What are Skin Numbing Creams Actually Made Of?

Numbing creams are local anaesthetics creams usually used for cosmetic and medical procedures in order to numb the area to which they are applied. It aims to reduce pain either by playing before or after the session. There are many different creams in the market, which can make it difficult for a first-timer to choose one. So here is a post about the types of numbing creams and according to the ingredients used so that you can make the right choice when you buy skin numbing cream.

 Skin numbing creams can be of three types:

  • Nerve blockers: These contain special chemicals like benzocaine and tetracaine that aim to block or restrict the pain signals sent to the brain when applied to the skin. The nerves will still be functioning normally, but the only difference being is that the pathways are blocked to the brain. Many people buy skin numbing cream of this type as it works well for small tattoos in less sensitive areas and can numb the pain significantly. They are most effective for large tattoos in sensitive areas when used in combination with nerve deadeners.

  • Nerve deadeners: These contain different chemicals from nerve blockers, like Lidocaine, that stop the nerve from working temporarily instead of blocking the pain signals. Nerve deadeners are much more effective and can make the process less painful. Also, they do not penetrate deep enough into the skin to actually kill the nerves being affected.

  • Vasoconstrictors: Vasoconstrictors are more effective during the tattooing process as they cause blood vessels to contract and reduce the blood flow. These contain ingredients like epinephrine that lessen the amount of bleeding in the tattoo area. Vasoconstrictors are an important element of numbing areas that make them more effective as the reduced rate of blood flow makes other numbing agents last longer. Also, they are fast-acting and can reduce inflammation and swelling.

Most numbing creams for cosmetic and dermatology procedures are compounded topicals with several anaesthetic ingredients. A topical anaesthetic may include multiple anaesthetics in one formulation. The most common formulation is the one that contains lidocaine, benzocaine, and tetracaine. The formulation can be made in different strengths. Skin-numbing creams are proven to be safe and effective when used properly. The two most common types of topical anaesthetics are amide and ester anaesthetics.

  • Benzocaine: benzocaine is mostly used in ester local anaesthetics and is frequently used to numb sore throats and during dental procedures. It may also be used in the treatment of ear  pain.
  • Lidocaine: Amino amide anaesthetic, is one of the most commonly used local anaesthetics in dentistry. It is an effective topical anaesthetic and is sometimes used with epinephrine. This is given to patients who are allergic to ester anaesthetics.
  • Tetracaine: This is another ester anaesthetic that is used to numb the skin. It is even used to numb the eyes, and in emergency departments, it is used to provide immediate numbing after an injury.

These ingredients are the major constituents of a skin-numbing cream that is used after a tattoo session and for cosmetic procedures like permanent makeup.

To Sum Up

No matter what type of numbing creams you opt for, make sure that you strictly follow the instructions mentioned on the pack and do proper application in order to get the desired results.

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