Right now my tattoo is itching like crazy and I want to scratch it, but I won't. Which leads me to talk about caring for a new tattoo. Disclaimer: By no means am I an expert on the topic of tattoo care, but I know what works for me, so consult your tattooer or a doctor if you have complications or problems with your tattoo healing. If you're paying good hard earned money to get a tattoo, you really want to take care of your investment. Over the years of getting tattooed, I have been given many different instructions on how to care for my new tattoo. From using unscented lotion to antibacterial ointments. "Which is the best way to take care of a new tattoo?" you ask. Well, it depends.

The Basics
The very basics are straight forward. When your tattoo is complete, it will typically be bandaged or covered up. This is to help it from not getting dirty when it's most susceptible to infection. You want to remove the bandage after a few hours. You may want to run water over the bandage if you find that it is sticking to your skin. After removing the bandage, wash it with only your hands (no washcloths) and mild soap. I prefer antibacterial liquid Dial soap, but anything similar to that will work.

Moisturizing
Here's the part that often varies. Some tattooers will recommend using antibacterial ointments such as Bacitracin or Neosporin after you have washed your tattoo for the first time. I'm not a big fan of using antibacterial ointments primarily because the antibacterial ingredient, which is suppose to aid in the healing process, has been known to cause discoloration to tattoos. Something you don't want to happen when you've just paid good money for your tattoo. The only time I would ever recommend using a antibacterial ointment is if you're a dirty person that never takes a shower or you do something that will expose your new tattoo to a lot of dirt and germs. If you do chose to use an antibacterial ointment, it is recommended that you only use it for roughly the first two to three days after you've gotten your tattoo.

Less is More
Phuc mentions on his website that a "healthy body is a healing machine." He believes in a very minimalistic, less is more perspective. If you are a healthy individual who showers on a daily basis and do not do things that will soil your tattoo, then moisturizing your tattoo with unscented lotion such as Curél® or Lubriderm twice a day is a perfectly fine way to care for your tattoo.

Somewhere in the Middle
I land somewhere in the middle. I'm a believer in less is more, but I also have very dry and sensitive skin. "What a wuss!" you say. I know, I know. What works for me is using Vitamin A&D ointment for the first two days after I get a tattoo. I find that this helps it from drying out. When I have used only lotion in the past, I discovered that my tattoo was drying out, which can be a bad thing. Some will argue that the petroleum jelly base in Vitamin A&D ointment is bad for the tattoo because it does not allow the tattoo to breath which also aids in the healing of the tattoo. But, I find that it works fine for me and I have not experienced any problems using it. After the first two days, I turn to my trusty Curél® to moisturize twice a day.

Conclusion
Everyone's hygiene and skin type is different. How each person cares for their tattoo may be different. However, how you care for you skin will ultimately affect how your tattoo will look. A new tattoo will take roughly two weeks to heal. During this time, it will scab up, peel, and the colors may fade. During the healing process, NEVER pick at the scabs, scratch your tattoo, or submerge it underwater. Use extra care to avoid exposing your tattoo to chlorinated pools and direct sunlight at this time. These are all things that will discolor your tattoo. If your tattoo itches, like mine does right now, I just put a little lotion on it and it goes away. After you tattoo has healed, the #1 killer of tattoos is sunlight. If you're going to be in the sun, use sunblock on your tattoo. Otherwise, you'll just have a faded tattoo.

I'm all about the Curel... it's kept my first and only tat lubed and colors bright... althought this winter has done a number on my skin... making it particulary dry!

I came to your blog via Tsunami Tattoo (which I came too via a tattoo community on LiveJournal), I think this is a great idea! I also read the "Koi" journal, it's awesome to see the progress that you will be making as you finish this piece.

And thanks for posting about after-care, there is so much conflicting information out there - its nice to have a summary based on your experiences :)

I look forward to reading more!
Dawn

Welcome Dawn to the Darkside, we're excited to have you here.