Fresh tattoos are basically open wounds. I know that sounds intense but it's just the reality of what's happening under the surface. Here's what to stay away from while yours heals.

Direct sunlight

UV rays are the number one enemy of a healing tattoo. Even 10 minutes of direct sun exposure on a fresh piece can cause fading, blowouts, and uneven healing. Keep it covered when you're outside. Once it's fully healed, sunscreen is your best friend for keeping the work looking sharp long term.

Soaking in water

Showers are fine — just keep them short and don't aim the water directly at the tattoo. What you need to avoid completely is anything that involves submerging it: baths, swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, the ocean. Water logged into a healing tattoo pulls ink out and invites bacteria in. Neither of those things are good.

Tight clothing over the tattoo

If your tattoo is somewhere that clothing sits against — ribs, inner arm, thigh — try to wear loose breathable fabric over it while it heals. Tight clothing rubs against the tattoo, disrupts the healing skin, and can pull ink out during the peeling phase.

Working out hard

Sweating a lot over a fresh tattoo isn't ideal, especially in the first week. Sweat irritates the skin and gyms are full of bacteria. If you need to work out, keep it light, wash the tattoo immediately after, and avoid any exercises that stretch the skin directly over the tattooed area.

Picking and scratching

I already said this in the healing guide but it deserves its own mention here because it's the thing people mess up most. When it peels and itches — and it will — leave it alone. Picking pulls ink out and leaves patchy spots. If the itch is unbearable, slap it lightly or apply a thin layer of moisturiser. Do not scratch.

Letting other people touch it

I love that your friends are excited about your new tattoo. They can look at it all they want. Nobody touches the fresh ink.