Myth Busters: Does Numbing Cream Affect Your Tattoo’s Final Look? 

We’ve all heard the whispers in the tattoo community: “Numbing cream messes up the ink.” “It’ll ruin your tattoo.” “It makes the lines blurry.”  

These myths have been floating around for years, often scaring people away from a tool that could make their tattoo experience far more comfortable. 

But is there any truth to them? As a leading provider of numbing cream, we wanted to get to the bottom of this.  

We’ve spoken with tattoo artists, researched the science, and gathered countless customer stories to separate fact from fiction. 

Let’s bust these myths once and for all. 

Myth #1: Numbing Cream Makes the Skin Difficult to Work On 

The Myth: This is the most common concern. The belief is that numbing cream swells or toughens the skin, making it like a “sponge.” Artists fear that the needle won’t penetrate properly, leading to a splotchy or uneven tattoo. 

The Reality: A poorly made numbing cream or one used incorrectly can, in theory, cause minor swelling. However, a high-quality, professional-grade numbing cream like Numbastay is formulated to be absorbed cleanly without causing significant tissue swelling. 

The key here is proper application. If you apply a very thick layer and leave it on for too long, there might be a slight, temporary change in skin texture. This is why it’s crucial to follow the instructions and, as we’ve said before, communicate with your artist.  

Myth #2: Numbing Cream Fades the Tattoo’s Colors 

The Myth: This one suggests that the active ingredients in numbing cream, like lidocaine, can somehow “push out” or dilute the tattoo ink, causing it to fade prematurely. 

The Reality: This is simply not true. The ink is deposited into the dermis layer of the skin, while numbing creams primarily affect the nerve endings in the epidermis (the top layer of skin). There is no chemical interaction between the numbing cream’s ingredients and the tattoo ink itself. 

Tattoo fading is caused by several factors: 

• UV exposure: The sun is the number one enemy of tattoos. 
• Poor aftercare: Not moisturizing, picking scabs, or exposing the tattoo to bacteria can lead to fading. 
• Improper application by the artist: If the ink isn’t deposited at the right depth, it will fade over time, regardless of whether numbing cream was used. 

A numbing cream has no effect on these factors. In fact, a long lasting numbing cream like Numbastay can lead to a better tattoo because you’re less likely to flinch, allowing your artist to work more precisely and consistently. 

Myth #3: Numbing Cream Will Cause the Tattoo to Heal Differently 

The Myth: Some believe that numbing cream interferes with the body’s natural healing process, leading to a longer recovery time or a higher risk of infection. 

The Reality: This is also false. Numbing cream, when used correctly and in a professional-grade formula, does not affect the skin’s ability to heal. The active ingredients are localized to the area of application and their effects wear off within a few hours. 

The healing process of a tattoo depends entirely on the artist’s technique and your aftercare routine. A clean tattoo environment, proper needle depth, and a diligent aftercare regimen are what ensure a quick and healthy healing process. 

The Final Verdict: Numbing Cream Is Your Friend

The idea that numbing cream ruins a tattoo is a relic of the past, stemming from outdated products and a lack of understanding. A modern, professional-grade, painless tattoo numbing cream like Numbastay is formulated to be safe and effective. 

By removing the pain, numbing cream allows you to: 

• Sit for longer sessions: This is crucial for large, detailed pieces. 
• Remain still: No flinching means cleaner, more precise lines. 
• Reduce stress and anxiety: A calmer experience leads to a better result. 

Don’t let myths get in the way of your dream tattoo. Talk to your artist, follow the instructions, and get ready for a truly pain-free experience.