1. How long can I safely leave lidocaine cream on my skin?

Always adhere to the recommended timing for your treatment area or your provider’s protocol. As a general guideline, Zensa Numbing Cream should not remain on the skin for more than 90 minutes without professional supervision.

2. Can I layer Zensa with other numbing products or actives?

Yes, you can layer Zensa Numbing Cream with specific types of products, particularly for "secondary numbing" during procedures, but you must avoid mixing it with certain skincare actives (such as chemical exfoliants or retinoids) that can cause irritation or block absorption.

3. What ingredients are in Zensa Numbing Cream, and what do they do?

Zensa Numbing Cream contains 5% lidocaine to temporarily numb the skin during cosmetic and aesthetic procedures. Its water-based, pH-balanced formula includes soothing ingredients to support skin comfort and hydration. Made without vasoconstrictors, it will not interfere with ink retention or skin texture. Zensa is vegan, cruelty-free and steroid-free.

4. When should I first apply the healing cream, and how often should I use it?

Begin applying Zensa Healing Cream on day one of recovery, following your provider’s aftercare guidance. Apply to clean skin twice daily, or as directed until the area feels fully restored.

Numbing Cream Application Guidelines And Usage

Trusted by artists, estheticians and medical professionals, Zensa Numbing Cream is formulated with maximum-strength 5% lidocaine to support comfort during tattooing, microblading, laser treatments and injectable procedures. Follow the application guidelines below for optimal results.

Instructions

How To Apply Numbing Cream

Create a relaxing environment in your next treatment session with our fast-acting, easy-to-use numbing cream.

1 CLEAN + APPLY
Clean the skin thoroughly. For tattoos, exfoliate with a soapy, coarse cloth for 30 seconds before applying. For microblading, use a spoolie to exfoliate the brows. Then, using a sterile applicator, apply a thick layer of the cream directly to the treatment area. Do not rub into skin.
2 SEAL OR WAIT
For most procedures, cover the area with cling wrap (such as Press'n Seal or Tegaderm) for maximum absorption. For injections, simply wait. Leave the cream in place for the recommended duration based on your procedure type.
3 REMOVE + BEGIN
Gently dab away (don't wipe) excess cream using sterile gauze or a Q-tip. Begin your procedure. It is safe to reapply Zensa on broken skin as needed.

Cosmetic Treatments

Surface-level cosmetic procedures such as waxing and electrolysis require shorter application times than medspa treatments like laser resurfacing and ablative procedures. Refer to the application time guide below based on treatment depth and intensity.

1 CLEAN + APPLY

Clean the skin thoroughly with an alcohol swab. Using a sterile applicator, apply a half-inch thick layer of cream to the area. Do not rub into skin.

2 SEAL

Cover the area with cling wrap for maximum absorption. Leave the cream in place for the recommended duration based on your treatment type.

3 REMOVE

Remove wrap. Gently dab away (don't wipe) excess cream using sterile gauze. Begin treatment. It is safe to reapply Zensa on broken skin, as needed.

Treatment Application Time

Injectables
(Neuromodulators, dermal fillers, biostimulators, IV therapy)

15–20 min
Gentle laser treatments
(Non-ablative fractional lasers, IPL, laser hair removal, microneedling)

20–30 min
Moderate laser treatments
(non-ablative fractional lasers with higher energy, low-power ablative lasers)

30–45 min
Aggressive/ablative laser treatments
(CO2 lasers, Er:YAG resurfacing, fully ablative fractional lasers, RF microneedling)

45–60 min

Tattoos

Tattoo procedures typically require the longest application time. When considering how long to leave numbing cream on for tattoo appointments, apply a thick layer 45–60 minutes before your session and cover with cling wrap for optimal absorption. After your appointment, apply tattoo recovery cream twice daily to support optimal healing and skin comfort.

1 EXFOLIATE + APPLY

Clean and exfoliate the skin with a soapy, coarse cloth for 30 seconds. Using a sterile applicator, apply a half-inch thick layer of cream to the area. Do not rub into skin.

2 SEAL

Cover the area with cling wrap (such as Press'n Seal) for maximum absorption. Leave the cream in place for 30-45 minutes prior to stenciling.

