Since different tattoo artists have different methods of wrapping new tattoos, ask your tattoo artist when they recommend removing the bandage. Some artists may not wrap the tattoo at all, depending on the products and technique they use. If you leave the bandage on longer than the artist suggests, you are more prone to infection and the ink may bleed.

To remove the bandage more easily, you can apply warm water to it to prevent the bandage from sticking to your skin. Pull the bandage off slowly and carefully so you don’t damage your new tattoo. [2] X Research source

Do not use a washcloth, loofah or any sponge to clean the tattoo, as these may harbor bacteria. Do not resume use of the items until the tattoo has healed completely. Avoid holding the tattoo directly under the water—the stream of water from the faucet may be too harsh on your new tattoo.

Regular towels can irritate your tattoo or cause little bits of fluff to get stuck in them, so it’s best to only use a paper towel for drying.

Don’t use petroleum-based products, such as Vaseline or Neosporin, as these are too heavy and may clog the pores. Once your tattoo is clean and moisturized, avoid rewrapping it.

Write down the instructions they give you on a piece of paper or type them up on your phone so you don’t forget.

While moisturizing is important, be careful not to smother the tattoo in lotion or ointment—a thin layer is all you need. Continue using an unscented mild soap when washing.

Dry, scabbing or peeling skin can become very itchy, but scratching at your tattoo may also cause scabs to fall off. Keep using moisturizing ointment to combat itchiness if it is a problem.

Once your tattoo is healed, you’ll want to wear sunscreen to prevent the tattoo from fading.

If your clothing does stick to your tattoo, do not pull! First wet the area with water, which should loosen the clothing to where it can be removed without damaging your tattoo. Tight clothing will prevent enough oxygen from getting to your tattoo, and oxygen is essential for the healing process.

If you work in a job that involves physical activity, such as construction or dance, you may want to consider having your new tattoo done right before you have a day or 2 off so it has time to heal before you return to work.

If you don’t already have the right moisturizer at home, it’s easy to find great fragrance-free options at any major retailer. Some popular tattoo-safe products are Lubriderm Daily Moisture, Cerave Moisturizing Cream, Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion, La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5, and Vanicream Moisturizing Cream. If you’re having trouble finding the right moisturizer, look for products targeted toward sensitive skin or labelled “Sensitive,” “Hypoallergenic,” or “Fragrance Free. "

When choosing a coconut oil for your tattoo, opt for virgin coconut oil over refined coconut oil. [14] X Research source One drawback of coconut oil is that it’s comedogenic, meaning that it could clog pores and cause breakouts. Avoid using coconut oil on areas of your body that are prone to acne and pimples.

Some moisturizers also include sun protection (SPF), which can be a convenient option for protecting your tattoo over time.

Weight loss can make your tattoos look wrinkled due to excess skin. You can decrease these effects by increasing muscle tone as you lose weight. [16] X Research source Rapid weight gain, including through pregnancy, will likely lead to tattoo distortion. You can decrease these effects by staying hydrated, using oils like Bio-Oil to hydrate the skin, and toning the body with exercise. [17] X Research source