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Pro's Pick: Days Three To Five

Kohn recommends applying Aquaphor on your new tattoo for the first three days. This no-fuss ointment has been used to treat fresh ink for decades, and is most tattoo artists' top recommendation for initial tattoo aftercare. The rich, fragrance-free formula works by forming a protective barrier that encourages moisture retention while still allowing your tattoo to breathe. And since it contains petroleum, it can also help prevent too much water getting through when you shower. In addition to tattoos, it can be used to help heal cuts, burns, and dry, cracked skin. Just be sure not to use so much product that it leaves behind a greasy film; a little bit is all you need.

One fan wrote: “I've used aquaphor for every tattoo I've ever gotten, and I swear by it for getting past the peeling, itchy, dry stage.”

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Pro's Pick: For The Following Few Weeks

After applying Aquaphor to your new tattoo for the first three days, Kohn recommends switching to fragrance-free Aveeno. Colloidal oatmeal, the miracle ingredient in all of Aveeno's products, encourages moisture retention and serves as both a skin-soother and protective barrier against potential irritants, which is why this daily moisturizing lotion is so effective at keeping new tattoos healthy and fresh. Apply it two to three times a day for the first two weeks before switching to once-daily use.

One fan wrote: “I use Aveeno to help keeping my hands moisturized and my tattoos on my arms looking their best. I've also used this as a tattoo aftercare product with great results!”

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Another Fragrance-Free Lotion To Consider

Another basic fragrance-free lotion you can use isLubriderm's Daily Moisture Lotion. It contains ingredients like vitamin B5 to expedite healing, as well as glycerin, a common humectant that helps your skin maintain the necessary moisture levels for your new ink to heal. Like the Aveeno lotion, this bottle comes with a ton of product, so you can use it all over your body to keep it moisturized.

One fan wrote: “My go to when I’m healing tattoos. I hate unscented lotions, because they have a weird smell to me, but this one works so well! Especially when healing large pieces. This keeps your skin moisturized for quite awhile without a mess!"

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An Option For Clean Beauty-Devotees

Clean beauty lovers and tattoo aficionados alike love Palmer’s Cocoa Butter, which is deeply moisturizing and great for all skin types. It’s rich in Vitamin E, which helps to speed up the healing process, and is made from natural, minimally-processed ingredients. This 7.25-ounce tub goes a long way, especially since it’s a semi-solid product.

Editor’s note: I have several larger, full-color tattoos, and I always use Palmer’s Cocoa Butter for them. They’ve healed so well that many people think my five year-old pieces are fresh! It smells awesome, too. – Carina Finn

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Also Great: An Aftercare Bandage

Many tattoo artists swear by Saniderm, a transparent, self-adhesive bandage that gives you the unique opportunity to watch your tattoo while it heals. Saniderm is often applied by your artist at the end of your session, and since it’s waterproof, you can swim and take a shower right away — a huge benefit. It’s hypoallergenic, free from latex, and many users say it shortens the healing time.

One fan wrote: “Huge roll and for the price I am happy to report it. I covered a new tattoo when my skin would be exposed to dirt and dust at work during the healing stages. No problems keeping it where I put it and it came off without any pain.”

This post was originally published on 9/4/2018. It was updated with additional reporting by Adeline Duff.