In the world of permanent makeup procedures, safety comes first. As a PMU artist, you want to ensure your clients are comfortable and safe during the process. One of the most popular ways today to reduce the discomfort faced by clients is the application of numbing creams and topical anesthetics. These formulations come in the form of sprays, creams, gels, liquids, and balms available online as well as offline stores across USA and Canada.
However, when you see clients with different skin types, you start to question whether the numbing products are safe to apply or not. If you are curious to know the answer, this article will educate you about the safety aspects.
What Do You Understand By Permanent Makeup?
Permanent makeup is also known as micropigmentation. In this method, artists apply pigments to enhance the natural look of the skin’s features, such as the scalp, lips, or eyebrows. The common procedures involved in PMU are as follows:
- Microblading
- Ombre Powder Brows
- Eyeliner Tattooing
- Lip Blush
- Micro-Scalp Pigmentation
These procedures usually have long-lasting effects and can enhance or correct the client’s skin features. However, these procedures are not free of discomfort or pain. This is the reason why artists go for quality numbing creams or sprays to offer peace of mind to the customer during the procedures.
Numbing Agents in Permanent Makeup
Common numbing agents such as lidocaine or tetracaine are topical anesthetics used in permanent makeup procedures. When applied, these agents block the nerve signal in the skin. This, in turn, reduces the feeling of pain during the PMU session. They are available for use in the form of gels, creams, or sprays in the market and are typically applied before the procedure starts.
Did you know?
| Secondary numbing creams are also available to increase the time of numbness during the procedure. For example, Tag 45, Ultra Duration, Bliss Numb and Blue Gel. |
Topical Anesthetics Numbing Cream such as Tag 45 or Zensa improve the client's experience by reducing discomfort.
Numbing Creams and Topical Anesthetics for Different Skin Types
There are different numbing agents available for different skin types. The effectiveness and safety of a numbing agent can vary depending on the individual's skin type and sensitivity. Here's a detailed explanation:
- Skin Types and Numbing Agents
\Skin types are commonly classified into four categories: normal, dry, oily, and sensitive. Each skin type has its own characteristics and requires different care. When it comes to selecting a numbing agent for a PMU procedure, the choice should take into consideration the client's skin type to ensure both safety and effectiveness.
- Normal Skin
For individuals with normal skin, most numbing agents should be suitable, as the skin is less likely to react negatively. Lidocaine-based numbing creams or gels can be used.
- Dry Skin
When selecting a numbing agent for dry skin, it's important to choose a product that contains moisturizing ingredients to prevent further drying. Numbing creams with aloe vera or vitamin E can help.
- Oily Skin
For individuals with oily skin, it's important to choose a numbing agent that is lightweight and non-comedogenic to prevent clogging pores. Gel-based numbing agents are often recommended for oily skin types, as they are less likely to leave a greasy residue.
- Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is prone to reactions such as redness, itching, or irritation when exposed to certain products or ingredients. When selecting a numbing agent for sensitive skin, it's crucial to choose a product that is gentle and free from harsh chemicals or fragrances.
Considerations for Choosing a Numbing Cream or Topical Anesthetic
When choosing a numbing agent for different skin types, it's important to consider the following factors:
- Ingredients: Look for numbing agents formulated with ingredients suitable for your skin type, such as moisturizing agents for dry skin or gentle formulations for sensitive skin.
- Concentration: The concentration of active ingredients in a numbing agent can vary. For sensitive skin types, lower concentrations are often recommended to minimize the risk of irritation.
- Formulation: Numbing agents are available in various forms, including creams, gels, and sprays. Choose a formulation that is easy to apply and suitable for your skin type.
Safety Considerations
Despite the health risks, numbing creams can be used safely in individuals with sensitive creams. Below are some of the practices that a PMU artist should pay attention to:
- PMU makeup artists should adhere to regulatory guidelines and standards for the use of numbing creams in the PMU industry.
- Choose brands known to offer numbing creams for sensitive skin.
- Always read the ingredient section of the product to avoid ingredients that cause reactions.
- Patch tests should be conducted to assess the reaction of the client’s skin to a particular numbing product.
- Ask whether the client suffers from any known allergic reactions or not. This will help you prepare the procedure accordingly.
| A patch test is a procedure whereby the artists apply a numbing cream or topical anesthetic to a specific area of the client's skin. This is done to examine whether the client has a sensitive skin or not. |
Client Education and Communication
The ability to communicate openly and clearly with the clients can help you provide better PMU services. As a PMU artist, you should take time to educate your clients about the numbing cream being used, the potential risks, and the safety measures you prioritize. Moreover, the client should be encouraged to disclose any health complications that might affect the procedure's outcome. Clients should also be provided with pre and post-care instructions to speed up the healing process and reduce the instances of complications.
Final Words!
The final answer, whether you can use numbing creams in PMU procedures, comes out as a big Yes! However, you must know about certain ingredients of the cream that are known to cause allergic reactions in a person with sensitive skin. Once you understand the points discussed above, you can use this knowledge to work better. Also, remember to perform an initial consultation with the client where you educate them about allergic reactions and the safety measures you aim to implement. So, why wait any longer? Create a safe and painless PMU experience for your clients, as this will boost the popularity of your PMU studio.