Numbing Cream for Piercings: Does It Actually Work?
If you’re nervous about getting a piercing, the idea of using numbing cream might sound like a helpful solution. After all, who wouldn’t want to take the edge off a sharp sensation? But when it comes to body piercings, numbing creams aren’t as helpful—or safe—as many people think.
At Eir Piercing, we’re here to give you the best possible piercing experience. That means being honest about what works, what doesn’t, and what could get in the way of healing. Here’s why we don’t pierce skin that has been treated with numbing cream.
Numbing Cream Doesn’t Go Deep Enough
Most over-the-counter numbing creams—like those containing lidocaine or prilocaine—are designed to dull sensation in the very top layers of skin. While that can be enough for surface-level treatments like waxing or microblading, a piercing needle passes much deeper through the tissue.
This means numbing cream often doesn’t reach the layer where it would actually help, so clients still feel the piercing—and sometimes the pain afterward is worse.
Numbed Skin Feels and Behaves Differently
Numbing creams can change the texture of your skin. They sometimes cause swelling, tightness, or a spongy feeling, which makes the tissue harder to work with. As piercers, we rely on the feel and responsiveness of your skin to guide the needle smoothly and accurately.
Numbed skin can feel strange and distorted—more difficult to pierce cleanly, which increases the chance of trauma, uneven angles, or longer healing times.
The Risk of Product Entering the Piercing Channel
Most numbing creams aren’t meant to come into contact with open wounds. If any product is left on the skin, it could be pushed into the fresh piercing, where it can cause irritation, slow down healing, or lead to other complications. These creams are not sterile, and their ingredients can become problematic once they’re introduced below the surface.
It Can Actually Hurt More Afterwards
Oddly enough, many clients who use numbing cream find the pain after the piercing feels worse. This could be because:
The numbing didn’t actually work on the deep tissue
The skin was more irritated due to the cream
The anesthetic wears off suddenly, creating a rebound effect
In contrast, when you go in with untreated skin, the discomfort is usually quick and manageable—and your body knows exactly how to respond and recover.
It’s Easier (and Safer) Without It
We know the idea of a needle can be intimidating, but professional piercings are very fast—usually over in just a second or two. With experienced technique, a calm environment, and good communication, we can help you through the process without needing numbing agents.
Most clients say it was way easier than they expected.
Our Policy on Numbing Cream
To protect your skin, your piercing, and the outcome of the procedure, we do not pierce skin that has been treated with numbing cream. If you arrive with numbed tissue, we’ll kindly suggest a different placement on untreated skin, or help you reschedule for another day
It’s all about keeping things safe, precise, and healing-friendly.
Still Looking for a Piercing Studio?
While we’re not open just yet, we’re working hard behind the scenes to finalize a few last details so we can officially announce our opening date and location. We’re just as excited as you are—and we promise, the wait will be worth it.
In the meantime, if you’re looking to get pierced sooner, feel free to reach out. We’re happy to recommend trusted studios in your area who share our values and approach.