How to maintain your tattoo

Most tattoos heal at the surface layer within the first couple of weeks, but it may be months before it’s healed completely. Skimping on care can delay the healing process and also affect how your tattoo looks in the long term. Practicing good hygiene is the only way to reduce your risk for infection. See your doctor right away if you begin experiencing:

skin that’s warm or tender to the touch;

a burning sensation;

swelling after the first couple of days have passed;

green or yellow pus;

foul odor;

In addition to keeping the tattoo clean, you want to keep it fresh and hydrated. Exposing the tattoo to direct sunlight can cause the colors to fade, so invest in a quality sunscreen or SPF clothing. Dry skin can also cause a tattoo or the ink to look dull.