Discover Non-Metal Piercing Jewellery
Having sensitive skin can make wearing your favourite jewellery uncomfortable. But there’s good news: hypoallergenic metals can help. If your ears get red and painful when you wear earrings, it’s likely a reaction to the metal.
Jewellery comes in many types, just like your aunt’s teapots. However, not all metals are suitable for sensitive skin. We will tell you which metals are the best for sensitive skin.
Recognising a Metal Allergy
Let’s talk about the signs of a metal allergy. It’s like your skin is acting up—showing redness, swelling, itching, rashes, small bumps, and sometimes even blisters where the irritating metal touches. If you’ve been wearing inexpensive piercing jewellery, you might feel uncomfortable wearing particular earrings.
Generally, metal allergy symptoms are more annoying than serious. Once you stop wearing the problematic metal, those irritations usually clear up on their own, often quicker than it took you to pick out your outfit this morning. Here are some safe materials for piercings to consider.
1-Glass
Glass jewellery is a great choice for body piercings. Its smooth surface, free of tiny holes, makes it ideal for both new and healed piercings. While it’s lighter than stone, it can still help gently stretch your piercing. However, glass is delicate and can chip if dropped, so handle it with care.
2-Wood
Wooden jewellery has its unique qualities. Because it has pores, it’s not suitable for new piercings and should only be used in well-healed ones. Wood helps prevent odours, is lightweight, and allows your skin to breathe, making it comfortable for stretched earlobes.
One advantage of wood is that it won’t break if dropped. However, you should avoid soaking it or exposing it to extreme temperature or humidity changes, as it can expand or crack. To maintain its condition, occasionally apply some oil. For body jewellery, choose properly treated hardwoods, as they won’t swell or absorb bodily fluids.
3-Silicone
Next, let’s talk about silicone jewellery. When using silicone in body piercings, ensure it meets biocompatibility standards. Silicone is usually well-tolerated and doesn’t cause problems for most people. However, in rare cases, the dye can cause reactions. If this happens, switch to clear silicone, and if issues continue, choose medical-grade silicone.
4-Titanium
Let’s talk about titanium—the gold standard for body jewellery materials. Ideal for your first piercing, titanium is pricier than steel but worth it. This chemical element is powerful, like steel, but much lighter. Impressively, it boasts the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any metal and is highly resistant to rust and corrosion. It’s non-magnetic, won’t set off airport scanners, and can be sterilised in an autoclave. However, for initial piercings, you must use high-quality, medical-grade titanium.
5-Surgical Steel
Not all surgical steel is created equal, especially for your first piercing. Much of the “surgical steel” jewellery is unsuitable for fresh piercings. The surgical steel you need for initial piercings should meet specific standards. That’s why many professional piercers avoid using steel for new piercings.
Issues with Low-Grade Body Jewellery
1. Skin Discolouration: Skin staining is one of the most common problems with low-grade body jewellery. This occurs when the metal interacts with your skin, causing it to change colour. This discolouration can sometimes become permanent, mainly if the metal contains substances that react with your skin chemistry. Certain metals like nickel, commonly found in lower-quality jewellery, are notorious for causing skin discolouration and irritation.
2. Dryness and Irritation: Low-grade body jewellery can lead to dryness and irritation around the piercing site. This discomfort is often due to the poor quality of materials used, which may not be biocompatible or may contain harsh chemicals. The skin around the piercing can become dry, itchy, and inflamed, making it uncomfortable and potentially prolonging the healing process.
3. Allergic Reactions: Allergies are another significant concern with low-grade body jewellery. Even if the jewellery appears decent in quality, it may contain allergens such as nickel or other impurities that trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Symptoms can range from mild itching and redness to more severe reactions like swelling, blistering, or even chronic dermatitis. Allergic reactions can delay healing and may necessitate removing the jewellery to alleviate symptoms and prevent further complications.
Using high-quality, biocompatible materials for body jewellery is crucial, especially for initial piercings. These materials are less likely to cause skin reactions, promote faster healing, and reduce the risk of long-term complications like scarring or permanent skin changes.