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Tattoos are fickle. When you first get them, they're sensitive to sunlight, water, sweat, and basically any other bodily or elemental function that just naturally occurs when one leaves the house. You can't go swimming in saltwater or spend a day tanning on the beach without putting your brand new piece of art in harm's way. That's why it's absolutely crucial that you care for your new ink the way you'd care for any other part of your body, in which case you'll need one of the best tattoo aftercare products.
If you don't take proper care of your tattoo in its first few weeks of healing, you risk fading, scarring, infection, and more. It's not just about keeping your tattoo looking fresh and sharp, but also about keeping this new wound on your body safe from any unwanted bacteria that could do damage on more than just your ink.
I reached out to expert tattooer, Joseph Bryce, about the best aftercare products for any new tattoo, which range from moisturizers to ointments to dressings. Bryce also shared with us his specific aftercare instructions to keep your tattoo gorgeous and safe from any potential irritants:
Keep in mind that your tattoo will scab and look milky for up to two weeks, so DO NOT: pick, scratch, soak, or swim.
While these instructions are crucial for successful tattoo aftercare, you still need to know exactly which products are major must-haves from our resident expert himself. Read on to find out, ahead.