Pre-Piercing Checklist: How to Use Numbing Cream Safely for Your First Piercing

Getting your first piercing may have you feeling excitement along with some nerves. You may have researched using numbing cream to help eliminate pain, which, like many things, involves a little advanced preparation to use safely and effectively. 
 
Below is a thorough checklist (and some tips and warnings) to get you ready to confidently approach your first piercing.  

1. Research – Know What You Will Be Applying

Check ingredients and strength: Many numbing creams (or topical anaesthetics) sold over-the-counter contain agents like lidocaine and prilocaine. While they may be useful in certain situations, strengths and concentrations differ in product formulation. 

Investigate rules & regulations: In certain locations, piercing studios/salons may not legally distribute or apply any scheduled numbing creams. 

Test a patch beforehand: Apply a small dab behind the ear or another inconspicuous area 24 hours before your appointment for an allergic reaction or sensitivity.  

Review all product instructions: When you buy numbing cream online, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how much to apply, how long to keep it on, and if it needs to be covered with a barrier (e.g., plastic wrap or occlusive dressing). 

2. Appropriate Timing — When & How Long to Apply

It may be earlier than you think: Many numbing creams need a minimum of 60 minutes to work (and some will take up to an hour and a half to wear off) before doing the piercing.  

Use an occlusive dressing: After applying a thicker layer, place a dressing or cling wrap to help the cream soak in and to keep it from rubbing off.  

Remove just before puncturing: The cream should be wiped away immediately before the actual piercing, then clean/disinfect the area. Do not leave a residue.  

Do not use too much: More cream or longer time is not always correlated with more effect — there is a point of diminishing returns to this. Using too much can give skin irritation. 

3. Communicate with Your Piercer

Be upfront with your piercer: Tell your piercer which cream you used and exactly when you applied it. Some numbing creams can alter skin texture (“give”) temporarily, and they will need to consider this when using the needle. 

Ask for his/her preference: Some piercers prefer not to work on skin that has been numbed because it can appear slightly swollen, or because the skin is less firm, which may change layering on an individual. 

Cross-check rules and/or shop policies: Many piercing studios or shops do not supply numbing creams themselves for legal reasons, but it is possible that you could use your own. 

4. Health, Medications & Contraindications

Ask your GP/pharmacist if you are unsure: If you have any skin conditions (eczema, dermatitis), are using any retinoids, or have any sensitivities, check the compatibility of these with the cream. 

Do not apply to broken or irritated skin: Do not apply numbing cream where there is a rash, cut, open wound, or where there is an infection. 

Be aware of the maximum dosage or covering: For example, EMLA cream is not to be applied over a very large surface area unless under medical supervision. 

Do not use on mucous membranes: Many numbing creams are only for skin use; always note the formulas intended for use in the mouth, nose, genital area, etc. 

What to Expect & Manage Your Expectations? 

• Numbing will eliminate, but not always eliminate pain: Everyone’s pain threshold and anatomy are different. 
• It may change the feel of your skin: Numb skin may feel a bit harder, a little sicker, or stretchier — and that may alter how the needle passes a bit.  
• The “window” is short: Most numbing creams will start to wear off after ~2 hours, so try to plan your day wisely.  

Final Thoughts 

Using the piercing numbing cream for the first time can take some of the “sting” out of the experience — figuratively and literally — but safety and coordination are key. 

At NumbaStay, we believe knowledge is empowerment. With the right preparation and care, your first piercing can be a memorable (and comfortable) milestone rather than a stressful one.