If you ask us, we don’t talk about numbing cream nearly enough. If you’re one to find some beauty treatments painful, or have even avoided them entirely out of fear, this product can really help to numb the pain.
And because we don’t talk about it, we’re sure there are plenty of questions out there that have long gone unanswered. So if the idea of numbing cream has you curious, here’s some information you need to know.
What kind of beauty treatments can you use numbing cream for?
Numit can be used before a number of beauty treatments, including laser hair removal, skin resurfacing, dermal needling, microdermabrasion, cosmetic tattooing and more. It can also come in handy for vaccinations (AKA mum’s secret weapon to help reduce tears). If unsure, please consult with your health professional.
How does numbing cream work?
Numit is available at leading pharmacies and contains a synergistic combination of lidocaine (also called lignocaine 2.5% w/w) and prilocaine 2.5% w/w.
Studies have shown that the combination of lidocaine 2.5% w/w and prilocaine 2.5% w/w penetrates the skin to disrupt nerve signalling, and then helps to numb the skin’s full thickness, dependant on how long the product has been applied for. [1,2,3]
The combination of Lidocaine (lignocaine) 2.5% w/w and prilocaine 2.5% w/w has been shown to form a reservoir in the skin during application that can continue to be released even after the cream is removed. [2, 3]
Visual representation of how lidocaine 2.5% w/w and prilocaine 2.5% w/w combination works
How do you apply numbing cream?
Numit can be applied in three steps, easily remembered as ‘coat, cover and clean’.
Coat: Apply a thick layer of Numit cream to clean, makeup free skin. Refer to the table in the product information leaflet for the appropriate dosage.
Cover: Use an occlusive dressing (ie. air tight and clear – these are also available at the pharmacy) to cover the area. Larger areas can be covered with plastic film and held on with adhesive tape. Leave dressing on for the recommended time according to the leaflet.
Clean: Remove the dressing immediately before procedure. Wipe off the cream and clean with alcohol if needed.
How much numbing cream do I need to apply?
The amount of Numit cream needed depends on the size of the skin area being treated, and whether treating an adult or child. For smaller, localised treatments like injections or eyebrow microblading, apply 1.5g to 2.0g over 10cm2 of skin. For larger areas, such as legs for laser hair removal, apply a maximum of 60g over 600cm2 of skin.
Always read the label. Follow the directions for use
How long do you have to apply numbing cream before a treatment?
The amount of application time is dependent on the procedure and whether Numit will be used on an adult or child.
The minimum and maximum times can vary depending on which treatment is being used for, such as localised treatments like injections or eyebrow microblading and laser hair removal,
Always read the label. Follow the directions for use.
How long does the numbing last?
After application of the cream for 1-2 hours, Numit should provide anaesthesia for at least 2 hours after the removal of the dressing.
Depending on what treatment you are having done (as well as depending on what your skin tolerance is like), you may still feel some sensation during the treatment.
Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, worsen or change unexpectedly, talk to your health professional.
Have you ever used a numbing cream before?
I have only heard of numbing cream in medical procedures but can understand why it can be used in beauty treatments such as microdermabrasion. Informative article
Oh I always wondered how it works
I find them to work well! I’ve used this Ego one and it’s great value yet also effective, as many are super expensive. Just ensure you allow 1hour to 30mins application prior to treatment for best numbing effect.
No, never needed them. Interesting things out there
You must have some tough skin and/or pain tolerance Yo!
Ive used numbing creams before with my daughter when she had to have canulas. She said it didnt work for her 🙁
Thank You BH for such great advice and information regarding Numit cream how to apply it for the different applications it can be used for.
I can see how numbing cream would be helpful for painful treatments
Oh wow the immunisations is one I think I might try this for!! Thank you BH!! My sister is also having laser removal for a tattoo I will pass this on.
Very interesting! I want some!
Same here! Good to have on hand.
This cream looks amazing because it numbs full skin thickness
Just checked Chemist Warehouse. It’s actually not as expensive as I thought it would be. $9.69 for 10g tube, $22.99 for 30g.
Not too bad a price at all. Will purchase it when I’m next in at CW!
I had never heard of Numit until today!
Good to know!
That’s interesting, I’ve never used numbing cream before.
I’m a little sceptical (and not just because it is advertorial) – surely the presence of pain for a beauty treatment is a warning that you shouldn’t be having said treatment. If you numb the pain that tells you something’s not right, how do you know if it’s doing damage until it’s too late. Also the wasteful need for plastic covers to process 🙁
Get it done at a dermatologist’s clinic?
I’ve never even heard of it before.
Grateful for this article and grateful we even have a numbing cream available at all – most countries seem to have a wider range (and stronger ones) available.
You can buy stronger creams in other countries? Where are these unicorns of which you speak?
Not sure I would need this but interesting.
Never used a numbing cream before and I don’t know if I would really need to
Did not even know this is available.
This is the first time I’ve heard of a numbing cream. Very handy to know.
Never used it but useful info.
I’ve had lignocaine at the dentist and I have bought it myself from the pharmacy for teeth pain.
I would have liked it when I had botox. The Technician used ice.
Whatever happened to no pain – no gain?
Very Good Point MerryGoRound.
Very interesting and wonder if it would be suitable for sunburn or perhaps bites of many descriptions. Thanks for the introduction of this numbing cream.
And the image shows nothing other than the skin penetration. Where are the nerves? But I agree, pain is an evolutionary response to something bad to get you to avoid it: Fire – ow -won’t touch it again!
First time I hear about it.
I’ve heard of it but not sure I need it. I think it’s quite expensive for the size of the tube.
Handy idea for kid’s vaccinations.
I am not sure if I have a need for this product at home… I think I have had numbing cream used on me before, when I went into surgery, they applied some before they put in the needle for the drip.
I don’t have a need for something like this, it reminds me of the stuff for teething babies gums.
I’ve never actually used numbing cream before so I can’t relate but this is very informative!
I could have used this back when I started epilating, but my hair growth weakened & I got used to it after a few years. Now I’ve had IPL, so I don’t have to epilate.
I had numbing cream applied before laser surgery and it did NOT help. And having five kids, numbing cream never been used on any of my children prior to immunisation. Seems a really simple thing to do to ease the pain for babies and children, so I wonder why it’s not used. Sitting in the immunisation room many times waiting our turn, some kids have real intense fear of needles. If numbing cream could help eliminate that and it’s not used, it seems pretty cruel to put young children through that needlessly.
We have had this used on our son when he was little and needed needles in his hand, worked a treat!
I used to use Emla patches and cream for patients before cannulating them when I was nursing – that was many many years ago.
Just saw this advertised in a My Chemist catalogue, it’s descriptor mentioned that it can be used for IV catheters.
Everyone has different pain levels so its great there is something available for those that need it. Personally I dont like numbing even at the dentist.
Sounds like it could be useful for a variety of things.
I have used numbing cream before and it’s worked really well for me, thanks for the informative read.
I know few ladies who can’t tolerate laser so they use numbing cream
I think I need this for next time I am getting hair removal in a certain area.
To help my disabled son when he has blood tests.
I had to use Emla cream prior to having my first skin cancer surgically removed (had to apply it 2 hours before surgery & wrap my forehead in plastic wrap) & have also had numbing cream applied to my gums prior to laser cleaning at the dentist. Got no qualms about using it if I have to.
Wow interesting!!!
I’ve used a numbing cream whilst being tattooed. It didn’t really do much unfortunately
Wow very interesting,
Interesting! I didn’t realise you could buy it and use it yourself.
Maybe call the manufacturer or company to ask, don’t try it just yet.
Was that enough for your surgery?