- Don't overmoisturize it

- And whatever you do, Don't pick your onion peel scabs!

Basically, as long as you follow these three points, you will be okay. However as people get more tattoos, they begin trying out slightly different methods. I have included several examples, and not all of them will work on everybody. Some people will find that they are allergic to some products. For example, I have always had a problem with Noxzema skin cream, which makes me break out with water-filled pimple-like things on my skin.

How do you know which method is best for you? It depends on the type of skin you have, and how sensitive it is. I suggest you try a patch test on your skin for a week or so to see if you react to the ingredients.

Having said that, I have personally discovered a very nice "new tattoo kit" that I now use whenever I go to get a tattoo. And the added benefit was that I discovered this "kit" in a sample size travel set, which I can easily pack in my travel bag.

The set that I now use is the Johnson's baby product line. The kit includes baby powder, baby shampoo, diaper rash ointment, baby lotion, baby bath, and a bonus (in this case, a baby bib). I don't need the baby bib, and the shampoo is just an added bonus for me. However, this is how I use the kit, especially when I'm getting the tattoo in another city:

Baby powder: I sprinkle a liberal amount on the hotel bed sheets to prevent my skin from sticking to the sheet.

Baby bath: A fruity-smelling liquid soap, it's very mild and has minimal lathering. I pour a bit on my hand, rub into a light lather and wash the tattoo this way. It rinses off very easily with non-pressurized water, minimizing the risk of losing scabs. Baby lotion: The Johnson's brand feels non-greasy. *MY* skin does not like a layer of oily lotion, and until this, I used to pay lots of money for oil-free Oil of Olay (is that a contradiction in terms?). Goes on very lightly but keeps the skin moist. Diaper rash ointment: Zinc oxide-based, I use this thick, non- greasy ointment on certain "contact spots" of my tattoo that may rub against clothes (i.e. bra strap, waist band).