Painless tattoo numbing cream – does it actually work?

[FredoN]

Hi everyone,
I’m hoping someone here might have some experience or advice. I’m planning to get my second tattoo in a few weeks and I’m really excited about it, but I have to admit I’m a bit nervous about the pain. My first tattoo was a few years ago and although I love it, the session was a lot more painful than I expected. It wasn’t huge, but it took nearly two hours and by the end I was really struggling to sit still.
This time I’m getting something slightly bigger on my upper arm and I’d really like the experience to be a bit more comfortable if possible. I’ve been reading online about something called painless tattoo numbing cream and it sounds like quite a lot of people use it before their appointments. From what I understand you apply it about an hour before the tattoo and it helps numb the skin so the needle doesn’t feel as intense.
I’m just wondering if anyone here has actually tried a painless tattoo numbing cream before getting tattooed? Did it really make a difference or is it one of those things that sounds better than it actually works? I’ve also seen mixed opinions from tattoo artists online, some seem fine with it while others don’t recommend it.
If anyone has experience with this I’d really appreciate hearing your thoughts before I decide whether to try it or just brave the pain again!
Thanks 😊
https://keroppymaeda.com/product/painless-tattoo-numbing-cream/

You need to ask your tattoo artist if they will go ahead with the tattoo.
My kid was given the emla numb in cream whenever they had to take blood, when he was much younger. It seemed to help. I don’t know anyone who has used it for a tattoo as the only tattoo artist in our little rural town won’t do a tattoo if you’ve had it on. I don’t know why!

My nephew used it for a leg tattoo..he said it did help but wore off after a while. His was a really large piece though. He had to grin and bear it till it was finished.