After stretching is your ears supposed to be red?

I just stretched for the first time to a 12g. Didnt really hurt just sting a little and now its red. Its gone down a bit, it that normal? I soaked it in sea salt for a few minutes and washed my hands and started slowly. Also should I put body lotion on it next time? Oh, and P.s It didnt bleed or anything, which I shall take that as a good sign :3