Lidocaine or benzocaine

At Scalp 1 Micropigmentation, we understand that our clients want to feel as comfortable as possible during their scalp micropigmentation (SMP) procedure. That's why we use numbing agents to help minimize any pain or discomfort.

But what are the best numbing agents to use for SMP? In short, lidocaine and benzocaine are the most commonly used agents. Both of these agents work by desensitizing the skin against pain or sensation, making them ideal for SMP, tattooing, and other dermal processes.

However, while lidocaine and benzocaine have a similar mode of action within the skin, they are different in potency and the procedures for which they are used. Lidocaine is considered a powerful numbing agent that is more effective than benzocaine when it comes to numbing the skin for critical procedures like SMP, tattooing, and piercing. In fact, according to one study, 2% of lidocaine cream is equally effective to 20% benzocaine gel in minimizing the pain intensity of needle insertion, meaning that lidocaine is ten times more effective than benzocaine.

Benzocaine, on the other hand, is safer for mucus membranes like the lips, tongue, and gums. It is ideal for numbing the lips for permanent makeup (PMU) procedures.

At Scalp 1 Micropigmentation, we use Numb520 Pain Relief Cream and spray for most of our procedures. Our team of SMP artists are trained to use these numbing agents effectively to minimize any pain or discomfort you may feel during the SMP procedure.

In conclusion, lidocaine and benzocaine are both effective numbing agents for SMP, but they are used in different procedures due to their differing potencies. Lidocaine is more effective and ideal for critical procedures like SMP, while benzocaine is safer for mucus membranes like the lips and is ideal for PMU procedures. At Scalp 1 Micropigmentation, we use the best numbing agents available to ensure your comfort during your SMP procedure.