How to Moisturise a New Tattoo — The Right Way

Wash the tattoo gently, pat completely dry with a clean paper towel, then apply a small amount of fragrance-free, alcohol-free cream and rub in until fully absorbed. Repeat 2–3 times daily. Thin layers only — if cream is still visible on the skin after 5 minutes, you have applied too much. Over-moisturising is as problematic as under-moisturising.

Ink Nurse Remedy Cream: fragrance-free, alcohol-free, fast-absorbing. Australian made. Available in 100ml and 500ml pump. Endorsed by the Australian Tattooists Guild.

Step-by-step moisturising method

Step 1 — Wash first
Clean the tattoo with Foam Nurse Tattoo Soap Wash and lukewarm water. Gently work over the area without scrubbing. Rinse thoroughly.

Step 2 — Pat dry completely
Use a clean, dry paper towel and pat (do not rub) until the skin is completely dry. Applying cream to damp skin dilutes the product and can trap moisture.

Step 3 — Apply a thin layer
Take a small amount of Ink Nurse Remedy Cream — roughly the size of a 20-cent coin for a medium tattoo — and apply gently in the direction of the tattoo. Rub in until absorbed.

Step 4 — Wait before covering
Allow 5–10 minutes before covering with clothing. The cream should be fully absorbed. If it feels greasy or is still visible, you have used too much.

Step 5 — Repeat 2–3 times daily
Morning, midday where possible, and before bed. Consistency across the full 4-week surface healing period matters more than the amount applied in any single application.

How much cream is too much

Over-moisturising is a common mistake. Applying excessive cream or moisturising more than 3x daily can suffocate healing skin, slow the peeling process, and in some cases contribute to ink pulling. The goal is to keep the skin hydrated — not saturated.

Best for / Not ideal for

Ink Nurse Remedy Cream is best for: all skin types from day one, including sensitive and eczema-prone skin. Available in 100ml and 500ml pump.

Not ideal for: application over broken or infected skin without medical advice.

Frequently asked questions

Can I moisturise too much?
Yes. More than 3x daily, or applying thick layers, can oversaturate healing skin. Signs you’re over-moisturising: the skin looks constantly shiny, feels sticky, or small pimple-like bumps appear around the tattoo.

Should I moisturise at night?
Yes — a light application before bed is one of the three daily applications. Skin repairs overnight and benefits from hydration. Avoid heavy application that will transfer to bedding.

Do I need to wash before every application?
For morning and evening applications, yes. For a midday top-up on clean skin, a wash is not always necessary — but make sure the area is clean and dry before applying.

My skin feels tight between applications. What should I do?
Tightness usually means you need to apply more frequently (up to 3x daily) or slightly more product per application. It can also indicate you need to drink more water — skin hydration is systemic as well as topical.

How do I moisturise a tattoo in a hard-to-reach spot?
Use a clean cotton pad or ask someone to help apply. Avoid any applicator that hasn’t been cleaned — contamination risk is highest in the first two weeks.

When can I stop moisturising?
Daily moisturising through the 4-week surface healing period is standard. After that, regular moisturising and SPF 50+ are the primary long-term factors in colour retention.

Can I use a pump or tube that I’ve touched before applying?
Avoid touching the product opening with unwashed hands. The 500ml pump format reduces this risk — no dipping into a pot required.

→ Read the full Tattoo Care Bible | Shop Foam Nurse Wash | Shop Remedy Cream 100ml | Shop Remedy Cream 500ml