David Beckham has so many tattoos that he now layers one on top of the other. Justin Beiber turned his tattoo into a fashion on the cover of Vogue. And what's an Instagram-famous hairstylist or rapper without a body covered in ink? Tattoos are so common that coming across someone who doesn't have one is odd. But no matter how much you love your body-art gallery, tattoos are capricious. They are subject to all the changes your body goes through like ageing skin, sun damage and weight gain. Here's what you should do to protect them.

Tattoo Aftercare Is a Must

While your tattoo artist might ask you to follow the aftercare routine strictly for two weeks after getting inked, it takes a tattoo a month to get 100 percent healed. The tattoo might feel dry and tight as it heals. Moisturising the area with a soothing formula can help beat the dryness. Besides, the best way to preserve the freshness of the area is to moisturise. Mosturising can also improve your skin quality and let the tattoo shine through.  When you moisturise, make sure to wash your hands before applying a product to avoid any infection. You only want to put on a thin layer of lotion, so the area can breathe. Also, try and wear oversized clothing around the area to allow the tattoo to heal. Incorporate These 6 Items in Your Skin Care Routine.

Shield from the Sun

Just as our skin can go through changes when exposing to UV light, the ink particles can undergo changes too. You want to protect your artwork from fading in sunlight.  Daily application of sunscreen can help minimise the damage. Apply an SPF 30+ sunscreen or better yet, keep out of the direct sunlight. Wear sunscreens containing zinc and titanium oxide for extra shielding.  Also, do not go to the tanning bed while the ink is raw. Sunburn Tattoos’ Are the Latest Trend on Social Media & We Are Not Talking About Tan Lines Here 

Use Supplements to Prevent Collagen Loss

Have you ever noticed the tattoo on the arms of an older man? The ink spreads so much that it is difficult to tell what it is. This is due to natural collagen loss and while you can't completely stop the process, you can do your bit to slow its progress. A collagen supplement serum for skin can help keep the skin supple and tight. Here are The Best Celebrity Tattoos and the Stories Behind Them. 

Identify and Treat the Allergies

Your tattoo can become red and itchy even years after getting inked. Your body may be reacting to the ink itself, or you could have light-induced photosensitivity. If you notice an allergic reaction, contact your dermatologist immediately.

Remember that your artist can always go back and fine-tune small details of the tattoo. So if you feel that your art is fading, you can always do a re-touch to protect your investment.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 28, 2019 11:37 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).