If you’ve ever frantically typed “what moisturizer should I use on my new tattoo?” into Google and found yourself staring at your fresh ink, wondering what to do to keep it from drying out, you’re definitely not alone in this. We get asked the same question all the time by new clients who come into our Brisbane studio, worried about how to keep their new tattoo safe & healthy during the healing process —especially those getting their first tattoo.
The team at Face Figurati in Brisbane consists of me, Uliana Kasperska, and the rest of my licensed tattoo artists. Between us, we’ve racked up 15+ years of experience in both European and Aussie studios, working with clients to help them look after, heal, and just love their tattoos—from delicate lips to large-scale body art. And one of the things we can honestly say is that getting the right moisturiser is a really, really simple but actually quite crucial thing in keeping your tattoo looking as sharp and vibrant as the day it went on.
Getting a tattoo is essentially just poking holes all over your skin – and a lot of them at that. During the actual tattooing process, the skin is poked thousands of times, and tiny wounds are created where the pigment can settle. As soon as the ink starts to dry, your body gets to work healing those tiny injuries: first forming a scab, then letting it heal over and regenerating the tissue underneath.
All that said, tattoo aftercare is basically super super important at this stage especially for fine line tattoo – it can mean the difference between a smooth healing process and one that gets bogged down with scarring or faded ink. A lot of people assume that keeping the tattoo area clean and hydrated is enough to keep it safe… and while that’s a fair call, using a really gentle fragrance-free soap and a moisturiser that actually lets the skin breathe is the key to getting that perfect balance of moisture without suffocating the skin.
Your tattoo actually needs oxygen to heal properly, so don’t be tempted to slap on a whole load of petroleum-based products right away. They might feel nice & soothing to the touch, but they can trap bacteria and slow down the skin’s healing process.
We’ve been testing loads of different tattoo balms, lotions and ointments at Face Figurati in Brisbane over the years – not just the trendy ones that get lots of buzz online, but the ones that actually work.
Here’s a handy table comparing our top studio-approved products and what each is best suited for:
| Product Type | Key Ingredients | Best For | Texture | Why We Recommend It |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fragrance-free healing balm | Panthenol, Vitamin E, Hyaluronic acid | First week of healing | Light balm | Promotes skin regeneration and reduces itching |
| Moisturising lotion for tattoos | Aloe vera, Colloidal oatmeal | Weeks 2–3 | Creamy, non-greasy | Calms irritation and hydrates sensitive skin |
| Natural oil blend | Jojoba, Coconut oil, Vitamin E oil | Healed tattoos | Silky oil | Restores shine and enhances vibrant colours |
| SPF tattoo balm | Lanolin oil, beeswax, SPF 30+ | Outdoor skin protection | Smooth balm | Defends against UV fading and sun damage |
| Vegan butter | Shea butter, Essential oils | Dry or mature skin | Rich texture | Nourishes deeply while keeping tattoo colours bright |
Studio tip: If you’re using a plastic film wrap (like Second Skin) right after your appointment, don’t apply moisturiser under it. Wait until it’s removed — usually after 2–3 days — before starting light moisturising with clean hands.
We’ve lost count of how many clients have walked in saying, “I used what I had at home” — just a bit of coconut oil or scented lotion. And we get it! But here’s the reality: even good intentions can backfire.
We always say: less product, more patience.
Natural ingredients can do wonders — at the right time. Oils like coconut oil or Vitamin E oil nourish healed tattoos, but they’re not ideal in the early stages. During the scabby period, they can interfere with oxygen exchange or cause irritation.
Once your tattoo has fully sealed (around week 3–4), you can use:
Avoid thick, comedogenic oils while healing — your skin is still regenerating, and anything too heavy can delay it.
Every skin type reacts differently to tattooing. We see clients daily with skin that ranges from oily and acne-prone to ultra-dry and flaky — and the right moisturiser makes a huge difference in tattoo aftercare results.
When in doubt, your tattoo artist can help match your skin type to the right formula — it’s part of protecting your fresh ink and ensuring your healing goes smoothly.
Here’s the part most people overlook. Moisturising doesn’t stop when your tattoo stops flaking. Once healed, the tattooed skin is still thinner and more UV-sensitive than the surrounding areas. Regular hydration helps slow down fading and keeps lines crisp.
According to dermatological studies, tattoos exposed to sunlight without SPF can fade up to 30% faster over two years than protected ones (especially lip blush). Moisture and sunscreen go hand in hand — your tattoo will thank you.
Before your appointment:
After your appointment:
And please, don’t pick. Let it shed naturally to avoid patchy healing and pigment loss.
Since 2016 of expertise in the professional tattooing industry, Anastasia is a certified and licensed beauty cosmetic tattooing specialist. She has all the necessary licenses and qualifications for permanent makeup in Europe and Australia.
No — wait until your tattoo is healed. Coconut oil is great for colour maintenance, but too heavy for early healing stages.
Yes, when used in a clean, fragrance-free formula. Aloe helps soothe irritation and speed up healing.
Watch for excessive redness, swelling, pus or fever. Seek medical help immediately if these appear.
They can trap bacteria, delay healing and block airflow.
At least two weeks, or once the skin is fully sealed.
