The best moisturizers for tattoos are fragrance-free, unscented lotions like Lubriderm or Cetaphil for general healing, while specialized tattoo aftercare balms (like Hustle Butter, After Inked) or gentle ointments (Aquaphor, Bepanthen) are great for the initial healing phases, focusing on hydration without suffocation. Avoid heavy petroleum jelly (Vaseline) on new tattoos, and choose ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera, or hyaluronic acid for moisture, depending on your skin type. Always follow your artist's specific advice.
To aid the skin healing process, the tattoo needs to be kept moist. You can use a very thin layer of hypoallergenic ointment or fragrance-free lotion like Vaseline® Intensive Care™ Advanced Repair Unscented Lotion, or Vaseline® Healing Jelly Original. Repeat daily for 2-3 weeks to help wound healing.
Most studio have their own balms, what I reccomend is e45. Its rich in vitamin e which is what regenerates the skin quicker. Bepanthem changed their ingredients a few years ago and it's more viscous now and not like a moisturiser. Air and a tiny amount of cream is what heals a tattoo.
Moisturizer's to avoid:
Apply a water-based lotion or cream to your tattoo to keep it moisturized — it's never a good idea to leave your fresh new ink susceptible to dryness. “Moisture will help the skin to heal faster and keep scabs from forming,” Dr. Sra says.
For tattoo aftercare, we recommend Eucerin Aquaphor Soothing Skin Balm. This dermatologically-tested balm promotes accelerated skin regeneration to ensure a fast and efficient healing process for your tattoo*.
Traditional Bepanthen creams, like those made for baby care, might be too thick for tattoo healing and can leave a greasy residue that is difficult to manage. Tattoo-specific Bepanthen products are usually fragrance free, which helps reduce the risk of irritation.
E45 can be good for tattoos when used at the right time and in moderation. It provides gentle moisture and relief for dry skin, helping tattoos heal more comfortably during the later stages. However, it is not suitable for freshly tattooed skin, as its heavy texture can trap moisture and slow the healing process.
What can I put on my tattoo after getting it done? Here at Art n Soul we highly recommend using QV for your after tattoo care cream, which is conveniently sold at most chemists and supermarkets.
If your artist puts on a Saniderm bandage, you'll be able to skip the first few days of care, but don't leave it on for more than four days and begin moisturizing and washing as soon as you remove it. Once healed, daily moisturization will keep your tattoo looking fresh.
Regular moisturisers usually have a thicker consistency than tattoo-specific products, and so can clog pores and stop your tattoo breathing. A moisturiser or aftercare cream that's fragrance free, paraben free and hypoallergenic is ideally what you should be using. Top tip!
Stage Two – Tattoo Itchy and Flaking
This stage is infamous due to the dreaded itching. At this point in the process, the scabs are hard and well-formed, and a few of the smaller ones are probably ready to start flaking off. This is going to continue for around another week.
bepanthan is only good for the first few days (cling film method) moving to less greasy fragrance free creams (butterluxe, tattoo goo , coco butter for eg) but always ask your artist as they sell ideal creams too!
The NIVEA Soft Daily SPF15 Cream combines daily hydration with a lightweight formula for easy, everyday application. Formulated with SPF 15 to provide your skin with reliable basic protection against UV rays, helping to preserve your tattoo, it is suitable for use on the face, body and hands.
Keep it up. Continue to clean and moisturise the tattooed area until it has completely healed (may take up to 4 weeks). Keep it up even after the scabs are gone. FYI, there may be scabs.
Bepanthen is an aftercare product recommended by tattoo artists, it protects, heals and softens tattooed skin. Due to its special formula, this aftercare ointment forms a protective layer on the skin. The layer is transparent and does not close off the skin, allowing it to breathe.
You have a rash or bumpy skin around your tattoo
If you notice a rash or lumpy, bumpy skin around your new tattoo, this could be something to worry about. Any itching that seems extreme, or rashes and cracked skin, could indicate infection.
However, if you take a closer look at the ingredients, you'll find that there's almost no real difference between the regular Bepanthen and Bepanthen Tattoo. The only things that differ are the packaging, name, and tube size: Regular Bepanthen – 100 g for about $20.
Your Brand New Tattoo – What Not to Do While It Is Healing
Research on tattoos older than 40 years shows that ink particles remain in the deep dermis and local lymph nodes. According to the WHO data from animal experiments, black and red tattoo ink particles reach the liver, and titanium dioxide (white pigment) reaches the liver, spleen, and lung (4).
Yes, a $50 tip on a $300 tattoo is a good tip, landing around 16-17%, which is well within the standard 15-20% range for good service, but if you absolutely loved the work or it was a custom piece, tipping $60-$75 (20-25%) would be even better, showing extra appreciation for exceptional quality and effort.
Moisturise
Keeping your tattoo moisturised is essential for reducing itching and promoting healing. Choose a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturiser that's specifically designed for tattoo aftercare. Apply a thin layer of moisturiser to your tattoo several times a day, especially after cleansing the area.