Introduction

If you've ever considered getting permanent makeup, you're probably familiar with the potential discomfort associated with the process. Fortunately, there's a solution that can make the experience far more bearable – numbing cream. This article will explore what numbing cream is, how it works, and the differences between OTC and compounded numbing creams. 

How Does Numbing Cream Work?

Numbing cream is a topical anesthesia that helps reduce sensation and discomfort when applied to the skin. It contains active ingredients like lidocaine, prilocaine, or benzocaine, which the skin absorbs and reaches the nerve endings in the dermis layer. It temporarily blocks the nerves from sending pain signals to the brain. The mechanism helps clients tolerate the often painful procedures involved in permanent makeup application.

Types of Numbing Cream

There are two options available.

1: Over-the-counter (OTC)numbing cream from a chemist

These numbing creams are available without prescription and have lower strengths of anesthetics. These creams are less effective at making the procedure painless. Moreover, they require a long waiting time to numb the skin and have adverse effects like allergies, swelling, and redness. Examples of OTC numbing creams include: Emla, Numit

Before:

After

2: Compounded numbing cream from Compounding chemists

There are two different Compound numbing creams. One use before the PMU procedure and one during the procedure. Each of these creams works differently to ensure optimum comfort. The compounding numbing cream is available through compounding chemists and is used for various minimally invasive skin procedures, including microneedling, microblading, and laser resurfacing.  The cream is strong enough to numb the skin quickly and lasts longer than over-the-counter numbing creams. Moreover, it is customized to the client's medical needs and helps reduce swelling and inflammation during the procedure. 

How is Numbing Cream Used for Permanent Makeup?

Before the PMU treatment starts, the area is cleaned with a disinfectant cleanser. The skin must be free from makeup, product residues, and natural oils. A thick layer of numbing cream is applied evenly to the area and left on for 25 to 30 minutes, or as long as the instruction says. However, some clients may need more prolonged exposure. The area is occluded with a cling film.  The cream is removed with a specific tool, and if the area is numb, the artist does the first pass. 

Which is the Best Numbing Cream to Use?

In ACT and NSW , the law says clients must provide their own numbing cream for permanent makeup procedures. They can opt for any OTC or compounding numbing cream, but the best is compounding cream. Why? You may ask. It is because it is customized to the client's needs, and is far more effective than the OTC numbing cream. Furthermore, there are no adverse side effects. You can buy the best compounding cream, Ainslie, from compounding pharmacy Terry White Chemist.  For more information on the compounding numbing cream and permanent makeup procedures, contact Artistica Cosmetics today.