3 REMOVE

Remove wrap. Gently dab away (don't wipe) excess cream using sterile gauze. Begin stenciling. It is safe to reapply Zensa on broken skin, as needed.

Hair Removal

Hair removal treatments such as laser hair removal, waxing and electrolysis may require longer application times for maximum comfort and effectiveness.

1 EXFOLIATE + APPLY

Clean and exfoliate the skin with a soapy cloth for 30 seconds. Apply a half-inch thick layer of cream to the area. Do not rub into skin.

2 SEAL

Cover the area with cling wrap (such as Press’n Seal) for maximum absorption. Leave the cream in place for 20-30 minutes (or 15 minutes prior to brazilian, underarm and upper lip waxing).

3 REMOVE

Remove wrap. Gently dab away (don’t wipe) excess cream using sterile gauze. Begin procedure. It is safe to re-apply Zensa on broken skin, as needed.

Permanent Makeup

Permanent makeup treatments such as microblading, lip blushing and freckle tattooing require shorter application time due to thinner, more reactive facial skin.

1 EXFOLIATE + APPLY

Complete your brow mapping, then use a spoolie to exfoliate the brows. (Note: this step is specific to microblading.) Next, use a sterile applicator to apply a half-inch thick layer of cream to the area. Do not rub into skin.

2 SEAL

Cover the area for maximum absorption. Leave the cream in place for 15–25 minutes prior to the procedure.

3 REMOVE

Remove wrap. Gently dab away (don't wipe) excess cream using sterile gauze or a Q-tip. After the first pass, reapply as needed.

Health & Wellness Treatments

For health & wellness injections, fillers, PRP, weight loss injections or IV placement, apply the cream directly to the treatment area before the procedure.

1 CLEAN + APPLY

Clean the area thoroughly with an alcohol swab. Apply a pea-sized amount of cream directly onto the skin. Do not rub in.

2 WAIT

Leave the cream in place for 15–20 minutes for maximum absorption. For fillers, PRP, or IV placement, wipe away the cream before proceeding.

3 INJECT

For health and weight loss injections, inject directly through the cream and into the skin. Once complete, wipe away any remaining cream.

Additional Safety Measures

Always follow product directions and professional guidance.

Perform a patch test if you have sensitive skin or are using the product for the first time.

Do not exceed recommended application amounts or duration.

Consult a professional if you are unsure about how to time or apply the product prior to your treatment.

Discontinue use if you experience any irritation or adverse reactions.

Your cart

Subtotal

Numbing Cream Application Guidelines

Instructions

How To Apply Numbing Cream

1 CLEAN + APPLY

2 SEAL OR WAIT

3 REMOVE + BEGIN

How Long to Leave Lidocaine Cream On: Guidelines by Treatment Type

1 CLEAN + APPLY

2 SEAL

3 REMOVE

1 EXFOLIATE + APPLY

2 SEAL

3 REMOVE

1 EXFOLIATE + APPLY

2 SEAL

3 REMOVE

1 EXFOLIATE + APPLY

2 SEAL

3 REMOVE

1 CLEAN + APPLY

2 WAIT

3 INJECT

Additional Safety Measures

Numbing Cream Application Guidelines

Instructions

How To Apply Numbing Cream

1 CLEAN + APPLY

2 SEAL OR WAIT

3 REMOVE + BEGIN

How Long to Leave Lidocaine Cream On: Guidelines by Treatment Type

1 CLEAN + APPLY

2 SEAL

3 REMOVE

1 EXFOLIATE + APPLY

2 SEAL

3 REMOVE

1 EXFOLIATE + APPLY

2 SEAL

3 REMOVE

1 EXFOLIATE + APPLY

2 SEAL

3 REMOVE

1 CLEAN + APPLY

2 WAIT

3 INJECT

Additional Safety Measures

Application and Usage FAQs

1. How long can I safely leave lidocaine cream on my skin?

2. Can I layer Zensa with other numbing products or actives?

3. What ingredients are in Zensa Numbing Cream, and what do they do?

4. When should I first apply the healing cream, and how often should I use it?

Sign up for product updates, special offers, news and events.