Much later, over-the-counter triple anti-biotic ointment Neosporin became the de facto product of choice that most artists recommended to their clients. Neosporin offers a healing agent that fights infection well, while not drawing color out of tattoos like petroleum jelly. However, after several years of constant use as the most popular aftercare product, Neosporin was revealed to have some powerful drawbacks. Most importantly, several people reported allergic reactions to the ointment, as well as tiny red bumps appearing on their tattoos. Unfortunately, after these red bumps disappeared, they took the ink along with them and the customer was left with a splotchy effect to their tattoo.

More recently, Bacitracin demonstrated promising advantages over Neosporin. Fewer people reported allergic reactions and there were no color draining affects as some had with Neosporin. And, while there are still instances of allergic reactions reported, Bacitracin continues to be one of the most highly recommended products.

Because of the drawbacks of various over-the-counter remedies today, Masterpiece Tattoo strongly recommends the use of A&D ointment as an alternative to many of these salves, especially Neosporin, in the hours and days immediately the application of your tattoo.

A&D is not an anti-bacterial salve, though it does contain two vital ingredients: Vitamins A and D. These vitamins are proven to significantly aid in the healing of abrasions and minor wounds because they keep the skin supple and protected from outside organisms.

However, Masterpiece Tattoo does advise that the drawback to the use of A&D ointment is that it does not include any actual healing agents, which those that are prone to infection should be aware of. This is why Masterpiece Tattoo advises the use of Bacitracin immediately following the application of the tattoo, follow by use of A&D and eventually lotions for moisturizing.

In actuality, the overwhelming majority of people do not have to worry about this. As long as a tattoo is clean properly and consistently and protected effectively, infection fighting ointments serve as more of a precaution than a necessity.

Some also contain products such as (unpurified) bee's wax, which can clog pores and even contain contaminants. First and foremost, your tattoo needs to be clean, and it needs to breathe. If the pores are clogged, its going to cause infection.

And, if you must use lotion, find one that is free of dyes and fragrances.

Understanding your desire to show off your new possession, Masterpiece Tattoo has made a practice of covering its tattoos with clear cellophane wrap, so the tattoo can be viewed without the protective layer being removed.

**As mentioned above, do not use Neosporin. This is a wonderful product for cuts and scrapes, but not for tattoos. Some can have an allergic reaction to the Neosporin, which causes little red bumps. When the bumps go away, so does the ink, and you end up with a polka-dotted tattoo.**

Continue this procedure at least twice a day for two or three days. After that, continue to keep it clean, but you can use lotion when needed instead of ointment, to keep the skin soft.