Proper care is essential to maintaining the quality or your tattoo. Follow the steps below to ensure enjoyment of your tattoo for years to come... 1. Avoid soaking the newly tattooed area in hot water for the first 3 to 4 days. When washing a new tattoo use cold water and antibacterial soap. 2. Apply a light layer of Aquaphor Ointment to the new tattoo 3 to 4 times a day for the first 3 to 4 days after receiving the tattoo. Discontinue the use of this ointment if you experience continued redness or a rash after a few days. Switch to using a nonfragarant lotion like Eucerin. 3. New tattoos will flake & peel while they are healing. Avoid picking or scratching at the newly tattooed area during this period to avoid damaging the quality of the tattoo. 4. Avoid applying perfumes, fragrances & chemicals of any type to the newly tattooed area for the first few weeks if at all possible. 5. Try to wear loose clothing, if possible, around tattooed area to avoid rubbing & irritation of the new tattoo. 6. Avoid tanning or extreme exposure to UV for one month or as long as possible.