Congratulations, you've just been inked! The responsibility of your new tattoo shifted from your artist to YOU the minute you left the shop. You spend good money on your new piece of art, so here are some easy tips to help your tattoo heal well, stay vibrant, and stay beautiful over the years.

1. Remove the bandages.

If your artist covered your tattoo, be sure to remove it as soon as you get home. Be very gentle, as if your skin sticks to the bandage, it could pull ink along with it. Just to be safe, use a wet washcloth and saturate the bandage to help it come off easily.

2. Wash the tattoo.

There are many special lotions and potions out there, all claiming to be the best thing for your tattoo's healing process. In my experience, Antibacterial Dial soap is the best, and the most inexpensive option. Using your fingertips, work a little bit of the soap into a lather in your palms. Gently take some of the foam and rub it across the surface of the tattoo. Be sure not to saturate your skin as this can impair healing. Rinse carefully, and let air dry.

3. Apply Cream.

There's no need for anything special here, just some old A&D cream will do the trick. Rub a small amount into your tattoo, just enough to make it shine. Don't apply too much or it could pull ink out. Just a little bit will do.

Repeat this process at least 3 times a day for the first week. Put more cream on whenever your tattoo feels dry. The goal is to keep it from scabbing. You will notice that your tattoo may flake, this is normal. The most important thing is: DO NOT PICK! This will cause spots in your tattoo to heal out. The best tip is, leave it alone! If it itches, slap it or rub all the way around the tattoo. Under no condition are you to pick it; that is, unless you want to pay to have it touched up.

Once your tattoo is healed, it won't need a lot of upkeep. Keep it moisturized often, and always wear sunscreen when you're outside as sunlight can bleach the ink. If you follow these simple steps, you will be able to enjoy your beautiful piece of art for many years to come. Enjoy your new art!

Learn more about this author, Elisha Rosencrans.
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