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From heartfelt mother-daughter tattoos to artistic watercolor tattoos to reconstructive tattoo after surgery, there are plenty of reasons to get a tattoo — all of them valid. But if you want your tattoo to continue looking freshly inked long after you get it done, it's important to follow proper aftercare guidelines.
Why is tattoo aftercare important?
According to NYC-based tattoo artist Ghinko, who has a residency at Bang Bang Tattoo,
tattoo aftercare is just as important as skincare. "Like how we take special care of our face to keep it looking hydrated and healthy, you also must moisturize, [apply] sunscreen and exfoliate your body so your tattoos take well to your skin and age well," she explains.