popular numbing creams prescribed by GPs and used by people for its superior effectiveness as a skin-numbing agent. Emla skin numbing cream can be used for infants as young as 3 months of age and older adults.

Emla Cream contains Tetracaine which makes it one of the strongest skin-numbing gels available.

Tips on How to Use Emla Cream to Reduce Skin Pain During Tattoo Sessions

Before Applying Emla Cream

• Check with your tattoo artist to confirm where and when you should apply the numbing cream.
• Shave the area of excess where the tattoo will be put, if necessary.
• Wash your hands.

When Applying Emla Cream

• Apply to clean and dry skin.
• Apply at least 1 hour before your tattoo appointment.
• Only apply the numbing cream to the area that is going to be treated.
• Don’t rub in the gel, you will need a thick layer to help Emla Cream numb the area thoroughly.
• Cover the Emla Cream with a suitable air-tight, water-tight dressing, so the active ingredients absorb into the skin and do not get wiped off. If the area to be tattooed is too large for a dressing, cover the skin with plastic cling film.
• Never use more than 60g for one session.
• Keep the cream on and covered for at least 30-45 minutes before removing it to achieve maximum numbing.
• Just before your appointment, you or your tattooist can remove the dressing and wipe off the excess gel.
• The numbing effect usually lasts at least 2 hours, so bear this in mind if you are planning a large and intricate tattoo or have a longer tattoo appointment.

Explore the full range of OTC topical anaesthetics to numb the skin at Online4Pharmacy. Whether you are using it during a tattoo procedure or a cosmetic procedure, we have the pain relief products you need that can be delivered directly to your front door.