Does Tattoo Numbing Cream Affect Ink or Healing?

If you’re planning a tattoo and considering using numbing cream, you might be wondering: “Will it affect the ink or healing process?”

At TKTX Tattoo, we get asked this question all the time, and it’s a good one! As the UK’s only certified distributor of authentic TKTX numbing creams, we’re here to clear up the confusion and help you make an informed choice.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a tattoo veteran, understanding how numbing cream works (and how it affects your skin) can make your tattoo experience safer, smoother, and more comfortable, without compromising results.

First, How Does TKTX Numbing Cream Work?

TKTX numbing creams contain active ingredients like lidocaine, which temporarily block nerve signals in the skin. This helps reduce or eliminate pain during:

Tattoos
Piercings
Laser tattoo removal
Waxing and aesthetic procedures

Our water-based formula is designed to penetrate deep into the skin, ensuring powerful numbing without the greasy residue that other creams leave behind. This makes it tattoo-friendly and artist-approved.

Will Numbing Cream Affect Tattoo Ink Quality?

Short answer: No, if used correctly.

High-quality numbing creams like TKTX, when applied properly, do not interfere with the ink or tattoo machine. Here’s why:

Water-Based Formula

Unlike oil-based creams that can create a barrier on the skin, TKTX’s water-based formula absorbs cleanly, allowing the needle to deposit ink effectively.

Professional Artist Approved

Thousands of artists across the UK and beyond use TKTX daily. Many even recommend it to clients who are nervous about long sessions or pain-sensitive areas.

Doesn’t Alter Skin Texture

Because it doesn’t swell or overly tighten the skin (when used as directed), your tattooist can work as normal, ensuring sharp lines and vibrant ink placement.

Let your tattoo artist know you’re using numbing cream so they can monitor skin response throughout the session.

What If Numbing Cream Is Used Incorrectly?

Problems generally occur only when the cream is:

Applied too thickly
Left on too long
Not fully absorbed
Poor quality or non-certified brands are used

This can cause skin to become too soft or swollen, making it harder for the ink to take. That’s why it’s vital to follow instructions and only use reputable products like TKTX.

Will It Affect the Tattoo Healing Process?

Again, not if you use TKTX correctly.

Here’s what you should know:

Clean Application = Clean Healing

Our cream is designed for easy removal. After your session, your artist will clean the area thoroughly, just as they would with any tattoo. No residue = no risk of interfering with healing.

No Harsh Chemicals

TKTX creams are dermatologically tested and made from high-quality ingredients. There are no harsh additives that will irritate your skin post-tattoo.

Numbing Might Even Help!

Some artists and clients report that using TKTX can reduce overall trauma to the skin, since there’s less flinching or movement during the session. This can mean less redness, less swelling, and smoother healing.

Always Follow Aftercare Instructions

Whether you use numbing cream or not, healing comes down to aftercare. Be sure to:

Keep the area clean
Avoid direct sun exposure
Don’t scratch or pick
Moisturise with artist-recommended products

TKTX cream affects your tattoo session, not the aftercare. Once the cream wears off, your skin needs the same TLC as any tattoo.

Why Choose TKTX Tattoo?

Only certified TKTX distributor in the UK
Backed by thousands of 5-star reviews
Premium water-based formula – safe for tattoos
Multiple options for different procedures and skin types
Friendly, expert support to help you choose the right cream

Many of our customers tell us they were too nervous to get a tattoo because of the pain, until they discovered TKTX.

Now, they can sit comfortably through long sessions without sacrificing ink quality or healing.

Final Thoughts: Numb the Pain, Not the Results

If you’ve been holding back on that tattoo because you’re worried about pain or potential side effects, don’t be. When you use a high-quality, properly applied numbing cream like TKTX, you get the best of both worlds: