Numbing Cream For PMU in Wales: What You Need to Know

Oct 5

6 min read

Special Procedure Licence for Lady MakeUp

When you book permanent makeup (PMU) with me, you may notice some changes. Under the Special Procedures Licensing Scheme in Wales, practitioners must follow specific requirements for topical anaesthetics. In simple terms, we can no longer supply numbing cream for PMU. But don't panic. Should you still wish to use it, you can. However, you'll need to purchase an appropriate product yourself and apply it yourself. I do appreciate this is different from what many clients have been used to in the past, so I thought a helpful blog would explain the rules, what they mean and why they're in place.

Why Have The Rules Around Numbing Cream For PMU in Wales Changed?

Permanent makeup is classed as a special procedure in Wales. PMU, including treatments such as microblading, falls within tattooing for the purpose of the Welsh Special Procedures Licensing Scheme. The Welsh government introduced the scheme to create consistent standards for practitioners and premises across Wales. They wanted to convey a strong focus on client safety, hygiene, and infection prevention and control. Quite right too. As you know, my clients' safety and comfort are always a number one priority for me.

One of the areas covered by the requirements is the use of topical anaesthetics, or numbing creams as most of us call them. The guidance for licensed practitioners is clear: I cannot supply or apply a topical anaesthetic to a client before, during, or after their PMU treatment. That doesn't mean it is not available to you, it just means the way I handle numbing cream for PMU is a little different now.

Previously, clients may have been accustomed to me providing or applying a numbing product as part of their appointment. Under the licensing requirements I work within in Wales, this is no longer something I can do. Consequently, this isn't a decision I've made just for my own business, or an attempt to make your appointment more complicated. It is just one of the conditions I need to follow as a licensed practitioner.

Yes, I Hold A Special Procedure Licence

Caz's photo ID of her Special Procedures Licence

And I am very proud to be able to say that.

I hold the required Special Procedure Licence to carry out permanent makeup treatments in Wales. Now, this doesn't involve simply filling in a form and receiving a certificate. As a practitioner, I have responsibilities to my clients surrounding the way I work. These include infection prevention and control, consultation and client records, safe practices, aftercare, and the environment in which your treatment is carried out.

The premises are also subject to approval requirements. So, look out for the certificate being displayed when you attend your consultation appointment with me or any PMU practitioner in Wales, and they should display their photo ID card too.

Now, whilst the requirements under the license mean you need to collect and apply your own numbing cream for PMU may seem frustrating, I am all for ensuring our industry is regulated. PMU is a wonderful treatment, but it is also a procedure in which pigment is implanted into the skin. Choosing your artist shouldn't therefore be only about loving their portfolio, as important as that is, or their prices. You should also feel confident that the person carrying out your treatment is properly licensed and following the standards required of them.

For me, being licensed is part of offering you a professional, safe, and trustworthy PMU experience from the moment you book through to your healed results.

What You Need to Know About Numbing Cream for PMU Treatments

If you would like to use numbing cream for PMU, you will need to purchase your own suitable product before your appointment. Don't worry, we will go over all the details during your consultation. You will also need to apply the product yourself.

Now this bit is important. You cannot simply buy any numbing cream for PMU. The topical anaesthetic you use needs to be approved and authorised by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). As your PMU artist, I need to be satisfied that the product you've used meets the relevant requirements. I will, therefore, ask you to bring the product with you to your appointment in its original packaging, together with its Patient Information Leaflet. So please don't throw away the leaflet and packaging!

Having the original product and information means I can check what has been used and record the relevant information on your record as part of your consultation. Therefore, please don't decant the cream into another container or bring me a photograph of an unidentifiable pot. Keeping everything together makes the process much simpler.

If I can't establish that the topical anaesthetic you've used is appropriately approved and authorised, I may not be able to carry out your treatment and your appointment may need to be rescheduled. I appreciate that nobody wants that to happen, including me! Following the preparation information I give you about numbing cream for PMU will help us avoid unnecessary problems on the day.

Buying Numbing Cream For PMU Appointments

I know buying your own numbing cream for PMU may seem inconvenient, but please don't be tempted to take any shortcuts. Don't be tempted to buy a product simply because you've seen it promoted on social media or because someone online says it is "the strongest". Don't get duped by impressive claims on the packaging.

With numbing cream for PMU, stronger doesn't automatically mean better or more appropriate. The important thing is that the product is suitable and appropriately authorised for use in the UK. You can get 5% numbing cream for PMU from chemists, like Boots and LLoyds Pharmacy. They come in 5g and larger 30g tubes.

It is important that you follow the manufacturer's Patient Information Leaflet carefully, including the instructions about how much to apply and how long it should remain on the skin. Using extra cream or leaving a product on for longer than instructed isn't a good way to try to achieve additional numbness.

Naturally, if you are ever unsure before your appointment, please get in touch with me rather than guessing. I'd much rather answer a question beforehand than discover on the day that there is an issue with the product you've used.

I'm Worried I'll do it Wrong, Can't You Do It For Me Please?

This is probably the most understandable question of all, particularly if you've had permanent makeup with me previously and I applied numbing cream for you. However, the regulations have changed.

The Welsh Government guidance states that a licence holder must not supply or apply numbing cream for PMU. It is important that I remain compliant with all the requirements to protect my business and licence. Additionally, it is important to maintain the professional standards the Welsh licensing scheme has been created to establish.

However, you are welcome to apply your numbing cream once you arrive for your treatment. I will need to allow extra time for the cream to start working, so let me know if you'd prefer this option and I can plan my appointment diary accordingly.

What Happens if I Don't Want to Use Numbing Cream?

Of course, using numbing cream for PMU is not a requirement; it is a personal choice.

Everyone experiences sensation differently, and the experience can also vary depending on the treatment and the individual. Therefore, if you don't want to use numbing cream for PMU, please discuss this with me as part of your appointment preparation. There will be no pressure from me to use a topical anaesthetic. Equally, however, because I am not permitted to supply or apply one, please don't arrive expecting me to have numbing cream available, "just in case." Planning ahead is now an important part of preparing for your appointment.

I'll give you the information you need before your appointment so you know what is expected of you, and if there's something you are worried about or don't understand, ask me. I always want my clients to arrive feeling informed and excited about their appointment rather than anxious because they've been trying to work everything out from conflicting advice online.

Your Numbing Cream for PMU Checklist

So, before your next permanent makeup appointment with me, remember the following:

Rules surrounding numbing cream for PMU in Wales have changed
Make sure your PMU artist holds a Special Procedure Licence
You need to purchase an appropriate MHRA-approved topical anaesthetic before your treatment (if you want to use it)
You must apply the product yourself according to the instructions on the Patient Information Leaflet
Keep the original packaging and the information leaflet and bring them to your appointment
Ask me questions if you are uncertain about anything