Soothing Your Skin: Numbing Creams and Aftercare for Laser Tattoo Removal
Picture this: you've finally decided to part ways with that tattoo—the one that seemed like a great idea at the time but now feels out of place. You’re ready for a fresh start, but the thought of the removal process sends a shiver down your spine. Fear not! Here at Nude Skin Clinic on the Sunshine Coast, we've perfected the art of making laser tattoo removal as comfortable as possible.
The Magic of Numbing Creams
Let's dive into the world of numbing creams, your first ally in the battle against tattoo regret. These aren't just any topical ointments; they're your ticket to a less painful removal session. Containing powerful ingredients like lidocaine and prilocaine, these creams block the nerve signals in your skin, making you wonder, "Was there even a laser?” Maybe not exactly, but damn near close!
Choosing the Right Cream
When selecting a numbing cream, consider ones like Lidocaine Plus or EMLA Cream, which combine multiple anaesthetics for maximum effect. The trick is in the application. Slather a generous layer over your tattoo an hour before your session and cover it with plastic cling wrap. This isn't just a quirky spa treatment suggestion—it helps the cream penetrate deeper and keeps your skin primed for what’s coming.
*Five numbing cream products, that are commonly used
Numbit (our fav)
Active Ingredients: Lidocaine and prilocaine
Description: Numbit contains a synergistic combination of lidocaine and prilocaine. This local anaesthetics can penetrate the skin and target nerve endings more easily. This helps stop pain signals from starting and spreading.
Lidocaine Cream (Generic)
Active Ingredients: Lidocaine 5%
Description: Generic Lidocaine creams are available over the counter and provide good numbing effects. These creams are often used for a variety of skin procedures, including tattoo removal and minor surgeries.
Active Ingredients: Lidocaine 10.56%
Description: NumbSkin is a strong numbing cream often recommended for more intense procedures. It is popular among both healthcare professionals and individuals undergoing treatments like laser hair removal or tattoo removal.
LMX4 Cream
Active Ingredients: Lidocaine 4%
Description: LMX4 is another topical anaesthetic that is less concentrated than some other creams but still effective for reducing pain. It is often used before minor surgical procedures and for relief from skin irritations and burns.
Active Ingredients: Lidocaine 2.5% and Prilocaine 2.5%
Description: EMLA is a well-known topical anaesthetic used to numb the skin before procedures. It is widely used in dermatology and other medical fields for its effective numbing properties.
* Please note we always recommend consulting with your physician prior to the use of any numbing cream products. Check the label and ensure that you do not have any associated allergies.
Aftercare: The Unsung Hero of Tattoo Removal
After the laser does its job, your skin needs TLC just like any other part of your body undergoing recovery. Think of aftercare as nurturing your skin back to health—a crucial step to ensure your tattoo removal journey is smooth and scarring is kept at bay.
Essential Products for Post-Removal Care
Aloe Vera: This plant is more than just a pretty desk buddy. Its gel is a wonder of nature for calming irritation and reducing redness and swelling.
Antibacterial Ointments: Keeping the treated area free from infection is non-negotiable. A dab of Neosporin can keep those unwanted bacteria at bay.
Moisturisers: Your skin will be thirsty after facing the laser. Quench it with a simple, fragrance-free moisturiser like Cetaphil, which soothes without irritation.
Sunscreen: Sun exposure can be a newly treated skin's worst enemy. Shield it from the harsh Sunny Coast sun with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, and keep those UV rays from adding insult to injury.
Application Tips for Aftercare
Imagine you’re a skilled artist touching up a masterpiece—your skin. Start applying these products carefully once the initial healing has begun, which is usually a day after treatment. Continue nurturing your skin as advised by your laser specialist, and you’ll see why good aftercare is worth its weight in gold.
Five aftercare products we like
Nude Skin Handmade Organic Tattoo Removal Balm (A little bit biased, but it’s truly amazing!)
Use: Moisturising, hydrating and nourishes
Description: It’s handmade and organic because we care about your skin! Hempseed oil nourishes and moisturises without clogging the pores. Coconut oil provides intense moisture leaving the skin feeling soft and supple plus providing anti-inflammatory benefits. Beeswax creates a protective layer, locking in moisture and keeps your skin soft with added anti-inflammatory yields. Shea butter is our moisture hero. Vitamin E oil providing antioxidant magic and giving your skin health a boost. Aloe Vera soothes and provides healing power whilst providing you with the much needed moisture.
Aloe Vera Gel (Pure)
Use: Soothing and cooling agent
Description: Pure aloe vera gel is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help calm the skin after the harsh effects of laser removal, reducing redness and swelling. Look for 100% pure aloe vera gel without added colours or fragrances for best results.
Use: Hydrating and gentle care
Description: Cetaphil Moisturising Cream is a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser that is ideal for sensitive skin. It provides deep hydration without causing irritation, which is important for maintaining the skin’s barrier function during the healing process.
Use: Preventing infection
Description: Neosporin is an antibiotic ointment that can be used to prevent bacterial infections in the small wounds created by laser tattoo removal. It helps to keep the area clean and supports the body’s natural healing processes.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5
Use: Skin recovery
Description: This multi-purpose soothing balm helps to nourish and repair the skin, with a formula that includes panthenol and madecassoside. It is particularly effective in promoting skin recovery after irritative dermatitis and epidermic alterations, making it ideal for post-laser treatment care.
At Nude Skin Clinic we believe there are
4 essential parts to an effective tattoo removal:
Expertise
Industry leading technology
A comprehensive aftercare plan
Most importantly getting to know you and what you need achieve the best results possible.
Here on the Sunshine Coast, we’re not just about removing tattoos; we're about restoring confidence and comfort. Our approach combines state-of-the-art technology with a personal touch, ensuring that your journey to erase the past and embrace the future is as seamless as possible.
Taking the leap to remove your unwanted tattoo is no small feat, but with the right preparation and care, it can be a story worth telling.
From numbing creams that make the laser’s touch nearly invisible to aftercare that nurtures your skin back to its natural state, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us at Nude Skin Clinic, your partners in Sunshine Coast tattoo removal. Let’s turn the page together on your skin’s story.
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