5 Ways to Care For Your Skin When There's a Bun in Your Tattooed Oven

We know, it sounds weird and totally unrelated to tattoos, but it all ties in. Drinking a lot of water keeps your skin hydrated so it can retain its elasticity — stretchy skin means easier accommodation for the little one growing inside you and less tearing and dryness.

On the subject of dryness, using a lotion* that has cocoa butter — high in vitamin E and antioxidants — will help to moisturize not only the epidermis (top layer) but also the dermis (layer underneath where your ink sits) thoroughly.

*Avoid petroleum-based products, which can cause your tattoo to fade.

Not only are prenatal vitamins good for you and your baby in general, but there are also nutrients in there that are great for your skin and can help to aid the moisturizing, water drinking, and healthy eating that you're engaging in during your pregnancy.

As long as you didn't just get your tattoo, exfoliating helps to get rid of dead skin cells that can build up and allows healthy new skin cells to grow, leaving your skin glowing. A soft scrub in the shower will do the trick.

Tons of foods — dark chocolate, blueberries, carrots, tomatoes — are rich in antioxidants, which can help keep your skin smooth. Omega-3 is another vitamin to make sure you're getting enough of, as it firms the skin — try salmon, tuna, walnuts, spinach, canola oil, and soy foods.