You just got a new tattoo, now what? There's a lot of differing opinions on how best to take care of your new ink and with it many friends that will tell you "this is what my artist said..."
With respect to many types of aftercare on the market that I've used and experimented with over the years, one thing is totally universal. CLEANLINESS AND STERILITY ARE KEY!
Leave the bandage on for at least 4-5 hours, but no more than 24.
Showers only. No baths, No pools. No hot tubs, lakes or mud wrestling.
In and out showers please. You don't want tattooed / damaged skin to soak.
Clean with foam antimicrobial / antibacterial foam pump soap.
Air dry only! If you're in a rush use a hair dryer on the cool setting.
Apply light Bacitracin several times a day.
On the sixth day switch to Nivea moisturizer and apply with clean hands.
NO SUNTANNING OR SUNBLOCK FOR TWO WEEKS!
Do not pick any scabs.
Do not eat any scabs.
Do not feed scabs to small children.
And finally, always ask your tattooist with any questions.