A Guide to Choosing Hypoallergenic Jewelry for Sensitive Skin
Have you ever noticed red, itchy skin appearing right after putting on new earrings or a ring? If so, you are not alone. Most of us wear jewelry for leveling up an outfit or adding a touch of bling, however, for a few, it might be about comfort. If you are someone with sensitive skin, wearing the wrong kind of jewelry can transform a fun outing into an experience filled with frustration. Here is where hypoallergenic jewelry comes in.
In this article, we will answer the question, “what is hypoallergenic jewelry?” Let’s begin and help your skin care the way it deserves, without having to sacrifice on fashion.
What Is Hypoallergenic Jewelry?
Hypoallergenic refers to jewelry made from metals that have a lower potential of causing allergic reactions when worn.
You might have searched “what is hypoallergenic jewelry” and “hypoallergenic earrings meaning,” looking for answers on the web. The answer is simple: it’s restrictive jewelry meant to be gentle on the body with no nickel or any other metals that may cause negative reactions.
The same can be said while buying hypoallergenic rings, chains, or even hypoallergenic kids earrings. The motto is always looking elegant but without any discomfort.
What Causes Allergic Reactions To Jewelry?
Ever faced this situation? You are putting on a classy ring or dangling earrings only to develop an annoying itch, redness or painful lumps developing underneath. That troublesome feeling is not always bad luck, however. You could be having an allergic response to the jewelry that you are wearing.
What’s the culprit here? The answer is, more often than not, nickel. Jewelry fashion is nickel’s most popular application, and this is easily explainable because, unlike most metals used in jewelry, it is readily available, affordable, and very durable. But for a good number of people, particularly those who are more prone to skin ailments, nickel happens to be highly sensitive.
The truth is, even minute particles can lead to trouble. Your skin coming into contact with it means that your body will tend to perceive nickel as a danger, which leads to an allergic reaction. The result is itching, swelling, and rashes.
One of the most commonly known allergens in terms of metals is, of course, nickel. Along with the increasing rate of people with allergies, experts estimate that up to 20% of the population has some form of nickel allergy. If you are contemplating “what jewelry metals can provoke a reaction,” you might guess that nickel has the widest use.
However, that isn’t the only instance. But other metals, such as cobalt, copper, and even brass, can set off reactions as well.
Even if a piece of jewelry looks high-end, that doesn’t guarantee it’s skin-safe. Most of these alloys contain the annoying metals in even minute quantities, although they are wrapped in gold or silver. In the long run, as the outer layer erodes, there’s access to the gold-plated underlying metals, which poses the danger.
An explanation of these metals’ sensitivities helps one appreciate the need to choose jewelry hypoallergenic to one’s body. Whether you want to buy hypoallergenic children’s earrings, study more on hypoallergenic rings meant for everyday use, or simply want to know which jewelry is the best option for sensitive skin, it helps that you understand these affected triggers.
When your jewelry causes rashes, it’s not your skin being finicky, it’s asking you to make it out of more gentle and safer components.
What Type of Metal Is Best for Sensitive Skin?
If you have sensitive skin, here is the jewelry list you have been looking for.
Sterling Silver (925)
- One of the most popular and safest choices.
- But be careful: ask, “Is 925 sterling silver hypoallergenic?” before buying. Reputable sellers will specify if it’s nickel free.
Gold
- Is yellow gold hypoallergenic? Yes, especially 14k and above.
- Is white gold hypoallergenic? Only if it’s rhodium-plated and nickel-free.
- Is rose gold hypoallergenic? Often, but check the copper content.
Platinum
- Hypoallergenic by nature, it is durable and luxurious.
- Great for hypoallergenic wedding rings or hypoallergenic engagement rings.
Stainless Steel
- Ask: Is stainless steel hypoallergenic? Usually, yes, specifically if it is surgical grade.
- Good for daily use and even hypoallergenic earrings for women.
So the next time you go searching for jewelry for sensitive skin or the best jewelry for sensitive skin, remember these ideas.
Which Materials Should You Avoid If You Have Sensitive Skin?
