What Jewelry Turns Skin Green
Any jewelry that is made of copper or copper based metals i.e. brass and bronze is likely to turn skin green. Apart, sterling silver and low purity gold can also turn skin green.
In this article we’ll let you know what jewelry turns skin green, why does jewelry turn skin green and how can you avoid it.
Why Does Jewelry Turn Skin Green
Some of the metals including copper and sterling silver can react with skin oils or cosmetic items i.e. lotions and perfumes. This reaction leaves temporary green or black marks on the skin. These marks are harmless and can be removed by washing that part of the body with a soap. However, getting these marks can be a problem and proper solution should be adopted for it.
Does Gold Plated Turn Skin Green
Yes, gold plated can turn skin green as well. Gold plated jewelry has a gold layer over a base metal. If base metal is copper or sterling silver, it can turn skin green. Otherwise not.
Apart from this, low purity gold i.e. 9k or 10k can also turn skin green. So, if you have a sensitive skin, avoid using low purity gold.
How Often Does Jewelry Turn Skin Green
There is no frequency limit for jewelry to turn skin green. It all depends on sensitivity of a person’s skin. If you have a sensitive skin with a history of skin turning green, better is to avoid the mentioned metals. It may happen almost every time you wear this type of jewelry.
However, there are many people who might never get any allergy or skin coloration. It all depends on a person’s sensitivity against these metals.
Can Jewelry turn Skin Black as Well?
Yes, but only sterling silver will do it. It is more likely to get green marks from copper or copper based metals and black marks from sterling silver based jewelry.
Does Stainless Steel Turn Skin Green
No, stainless steel does not turn skin green. It has a thick chromium layer which does not allow any reactions between the metal and skin. This makes it completely hypoallergenic and save to be worn by people with sensitive skin given it is nickel-free.
It is important to first check with your jewelers whether they are selling nickel free stainless steel jewelry or not.
How to Know If you have a Sensitive Skin?
There is no definitive test for knowing whether your skin will react against a particular metal or not. But there are some general ways to find it out.
Let’s say you want to test your skin for copper. Take a piece of copper or that particular copper jewelry item that you are going to wear. Strap it with your arm wrist with the help of a tape and wait for 2 to 3 hours. If it develops any allergic or coloration signs, then you are most likely to have sensitive skin against copper. If it does not, you can wear it freely.
This can be done in any metal’s case.
How to Avoid Jewelry Turning Skin Green?
There are a number of ways by which you can avoid jewelry turning skin green.
- Avoid jewelry made out of copper or containing copper.
- Avoid sterling silver jewelry as well if you have a history of high sensitive skin.
- Avoid using cosmetic items like lotions or perfumes while wearing jewelry. It is recommended to wear jewelry after 5 to 10 minutes of applying.
- Sweat can also be a factor which can fasten the process of skin turning green. Avoid using copper or silver based jewelry in a hot weather.
- Avoid contact with water. Remove any jewelry before washing hands, showering etc.
How to Treat Green Neck from Chain
Green neck from chain can be a big problem. Best way to solve is to just wash it with a soap. This will remove any coloration. Note that this coloration is not harmful.
However, the best way to avoid this coloration is to follow the instructions mentioned above.
What Should You Do?
First step is to know whether you skin is sensitive towards copper/sterling silver or not. If it is, then the best way is to avoid these metals and any other metals that contain these. If you don’t have sensitivity, then follow the things to avoid for not getting green or black skin. These are already mentioned above.
FAQ’s about Jewelry Turning Skin Green
Here are some common FAQ’s.
What Metals Turn Skin Green?
Any jewelry made of copper, copper based metals or even low purity gold can turn your skin green. Other than that, sterling silver jewelry can turn skin black as well.
Does Alloy Turn Green?
Alloys can also turn skin green if they are made of copper or contain high percentage of copper as in brass or bronze jewelry.
Can Solid Gold Turn Green?
Yes, solid gold can also turn green if it is made of low purity gold like 9k or 10k.