All new tattoos need a level of care, as your tattooed skin is now freshly “open” in terms of its pores. This area is more suspectable for germs, bacteria, and infection until the healing process is done. However, there is such a thing as over-washing your tattooed skin, as this can wash away the good bacteria that are meant to prevent infection.  The healing process of a tattoo can vary significantly, as it depends on your body’s natural healing process, the location of the tattoo, and the complexity of the tattoo artist. Typically, when the skin is no longer bumpy, scaly, or sensitive, is when you can ease up on washing the tattoo, which is anywhere between a couple of weeks to several months.  As a way to preserve the art you just purchased, it is best to stop washing your tattoo with an antibacterial soap in one or two months.