The chances are that your experience with getting your first tattoo was a bit more complicated than you expected.

Most newbies will, albeit wrongfully, assume that all it takes to complete their first tattoo is braving the discomfort of going under the needle. However, they are quickly jolted back to reality by their tattooist. Most tattoo artists will (rightfully) constantly reiterate the crucial importance of getting your tattoo aftercare done right to help minimize discomfort and keep the tattoo infection-free.

We are sorry to break the bad news. The pain does not end at the tattoo parlor. It takes most tattoos an average of 3-6 weeks to heal, and over this period, you also have to deal with some pain, bleeding, and itching as the tattoo scabs and heals.

However, if you handle the tattoo aftercare properly, you can significantly cut down the healing period’s length and how much discomfort you feel through the healing process.

Some major keys to proper tattoo aftercare include keeping the surface clean and infection-free, protecting the region from physical trauma and sun exposure, and using an aftercare ointment, salve, or moisturizer to protect and hydrate that patch of skin.

Note: Aftercare products like moisturizers, salves, and ointments help reduce scabbing (which can distort the artwork), keep the skin hydrated (which ensures the tattoo heals evenly), and protect the wound from infection.

Some formulas also contain vitamins like vitamin E and B5 that can help speed up healing and SPF that protects your newly-tattooed skin from the potentially harmful effects of the sun.

When doing aftercare for small line-only tattoos, the salve you already have in your medicine cabinet should suffice. However, when you want something a little extra, there is an abundance of fleshed-out tattoo aftercare options available on the market.