Why You Should Use a Gel Instead of a Tattoo Numbing Cream

Why You Should Use a Gel Instead of a Tattoo Numbing Cream

Aug 24, 2021 | brookline agency

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Numbing Gel
Numbing Gel

$35.99

Why should you use a gel instead of a tattoo numbing cream? It’s a good question, especially since you’ll see both creams and gels available to numb the skin for a tattoo. Understanding the difference between a gel and a cream will help you understand why, when you’re looking for the best pain relief options for a tattoo session, you should use a gel.

The difference between numbing gel and cream

Some people use the words gel and cream interchangeably, but they are truly two different types of products. A gel has a texture similar to jelly, and is water-based. Gels are clear or almost clear, and usually do not have added fragrance. Creams, on the other hand, have an oil base and are not clear. An important aspect that explains why you should use a gel instead of a tattoo numbing cream is that gels leave a drier skin surface. Creams, on the other hand, leave skin more moist. A dry skin surface is what most tattoo artists prefer. Gels are more likely to leave a drier skin surface because they absorb into the skin more easily. Consider a tattoo artist trying to create perfectly clean lines… a dry surface will be easier to work on, as compared to an oily surface. Understanding that numbing gels absorb into the skin more easily, you’ll see why these products can be particularly good at delivering pain relief quickly and effectively. To get the best results, follow the instructions for your particular numbing gel. Here’s how you can get the best results from HUSH’s tattoo numbing gel:

Man showing tattoo numbing gel on hand

How to use a numbing gel

  1. You want to make sure you have the right amount of gel for your tattoo. Hush’s tattoo numbing gel comes in 2 ounce and 4 ounce containers. If your tattoo is 12 x 12 or smaller, the 2 ounce container should be plenty.
  2. Apply a layer of gel to the tattoo area, about 1 hour before your session starts. The layer of gel should be ¼ inch thick. Don’t rub the gel into your skin - you want to let the gel do the work, and absorb into the area itself.
  3. Cover the gel with plastic wrap to increase absorption.>
  4. Leave the plastic wrap lightly covering the gel for 1 hour.
  5. Take off the plastic wrap and let your tattoo artist prep the skin as they like.

The numbing properties of the gel will last for about 2 hours. All you need to do is relax and let your tattoo artist do their work.

Is a numbing cream ever better than a gel?

There are certain times a numbing cream for tattoos is the best choice. For instance, if you’re having laser treatment or permanent makeup applied. In these cases, we recommend HUSH Numbing Crème. This cream is made especially for people having professional microblading, powder brows, lip blush, or freckles applied, as well as those having laser hair removal. However, for traditional tattoo work, our expert team and renowned tattoo artist advisers believe you should use a gel instead of a tattoo numbing cream.

How do you choose the best tattoo numbing gel?

When you’re getting a tattoo, feeling comfortable is a reality when you have a great tattoo numbing gel. HUSH makes a gel that is loved by tattoo customers and artists, because of its ability to numb the skin while also reducing redness, itchiness, and irritation. HUSH’s gel is made with lidocaine, which is well known for its effective ability to block pain locally. It’s used in medical procedures as well as numbing products for tattoos and other cosmetic procedures. As important as our ingredients are, we’re also proud of what we do NOT include in our tattoo numbing gel. HUSH does not use epinephrine, which some other companies do choose to use. When we formulated our products, we knew it was important to avoid epinephrine, which can cause the heart to race and the blood vessels to constrict. If you’re planning to get a tattoo - whether it's your first or your 15th - try HUSH’s tattoo numbing gel. Using the product is the best way to see first-hand why we say you should use a gel instead of a tattoo numbing cream.

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