How do numbing creams work?

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.

1 Bjerring P, Arendt-Nielsen L. Depth and duration of skin analgesia to needle insertion after topical application of Emla cream. Br J Anaesth 1990; 64(2):173–7.

2 Tadicherla S, Berman B. Percutaneous dermal drug delivery for local pain control. Ther Clin Risk Manag 2006;2(1):99-113.

3 The lidocaine 2.5% w/w prilocaine 2.5% w/w combination cream utilised in these studies was not the Ego Numit brand

Have you ever used a numbing cream before?