Navigating body art and cosmetic treatments has never been more comfortable thanks to advancements in topical skin-care products. Whether you're getting a new tattoo or scheduling a laser hair removal session, the right products make all the difference. In particular, two essentials stand out: a reliable tattoo aftercare cream and a potent numbing cream for laser hair removal. In this article we focus on offerings from the brand TKTX trusted by many in the industry to explain how these two product types support your skin, why they matter, and how to use them effectively.

Why tattoo aftercare cream matters

When you get a tattoo, your skin essentially undergoes a controlled injury: ink is deposited into the dermis via needles, and the body immediately initiates a healing response. Without proper care, you risk issues like excessive scabbing, color loss, prolonged redness or irritation. That’s where a quality tattoo aftercare cream comes in.

For example, TKTX’s EASYTATTOO® Tattoo Aftercare Cream is specifically formulated to support skin healing, reduce irritation, and maintain hydration after tattooing. 
Key features from the product include:

• Hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested formulation. 

• Enriched with Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Shea Butter and Calendula Officinalis extract to calm redness and itching. 

• Non-sticky, non-staining texture, making it user-friendly for recovery. 

• According to the manufacturer, the cream can increase skin hydration by up to 62% in the first hour of application. 

• Free from allergens, parabens, phenoxyethanol and MITs. 

By using such an aftercare cream, you help your tattoo heal faster, protect the integrity and vibrancy of the ink, and reduce discomfort.

The benefits of numbing cream for laser hair removal (and tattoos)

Undergoing laser hair removal involves intense pulses of light aimed at hair follicles — which can be uncomfortable, especially on sensitive areas. Using a numbing cream for laser hair removal helps make the procedure more tolerable by reducing pain signals in the skin. In fact, many numbing creams (including TKTX numbing creams) are marketed for multiple procedures: tattoos, piercing, waxing, laser hair removal, etc. 

TKTX’s numbing cream line includes different strength levels (denoted by colour/percentage) so you can choose based on your pain tolerance, skin type and treatment. 
For example:

• Blue (20%) for 1-2 hours numb time. 

• White (35%) for 2-3 hours. 

• Gold (38%) for 3-4 hours.

• Green (40%) for 3-5 hours (extra strong).

Using a numbing cream before laser hair removal means you can relax more during the procedure and focus on the results rather than the discomfort.

How to use each product effectively

Tattoo aftercare cream usage

1. Immediately after tattooing, follow your artist’s cleaning protocol.

2. Use a clean hygienic environment; hands washed before applying.

3. Apply a thin layer of the aftercare cream (e.g., TKTX aftercare cream) to the tattooed area. The EASYTATTOO® version suggests use twice daily until healing is complete. 

4. The texture should be non-sticky and allow the skin to breathe while staying moisturised.

5. Protect your tattoo from direct sunlight, soaking/swimming until fully healed.

Numbing cream for laser hair removal usage

1. Clean and dry the area where the laser will be applied.

2. Apply a generous layer of the numbing cream (e.g., TKTX numbing cream) and rub lightly into the area.

3. Cover the cream with plastic wrap if instructed (some brands recommend it) to enhance absorption and activation. 

4. Wait the recommended time per product instructions (eg. 45-60 minutes) before the laser session.

5. After the procedure, follow any post-treatment skincare advised by your technician.

Why choosing the right product matters

Using sub-par aftercare or numbing creams can lead to unsatisfactory results. For instance, TKTX warns that fake or cheap versions found on platforms like eBay or Wish “can cause serious burns and numb for only 30 minutes.” 
Additionally, regulatory context matters: For example, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings that certain TKTX numbing creams are marketed as unapproved new drugs in the U.S., due to higher than permitted concentrations of lidocaine and claimed uses for cosmetic procedures. This underscores the importance of sourcing genuine products and following local regulations.

Bringing it all together: synergy in treatment and care

When you combine a quality numbing cream prior to a procedure (like laser hair removal or tattooing) with a top-tier aftercare cream post-procedure, your experience improves significantly:

• Comfort upfront: Numbing cream helps reduce pain and anxiety during the treatment.

• Better healing: Aftercare cream supports your skin’s natural recovery, preventing complications and preserving aesthetics.

• Enhanced results: Whether it's crisp, vibrant tattoo ink or smoother hair-free skin, you protect and preserve the outcome.

• Reduced downtime: Less pain, fewer irritations means you’re likely to bounce back quicker, get fewer disruptions.

Final thoughts

If you’re about to undergo a tattoo session or a laser hair removal treatment, don’t overlook the power of the right topical products. Choosing a high-quality tattoo aftercare cream and a reliable numbing cream for laser hair removal (or tattooing) can transform both your comfort and your results.

Brands like TKTX deliver on both fronts: their aftercare creams nurture healing and hydration; their numbing creams provide step-ups in pain relief for varying durations and intensities. Just remember: check authenticity, follow instructions carefully, and — especially for products involving numbing agents — consult your technician or medical professional if in doubt.