Plain old Lubriderm unscented lotion will heal quicker than anything else I've ever seen if used as directed. The petroleum based stuff gets overdone by 90% of the people that seem to use it which makes the tattoo take forever to heal. The only problem with the Lubriderm is that you have to stay on top of it and make sure you're not letting the tattoo completely dry out. Your tattoo should never be allowed to scab. If moisturized properly, it should dull as the upper layers of the epidermis are dying then begin to flake like a sunburn. As long as you don't pick at the flakes or scratch at it, it should heal nice and bright.
That's my opinion, but I'd still recommend you listen to your Artist. Nothing drives us more crazy than when one of our clients completely ignores what we tell them and proceeds to get their advice from their "friend" that is usually covered in terrible tattoos that scabbed over and never healed properly.
Everyone is different though and eventually if you get enough tattoos you'll figure out what works for you. Common sense dictates that if whatever your using irritates your skin, stop using it and give your Artist a call to discuss alternatives. Keep it clean (no infection) and keep it moisturized (no scabs). Doesn't need to be complicated.
That's my opinion, but I'd still recommend you listen to your Artist. Nothing drives us more crazy than when one of our clients completely ignores what we tell them and proceeds to get their advice from their "friend" that is usually covered in terrible tattoos that scabbed over and never healed properly.
Everyone is different though and eventually if you get enough tattoos you'll figure out what works for you. Common sense dictates that if whatever your using irritates your skin, stop using it and give your Artist a call to discuss alternatives. Keep it clean (no infection) and keep it moisturized (no scabs). Doesn't need to be complicated.