The first thing to remember about your tattoo is that this is a lifetime investment!   Don't rely on second-hand information to care for your new body art.

How you care for your new artwork depends on the type and extent of work done.   Your tattoo artist will provide you with detailed instructions about how to care for the tattoo - such as cleaning the tattoo with soap and water, applying moisturizer regularly and avoiding sun exposure for at least the first few weeks.

• Keep the new tattoo covered with the bandage overnight.
• If the design is on a spot that's normally covered, avoid tightly fitted clothes. Clean, loose clothing is recommended for at least the first few days.
• Do not let others touch the new tattoo. Remember, it is basically an open wound, even if it doesn't look that way.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap before touching your tattoo.
• Clean the tattoo with antibacterial soap to remove all substances that may be on it after removing the bandage.
• Wash it gently with luke-warm water using antibacterial soap. Pat it dry, do not rub.
• Things like peroxide and alcohol dry out the tattoo, and should not be used to clean it.
• Apply an antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin or Bacitracin to the tattoo at least three times a day. This will prevent the scabbing from drying up and cracking.
• Do not over apply the ointment. Apply just enough so that the tattoo appears shiny. If you can see the ointment on your skin, you are using too much.
• If any scabs do form, don't pick at them. It will increase the risk of infection, damage the design and cause scarring.
• Some itching is normal during the healing process. Do not scratch!
• After five days you can switch from the antibiotic ointment to a mild, unscented and no color added body lotion. Continue to apply lotion for about 2 weeks.
• Avoid sun-exposure for at least three weeks. It could create a bad reaction. Strong sunscreen is recommended for your tattoo forever.
• Do not swim, take hot baths or go into hot tubs until your tattoo is healed.
• Do not go into tanning beds during healing. Even afterwards, you need to cover your tattoo with a bandage if you are going to use a tanning bed.

Be careful with your tattoo. It will take a while for it to heal and assume it's finished look. Be patient. The final result will be well worth the effort.