What Metals Should You Steer Clear Of? Let’s explore some of the unsavory metals that are best avoided for the sake of keeping your skin content and irritation-free:
Nickel is by far the most known skin2000f sensitive skin warrior’s ruin errand. Used in cheap metal alloys. Nickel is known to cause some serious damage as far as negative skin impacts and reactions are concerned. It is best to consult the seller’s description to be sure when it is concerning pieces labeled with hypoallergenic metals.
Cobalt is known to elicit similar allergic reactions, so it is sometimes used as a substitute for nickel in alloys.
Copper is famous for its warm-looking appeal and is used for decorating the neck and wrists of women all over the world, but unfortunately, prolonged exposure for women with sensitive skin can lead to discomfort due to oxidation.
Brass tends not to be very popular due to many being allergic to the alloy of copper and zinc, as it causes staining and skin irritation.
Where Can You Find Skin Friendly Jewelry?
Where can you find jewelry that is safe for the skin, you may ask? A rather good question.
Having a look at loosegrowndiamond.com is the perfect start. This page provides high-quality, hypoallergenic jewelry.
Everything from gorgeous hypoallergenic engagement rings to cute earrings for kids, they have it all. You can find nickel free jewelry.
So, the next time you find yourself wondering what type of diamond jewelry is safe for sensitive skin, you know exactly where to turn.
How to Care for and Maintain Hypoallergenic Jewelry
Even hypoallergenic jewels can use a little ‘me-time.’ When it comes to metals, anything can be done to preserve jewelry’s beauty, but keeping them dull and unshiny.
Clean it as needed: Soak your jewelry in warm soapy water, dish soap, or over-the-counter gentle cleansers, and they will work wonders without the need for abrasives. Your skin’s irritation and luster loss will be effectively treated by dirt and oil removal.
Take care and dry properly: Once you’re done cleaning, smooth a soft cloth that is free from lint over your jewelry. Sterling silver and other hypoallergenic materials can tarnish if moisture is left on metal surfaces. Do not let that happen.
Store it properly: Do not make haphazard piles of rings and chains into the same box; this will trigger weak chemical reactions among pieces. Each item should be kept in a soft pouch to stop scratches.
Avoid harsh chemicals: Metal jewelry should be away from lotions, perfumes, hairspray, and sweat. Heat will trigger unwanted reactions within these substances and aid in losing jewelry.
Remove before activities: Ensure to take it off well before exercising and swimming.
As previously stated, adapt your jewelry clasp settings frequently: Depending on the use of the jewelry, hooks, clasps, and prongs may get loose due to the wearing and tearing of the product. Occasionally, a cursory survey provides a simple and quick check to ensure that your hook and prong settings are fine and that the piece of jewelry is in good condition.
Proper maintenance of hypoallergenic jewelry minimizes the possibility of any buildup or tarnish that could cause irritation, even if the metals are benign.
Conclusion
Should sensitive skin be the reason to hold back from enjoying jewelry? Not. You can now wear your favorite pieces worry-free with the right choices.
Don’t forget to:
- Identify the metals.
- Make inquiries like, Is sterling silver hypoallergenic? What metals is hypoallergenic?
- Avoid nickel jewelry at all costs.
Hypoallergenic jewelry is a great option, whether you are looking for daily use items or an engagement ring, and opting for non-irritant jewelry is a small nuisance that converts to big relief, allowing your skin to breathe, shine, and sparkle.
FAQs
Does stainless steel make your skin green?
Usually, no. Especially surgical-grade stainless steel. But low-quality blends might cause discoloration in some cases.
What jewelry metals can cause a reaction?
The most common causes are nickel, copper, cobalt, and brass. These options will usually contain some form of brass or nickel.
Does hypoallergenic jewelry tarnish?
Cleaning is essential, these metals, such as sterling silver 925, will tarnish over time but remains hypoallergenic.
What earring material is best for sensitive ears?
Go for hypoallergenic earrings for kids or adults made from surgical steel, platinum, or nickel free gold.
Is hypoallergenic jewelry more expensive?
Not always. Platinum is more expensive, but stainless steel and sterling silver 925 are less expensive and safe for sensitive skin.
Is sterling silver hypoallergenic?
Sterling silver is mostly hypoallergenic, but some people with metal sensitivities may still react to the small amount of other metals, like copper, in the alloy.