Painless Tattoo Cream: What Are the Side Effects and Is It Worth It?

Tattoos are a form of art, expression, and identity. They can also be a source of pain, discomfort, and anxiety. Getting a tattoo involves breaking the skin with a needle and injecting ink into the dermis, the second layer of skin. This can cause bleeding, swelling, inflammation, and infection, as well as trigger the body’s pain receptors. Depending on the size, location, and design of the tattoo, the pain can range from mild to severe, and last from minutes to hours.

For some people, the pain of getting a tattoo is part of the experience and the reward. For others, the pain is a deterrent and a drawback. If you belong to the latter group, you may be wondering if there is a way to get a tattoo without feeling any pain. You may have heard of painless tattoo cream, a topical anesthetic product that claims to numb the skin and block the pain signals during tattooing. But what is painless tattoo cream, how does it work, what are the side effects, and is it worth it? In this article, we will answer these questions and more.

What is Painless Tattoo Cream?

Painless tattoo cream is a type of numbing cream that can be applied to the skin before getting a tattoo to reduce or eliminate the pain. Painless tattoo cream contains active ingredients that work as local anesthetics, such as lidocaine, benzocaine, or tetracaine. These ingredients penetrate the skin and block the nerve endings that transmit pain signals to the brain. As a result, the skin becomes numb and insensitive to the needle and the ink.

Painless tattoo creams are different from other types of numbing products, such as sprays, gels, or patches, in terms of their form, application, and duration. Painless tattoo cream is usually thick and creamy, and it needs to be applied generously and evenly to the skin at least 30 minutes before the tattoo session. It also needs to be covered with a plastic wrap or a bandage to prevent evaporation and absorption. Painless tattoo cream can last for up to 4 hours, depending on the strength and quality of the product.

How Does Painless Tattoo Cream Work?

Painless tattoo cream works by blocking the nerve signals that carry pain sensations from the skin to the brain. When the skin is injured, such as by a tattoo needle, the nerve endings in the area release a chemical called substance P, which binds to the receptors on the nerve cells and sends a message to the brain that there is pain. Painless tattoo cream contains local anesthetics that prevent substance P from binding to the receptors, thus interrupting the pain pathway and numbing the skin.

Painless tattoo cream needs to be applied properly and sufficiently to the skin to achieve the desired effect. The amount and duration of the numbing effect depend on several factors, such as:

• The strength and quality of the painless tattoo cream. The higher the concentration and purity of the active ingredients, the stronger and longer the numbing effect.
  The size and location of the tattoo. The larger and more sensitive the area to be tattooed, the more painless tattoo cream needed and the longer the application time.

 

• The skin type and condition. The thinner and more permeable the skin, the easier and faster the painless tattoo cream can penetrate and numb the skin. However, if the skin is dry, cracked, or irritated, the painless tattoo cream may not work as well or may cause adverse reactions.

 

• The individual pain tolerance and sensitivity. The painless tattoo cream may not work for everyone, as some people may have a higher or lower threshold for pain or resistance, or allergy to the active ingredients.

 

What are the Side Effects of Painless Tattoo Cream?

Painless tattoo cream is generally safe and effective, but it may also have some side effects and risks, such as:

• Skin irritation and allergic reactions. Some people may experience redness, itching, burning, swelling, or rash on the skin where the painless tattoo cream is applied. This may be due to an allergy or sensitivity to the active ingredients or other components of the painless tattoo cream, such as preservatives, fragrances, or colors. If the skin irritation is mild, it may subside on its own or with the use of a mild steroid cream. If the skin irritation is severe, it may require medical attention and the discontinuation of the painless tattoo cream.

 

• Skin discoloration and tattoo quality. Some people may notice a change in the color or appearance of their skin or tattoo after using painless tattoo cream. This may be due to the interaction of the painless tattoo cream with the tattoo ink or the skin pigment. The skin discoloration may be temporary or permanent, and the tattoo quality may be affected or not. To prevent or minimize this risk, it is advisable to do a patch test before using painless tattoo cream and to choose a painless tattoo cream that is compatible with the tattoo ink and the skin type.

 

• Systemic toxicity and overdose. Some people may absorb too much of the painless tattoo cream into their bloodstream, especially if they use too much of it, apply it to a large or broken area of skin, or leave it on for too long. This may cause systemic toxicity and overdose, which can manifest as drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, seizures, coma, or even death. To prevent or minimize this risk, it is advisable to follow the instructions and warnings on the painless tattoo cream label and to seek medical help immediately if any of these symptoms occur.

Is Painless Tattoo Cream Worth It?

Painless tattoo cream can be a useful and helpful product for people who want to get a tattoo without feeling any pain. However, painless tattoo cream is not a miracle solution, and it may not work for everyone or in every situation. Painless tattoo cream has its pros and cons, and it may also have some side effects and risks. Therefore, it is important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of painless tattoo cream and to consult with your doctor and tattoo artist before using it.

Here are some of the pros and cons of painless tattoo cream:
Pros:

• It can reduce or eliminate the pain of getting a tattoo, making the experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
• It can help you get through longer or more complex tattoo sessions, without needing to take breaks or stop prematurely.
• It can help you overcome your fear or anxiety of getting a tattoo, especially if it is your first time or if you are getting a tattoo in a sensitive area.
• It can enhance your satisfaction and confidence with your tattoo, as you can focus more on the design and outcome, rather than the pain and discomfort.

Cons:

• It may not work for everyone, as some people may have a higher or lower pain tolerance, resistance, or allergy to the active ingredients.
• It may not work for every tattoo, as some tattoos may require more precision, detail, or color, which may be affected by the painless tattoo cream.
• It may have some side effects and risks, such as skin irritation, allergic reactions, skin discoloration, tattoo quality, systemic toxicity, and overdose.
• It may be expensive, depending on the brand, strength, and quantity of the painless tattoo cream.

Conclusion

Painless tattoo cream is a type of numbing cream that can be applied to the skin before getting a tattoo to reduce or eliminate the pain. Painless tattoo cream contains local anesthetics that block the nerve signals that carry pain sensations from the skin to the brain. Painless tattoo cream can be a useful and helpful product for people who want to get a tattoo without feeling any pain, but it may also have some side effects and risks, and it may not work for everyone or in every situation. Therefore, it is important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of painless tattoo cream and to consult with your doctor and tattoo artist before using it.

If you are looking for a professional, experienced, and reliable tattoo artist and shop in Philadelphia, PA, you should visit Oracle Tattoo Gallery, the best tattoo shop in Philadelphia, PA. We have the expertise, equipment, and portfolio to help you get the tattoo of your dreams, whether you use painless tattoo cream or not. Call us today at 215-638-1601