You don’t have to keep on with the ointment. I just throw some lotion on mine when they are going to be seen, like if I am going swimming and won’t be wearing a shirt for example.

Of course my newest is on my forearm so it will be seen all the time as I hardly ever wear long sleeve shirts.

the colour will change, when you first have the tattoo done the area will become bruised, this will look like a browny black colour (check the tattoo in one of the recent threads with an eagle, you will notice the difference in the wings from first and second sitting) this is natural, the work will look a lot darker when fresh, dont worry.

as for the flaking, the initial stages of healing will require a good antiseptic cream to be used 3 to 4 times a day for the first 4 or 5 days, during that time it should start to peel……. this is normal..
once it starts to peel then stop using the antiseptic cream and just use a none scented moisturising cream, dont smother it, just use enough to moisten the skin and rub it in well…… continue this as required during the day and evening, you should hopefully be all done in about 10 to 14 days, some people require moisturiser for a week longer.
as for touch up work, i wouldnt recommend going over the same area for 2 months at least, you can have extra work done next to it but not on it..

hope that helps 😉