Don't let the sun see your tattoo for the first 3 or 4 weeks, sunscreen or not, I've see nsome ugly as butt tattoos come about because people went in the sun with them the first few weeks even with sunscreen! Keep it covered with at least a shirt.
I got a side tattoo my first time as well, but it's on my hip. It's a magenta butterfly with a black outline. It was so vibrant and beautiful when I left the shop, and it still is over a month later. Keep it moist so that it doesn't scab, a scab could equal a loss of color. If it does scab don't pick it, if it peels don't pick it. If it itches don't scratch, but keep it moist dangit! lol.