Numbing Creams
Whether you are going in for a tattoo, some permanent makeup or a procedure, you will likely be given some numbing cream to help you be more comfortable. With so many different formulations of numbing creams out there, it’s hard to know which formulation is best for each individual. Some of us have sensitive skin, some of us have allergies to certain ingredients, some of us can take harsh ingredients and others just don’t know how their skin will react, or how their body will metabolize the numbing cream.
I have done some research to find out exactly which numbing creams will work for which clients and the answer is still not simple but I have come to a conclusion that works for me and my clients! Consultations with a patch test are the answer, but not just to see how you heal from Plasma Fibroblast Skin Tightening Treatment, but also to test out which numbing cream suits your skin best!
Some options that I have come to love for my clients, is to test 3 different formulations of numbing creams: 1 test patch behind each ear, and 1 test under the shadow of the chin at the jawline. This way we get to see which numbing cream made you the most numb, which one was gentle on your skin and then we have the added plus of seeing how your skin healed from treatment. What better way to start down this path, than to get a clear snapshot?
Now, you might be wondering which numbing creams I have on hand. Well, I won’t be able to divulge brand names, as I am part of a team who trains New Fibroblast Technicians, therefore product brands and names are confidential until trained. Sorry! But I can share a little about each numbing cream that I have!
The first one is a formulation of Benzocaine and Lidocaine that was created for people who are more sensitive, to help them stay comfortable through uncomfortable treatments. However, with this cream I have seen some of my clients’ skin react. So this particular cream is not for everyone, but is wonderful for some who have normal skin, an in tact skin barrier & with no skin sensitivities.
The second cream’s formulation is a higher strength Lidocaine and is more gentle for people with more sensitive skin. If you are someone who tends to get a rash or has allergies, this one is likely for you. I have seen some people sleep through treatments with this cream, however the bright pink color can sometimes leave a little extra pink pigment on the skin, which is silly and I wish they would create a new formulation of this exact same numbing, without the pigment! Sheesh.
Finally, my newest addition and third numbing cream that I have available for my clients is a 10% Lidocaine. This one is pretty straight forward, no color added, no smell, no warnings to note about skin sensitivities or reactions, however I believe this one just takes a little longer to take affect. With a 40 minute waiting period for the numbing to take effect, it’s a little bit of a drag to wait any longer for the numbing to be effective but if that’s what it takes for my clients to feel comfortable and for us to get started, than so be it!
I hope this helps clarify a couple things: One, that not all numbing creams are created equal. Two, that not any old numbing cream is right for you. And three, I care about you and your experience in my treatment room so much, that I am happy to carry these options and test them on you during your consultation! The more you know, the more you know. You know?
