The process of getting a tattoo is a traumatic one for the skin. The needle penetrates the skin a multitude of times, and with it goes the ink that is intended to remain (mostly) on the surface of the skin for the rest of its life. The aftercare of a tattoo is perhaps its most crucial phase. Moisturizing the tattooed area is the foremost tenet of this regimen. A well-moisturized tattoo is a happy tattoo. Itching should be kept to a minimum, the danger of ink-sloughing-off (also known as "fading") should be nonexistent, and the chance of it becoming a dry, scaly disaster is vanquished - so long as the moisturizer is a good one.

There are a number of things to consider when trying to find the ideal lotion for tattoo care. First and foremost, avoid anything with harsh chemicals, irritating fragrances, or a high alcohol content. These can harm fresh ink in addition to fresh skin. Perfume, for instance, is a known skin irritant. Natural ingredients tend to be better for both the tattoo and the person carrying it. Things like shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe vera make it onto a lot of listicles as "the" perfect lotion because they are so well tolerated by a variety of skin types. Almost (but not quite) equally important is for whatever lotion you choose to be non-comedogenic.

Should you have skin sensitivities, choose hypoallergenic lotions that are unlikely to cause allergic responses. This is especially crucial for fresh tattoos, as the body's largest organ is already tender and taken to immerse itself in three million all too happy pores that might revel in a good scratch or two. Look instead for lotions rich with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as a handful of other antioxidants and anti-inflammatories guaranteed to smooth the tattoo's road to full recovery. If anything, just be mindful of the texture. Whether a product is creamy, watery, or somewhere in between all but the most ridiculous of lotions, it promises hydration and then some.

Aquaphor Healing Ointment is extremely popular with tattoo artists and enthusiasts. This petroleum-based ointment is good at forming a protective barrier that keeps a new tattoo safe as it heals. And it does a nice job of locking in moisture, which is critical for healing skin and, in particular, tender, fresh tattoos.

Some may find it a bit too heavy, and if you stay moisturized and don't let your skin get too dry, you may not need to use something this potent. But during some parts of the healing process, a fresh tattoo might need Aquaphor-level protection.

Tattoo Goo is a lotion with a unique blend of natural ingredients, like olive oil, beeswax, and vitamin E. Tattoo Goo is excellent for keeping both new and old tattoos vibrant and sharp because it penetrates the skin and provides the moisture that tattoos need to look their best. While it does an awesome job of coating and saturating tattoos in love, some may argue that it doesn't do as well at keeping the skin surrounding the tattoo as moisturized as some could hope because it simply doesn't cover enough area on its own.

Enter coconut oil—a surprisingly excellent companion to Tattoo Goo and other tattoo lotions, even if coconut oil unfortunately doesn't always play nicely with every skin type.

If you're after a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer, then it's hard to beat the Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion. Its key ingredient—colloidal oatmeal—has long been known to have soothing properties. "It's the only thing we really have that is a colloidal form. It is very finely milled, and it essentially is oatmeal in a form that's very bioavailable and in a form that can be understood at the level of skin physiology for it to have these beneficial effects." (That's John A. McGowan, R&D manager for skin care at Johnson & Johnson, speaking about why you might want put some Aveeno on your freshly inked skin.)

Keep in mind that aftercare extends well beyond the period of a fresh tattoo. Attending to your dermis will ensure that your ink remains vibrant long after the initial healing is complete. Specialized lotion is a good option, but if you prefer a more natural salve, there's nothing wrong with going that route. The most important factor in anything you do skin-wise is that you're paying attention to what your body is telling you and responding in kind.