What is tattoo aftercare?

A tattoo is a controlled wound and aftercare is how you take care of your tattoos post-tattoo session (or any type of skin barrier treatment for that matter). In this instance, tattoo healing typically requires:

• Moisture balance (not too dry, not suffocated)
• Barrier protection (to prevent irritation and infection)
• Nutrient delivery (to support skin cell repair)

Poor aftercare can cause scarring, colour loss, longer healing times, infection risk and sometimes the need for costly touch-ups.

Ink Nurse aftercare cream uses plant-based botanical science to aid in:

• Reducing inflammation
• Locking in hydration
• Restoring the skin’s natural barrier

This guide explains the science, ingredients and methods behind our complete tattoo recovery protocol. Follow it properly to protect your skin and your art.

Ink Nurse Aftercare Cream

Hydrates & Soothes: Aloe Vera, Glycerine, Shea Butter, Bisabolol (anti-inflammatory from chamomile).

Strengthens Barrier: Olivem® 1000 (Cetearyl Olivate + Sorbitan Olivate) mimics natural skin lipids for deeper absorption.

Repairs & Nourishes: Rosehip, Avocado & Jojoba oils deliver omega fatty acids + Vitamin E to support regeneration.

Non-Petroleum: Lightweight, breathable, and won’t suffocate the skin like wax-based balms.

Beyond Tattoos: Skin Relief You Can Trust

• Itchy or inflamed skin → Apply a light layer to calm irritation
• Dry patches (eczema/psoriasis-prone) → Massage into affected areas morning & night
• Sunburns or abrasions → Apply generously to soothe + repair
• Daily moisturiser → Safe for sensitive skin; lightweight and fast-absorbing
Think of it as a multipurpose skin barrier cream: powerful enough for tattoos, gentle enough for everyday skin.

The Science + Studies Behind Ink Nurse Ingredients

We were very meticulous in our formulations with our expert dermatologists and chemists and the synergy between Aloe and Bisabolol was a key reasoning as to why we have those particular ingredients in our products (along with many others) especially for tattoo care and overall skin barrier support.

STUDIES SHOW: "That a combination of aloe vera and bisabolol can reduce inflammation and promote faster skin recovery by targeting key inflammatory markers. Both ingredients possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, with aloe vera containing soothing polysaccharides and bisabolol providing a calming effect, creating a synergistic effect that improves the skin's healing process."

HOW THE COMBINATION WORKS:

  • Bisabolol: Studies have shown bisabolol inhibits the production of inflammatory markers like nitric oxide (NOcap N cap O𝑁𝑂) and prostaglandin E2cap E sub 2𝐸2 (PGE2cap P cap G cap E sub 2𝑃𝐺𝐸2). It also reduces the expression of inflammatory genes and proteins, such as COX−2cap C cap O cap X minus 2𝐶𝑂𝑋−2 and iNOSi cap N cap O cap S𝑖𝑁𝑂𝑆. Bisabolol achieves this by inhibiting key signaling pathways like NF-κB and AP-1.
  • Aloe vera: Aloe vera's healing properties stem from its rich content of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and polysaccharides like glucomannan and acemannan. These components can increase the production of collagen, improve skin hydration, and reduce inflammation by inhibiting inflammatory cytokines like IL−6cap I cap L minus 6𝐼𝐿−6 and TNF−αcap T cap N cap F minus alpha𝑇𝑁𝐹−𝛼.
  • Synergistic effect: The combination of aloe vera and bisabolol provides a multi-faceted approach to reducing inflammation and promoting healing. Bisabolol targets inflammatory signaling, while aloe vera provides hydration and cellular repair mechanisms, which together support faster and more complete recovery of the skin. 


CLINICAL EVIDENCE

Atopic dermatitis: In a clinical study, topical formulations with bisabolol and heparin showed improved skin inflammation and reduced itching in patients with atopic dermatitis.

General skin inflammation: Studies have indicated that bisabolol can significantly reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines and ameliorate skin inflammation.

Wound healing: Aloe vera has been found to inhibit inflammatory reactions and improve the wound healing process by enhancing the synthesis of collagen. 

SOURCES BELOW:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5371879/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9002489/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262845570_a---Bisabolol_Reduces_Pro-Inflammatory_Cytokine_Production_and_Ameliorates_Skin_Inflammation
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6330525/

Ink Nurse Cream - Directions Of Use

For Fresh Tattoos

Wash – Gently cleanse tattoo with lukewarm water and Foam Nurse (or mild antibacterial soap). Pat dry with a clean, soft towel.

Apply – With clean hands, apply a thin layer of Ink Nurse Cream over the tattoo. Most people wait 24-48 hours after they’ve been tattooed before applying. This is to let the wound area settle down - although it does depend on the size and intensity of the tattoo. If the tattoo is significant, allow time to settle before applying after washing and patting dry. If it’s a little tattoo or just an outline/fine line - then it should be fine to apply soon afterwards. Remember, wash first, pat dry and use clean hands.

Repeat – Reapply 2–4 times daily, or whenever the tattoo feels tight, dry, or itchy.

Continue – Use daily throughout the healing period to keep the tattoo hydrated and vibrant.

If irritation occurs, pause and retry after 24 hrs. Discontinue if persistent.

For Skin Irritations & Conditions

Itchy or inflamed skin → Apply a light layer to aid in calming irritation.

