Wash your tattoo with lukewarm water and unscented soap before and after bed, and then apply your aftercare ointment in a thin, even layer. Repeat this process twice a day for at least five days and up to two weeks, when you’ll switch over a lighter unscented lotion. The main goal is to keep your healing tattoo at the optimal balance of moisture: not choked with creams and ointments, but not drying out either.