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The best jewellery choice for sensitive skin:
People with sensitive skin know that not all jewellery is created equal. While some people can wear any type of jewellery without a problem, others have to be careful about what they put on their skin.
If you have sensitive skin, you might find that certain metals irritate your skin
or cause an allergic reaction. That's why it's important to choose jewellery that is made from materials that are safe for sensitive skin.
What is hypoallergenic Jewellery?
Hypoallergenic jewellery is made of materials not likely to cause an allergic reaction. Different metal allergies exist, but a nickel allergy is the most common. Many metals used in jewellery are alloys--a mixture of metals combined for additional strength. Nickel is a common additive used to reinforce softer metals like silver or gold. But nickel causes an allergic skin reaction in 15% of the population. Jewelry is usually considered hypoallergenic if it contains no nickel or not enough nickel to cause a skin reaction.
Although it is impossible to say all products are allergy-safe or allergy-proof for all people, there are some simple things everyone can do to limit their allergen exposure. Purchasing hypoallergenic products is an obvious first step.
In this post, we'll share some of the best jewellery for people with sensitive skin.
The best jewellery for people with sensitive skin is made from 4 hypoallergenic materials such as below:
Surgical Steel
Titanium
Gold
Organic cotton.
1. Surgical steel
It is a type of stainless steel that contains very little nickel, which is a common allergen. 316L stainless steel, also called surgical steel, is best for sensitive skin. It has low nickel content and higher chromium and molybdenum instead. It's durable, chemical resistant, and affordable, but some expert contest that it is not hypoallergenic because it's made up of nickel, even though only a small amount.
By being the top choice for doctors, it just shows that this metal is truly durable and safe for exposing to delicate skin. We believe that being a hypoallergenic metal, surgical steel reduces the risk of an allergic reaction with sensitive skin.2
2. Titanium
It is a strong yet lightweight metal that is also hypoallergenic. Its alloys are aluminium and vanadium, not nickel. Titanium is also corrosion resistant and can be worn in an ocean or pool. It’s light and durable, so durable that it can be difficult to resize.
Titanium is strong, lightweight and highly bio-compatible (non-toxic and not rejected by the body). Titanium is an excellent choice for anyone with sensitive skin, especially for those allergic to nickel, silver or gold. Allergic reactions to titanium are extremely rare even in people sensitive to other metals.
Titanium can be anodised to create a range of colours. Anodising creates a thin oxide layer which is just as bio-compatible as polished titanium. The colour produced depends on the thickness of the oxide layer. There are no other materials added and there is no plating or painting.
Titanium is suitable for both initial and healed body piercings.
3. Gold
It is a classic material that has been used in jewellery for centuries. It's hypoallergenic and won't irritate your skin. 24k gold is hypoallergenic but too soft for jewellery. Other metals are added to gold to increase its durability. Both 14k and 18k gold are alloys, and 18k has a greater percentage of pure gold than 14k does. Depending on how sensitive your skin is to nickel, you may be able to wear 14k gold without experiencing a reaction since it contains only a small amount of nickel. If it does irritate your skin, try 18k, and if you still experience irritation, try either 24k or another type of hypoallergenic metal. Rose gold is one hypoallergenic gold option. It’s a combination of pure gold and copper, and neither metal is prone to cause an allergic reaction.
4. Organic Cotton
Organic cotton is pesticide free, pigment free, bleach free, and hypoallergenic.
Organic cotton does not use chemicals in the manufacturing process and is therefore less likely to cause a reaction in people with chemical sensitivities. Organic cotton does not contain metals (which tend to cause allergic reactions) that are typically included in the dyes used to put color and patterns into organic bedding. As compared to conventional cotton, organic cotton has been shown to be beneficial for asthmatics.
To put it simply, organic cotton is a more sustainable solution. It is grown without pesticides from seeds that have not been genetically modified. Organic farming practices avoid using harmful chemicals while aiming for environmental sustainability and the use of fewer resources.
More advantages to using organic cotton include: It is Hypoallergenic. It does not cause any allergy or irritation when it touches human skin.
How to shop if you or your friend has sensitive skin?
When shopping for jewellery, look for pieces that are labelled "hypoallergenic" or "surgical steel." These labels indicate that the jewellery has been tested and proven to be gentle on sensitive skin. Avoid jewellery that contains nickel or other metals that are known to cause allergies. If you're unsure about whether a piece of jewellery is safe for you to wear, ask your doctor or a dermatologist for guidance.
A word of caution:
There are no set criteria to define what makes jewellery hypoallergenic since it depends on a person’s type of allergy and how severe the allergy is, and the label is often used too loosely. Understanding which types of metals may cause a reaction and may help you know which type of metal is safest for your skin. Then, whenever you see jewellery described as “hypoallergenic,” you can check the metal content to make sure the combination won’t irritate your skin.
Is it more expensive?
Hypoallergenic jewelry is not necessarily more expensive, but most high-quality metals are lower in nickel content and less likely to cause a reaction. For example, you may find that your skin only reacts to heavy nickel content in costume jewelry and not the small percentage of nickel used in 14k gold jewelry. Jewelry with a slight nickel percentage is not harmful to most people.
If you have sensitive skin, it's important to choose jewellery that won't irritate your skin or cause an allergic reaction. Surgical steel, titanium, and gold are all great options for people with sensitive skin. With a little bit of research, you can find the perfect piece of jewellery to suit your needs—and your sensitivity level!
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