Dry patches (eczema/psoriasis prone) → Massage into affected areas morning & night, or more frequently if you feel you need it.

Sunburns or abrasions → Apply generously to soothe + aid recovery.

Daily moisturiser → Use as needed on any dry or sensitive skin area.

Safe for all skin types. Lightweight, breathable, and non-greasy.

Hand holding a blue bottle labeled 'Foam Nurse' with foam on a white background, made by ink nurse tattoo aftercare, the best aftercare in Australia, this foam wash is perfect to clean a fresh, new tattoo

Foam Nurse - Ink Nurse’s Tattoo Soap + Body Wash

Australia’s leading tattoo wash, designed to protect fresh ink while respecting your skin barrier. Foam Nurse uses dermatologist-grade surfactants, hydrating actives, and anti-inflammatory botanicals to cleanse without irritation.

The Science Behind Foam Nurse

Cleanses Without Stripping → Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate + Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate = ultra-mild surfactants that remove plasma, bacteria, and excess ink without damaging skin.

Hydrates While You Wash → Hyaluronic Acid + Hydrolysed Collagen + Vegetable Proteins = lock in water, improve elasticity, and reduce tightness.

Soothes & Protects → Aloe Vera + Chamomile calm redness and irritation, supporting healing.

Conditioning Barrier Support → Polyquaternium-7 leaves a light protective film, keeping skin soft post-wash.

Foam Nurse - Directions Of Use

Pump foam into clean hands.

Gently wash tattoo with lukewarm water (avoid hot water).

Pat dry with a sterile towel or lint-free paper towel.

Follow with Ink Nurse Cream for hydration and barrier repair.

DID YOU KNOW? Foam Nurse isn’t just for tattoos?

It’s a professional-grade, sulphate-free cleanser that’s gentle enough for daily use.

As a Face Wash: Aloe Vera, Chamomile, and Hyaluronic Acid calm, hydrate, and refresh without stripping natural oils.

As a Body Wash: Mild surfactants + hydrolysed collagen cleanse while leaving skin smooth, soft, and nourished.

For Sensitive Skin: Free from harsh detergents, suitable for eczema-prone or reactive skin.

Think of Foam Nurse as a multi-tasker: powerful enough to protect fresh tattoos, gentle enough to use every day.

Ink Nurse Wrap Pro - Protective Tattoo Aftercare Film

Australia’s leading second skin tattoo wrap, designed to create a sterile barrier over fresh tattoos while allowing the skin to breathe and heal naturally.

The Science Behind Wrap Pro

Barrier Protection → Prevents bacteria, dirt, and friction from entering the wound site.

Moisture Balance → Locks in natural healing fluids, reducing scabbing and keeping tattoos vibrant.

Breathable & Flexible → Semi-permeable film allows oxygen exchange while sealing out water and contaminants.

Water-resistant Shield → Safe for showering, and daily life during initial healing.

However, do not go surfing, hard at the gym, contact sports and all of the stuff we love to do - until your tattoo is healed, please!

Tattoo Film Wrap - Directions Of Use

Prepare the Skin

  • Make sure the skin is completely dry before applying the film.
  • Cut to Size
  • Cut a piece of film wrap large enough to cover the tattoo, with at least 2–3 cm border around the edges.
  • Apply the Film
  • Peel off the backing and carefully place the adhesive side onto the tattoo.
  • Smooth out from the centre outward to remove air bubbles and ensure full contact with skin.
  • Wear Time
  • Keep Wrap Pro on for 24–48 hours.If fluid build-up occurs, remove earlier, cleanse with Foam Nurse, and reapply a fresh piece.
  • Remove Gently
  • Peel back slowly under warm running water to loosen the edges and reduce discomfort.
  • After Removal
  • Wash tattoo with Foam Nurse, pat dry, and begin applying Ink Nurse Cream 2–4 times daily.

For large or ongoing pieces, reapply fresh Wrap Pro if extra protection is required.

Tip: Avoid stretching the skin or over-tightening the wrap during application. The film should feel snug but flexible.

The Complete Ink Nurse Aftercare System

The Complete Ink Nurse System

Healing a tattoo isn’t just about moisturising, it’s about protecting, cleansing, and repairing your skin in the right order. That’s why Ink Nurse has created a 3-step system trusted by artists and collectors worldwide:

Step 1 – Wrap Pro

Protects your fresh tattoo with a sterile, breathable film. Shields against bacteria, friction, and dirt.

Step 2 – Foam Nurse

Cleanses gently without stripping the skin. Removes plasma and bacteria while keeping the skin hydrated and calm.

Step 3 – Ink Nurse Cream

Soothes, nourishes, and strengthens the skin barrier. Speeds recovery, prevents itch, and keeps colours bright.

Why Use All Three Together?

  • Faster healing with less irritation and downtime.
  • Reduced risk of infection, scabbing, and colour loss.
  • Comfort and confidence knowing your tattoo is protected from day one.
  • Healthier skin long-term, since Ink Nurse products double as daily skincare.

Think of it as a tattoo healing protocol, not just aftercare.

Important: Always patch test before use! Including second skin film.

Especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies. If irritation persists, discontinue use.

Need Help? We’re Always Here

Questions, concerns, or need advice? Email: info@ink-nurse.com

Instagram / Facebook: @inknurse

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