Here are some details about numbing creams for laser hair removal, including positive and negative aspects, as well as common ingredients or materials:
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Active Ingredients: Lidocaine hydrochloride (previously known as lignocaine hydrochloride in the UK) is a common active ingredient in numbing creams used for laser hair removal. Another effective combination is a triple anesthetic cream, also called BLT cream, which includes benzocaine, lidocaine, and tetracaine.
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Fast-Acting: Numbing creams for laser hair removal are often fast-acting, providing quick relief from discomfort.
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Consistency: A smooth, uniform, and consistent numbing cream can lead to a better patient experience. Some less desirable anesthetic creams leave a gritty, oily, chalky, or flaky residue, which can be uncomfortable for the patient and make it more difficult for medical providers to apply and remove the cream before a procedure.
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Positive: Numbing creams can help make the laser hair removal experience more comfortable for individuals, as the procedure can be uncomfortable, although not as painful as other treatments like laser resurfacing or deep chemical peels.
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Negative: Some numbing creams may not be of high quality or could be potentially dangerous to your health. It is important to choose licensed and legitimate products to ensure safety and effectiveness.
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Covering the Skin: To ensure the active ingredients of the numbing cream absorb into the skin and do not get wiped off, you can cover the cream with an air-tight, water-tight dressing, plastic wrap, or cling film, depending on the size of the area to be numbed.
