Gold turning skin green? What causes it? And is there a way to avoid it? Turns out, the reaction has more to do with your skin pH or cosmetic ingredients than the metal quality. Even brand new, untarnished 14k solid gold can turn skin green!
So… what jewelry won’t cause skin discoloration? Does that even exist? And, related – how do you remove tarnish from gold jewelry if it happens? In today’s Chain Chat blog, we’ll discuss permanent jewelry care and how to avoid (or at least minimize!) skin discoloration:
How do I keep jewelry from turning my skin green?
“Skin discoloration can happen with any kind of jewelry, even luxury metals.” @ever.connected
It’s true… all gold jewelry can turn your skin green, even luxury quality. Wearable gold jewelry is an alloy, meaning that it’s combined with other metals for durability and strength, so that’s what your body is reacting to. Copper, brass, bronze, nickel, and silver can all change color against your skin.
Cheap gold plated jewelry is most likely to tarnish or discolor your skin because the surface layer is microscopically thin – just 0.0005 millimeters of gold. The ultra-thin gold plating can easily rub or scratch off with daily wear, leaving the core metal exposed.
Gold filled jewelry, on the other hand, has a thick layer of gold on the outside that is mechanically bonded to the core. The FTC requires that gold filled jewelry has a 5% ratio of 12- or 14-karat gold on the surface, compared to the weight of its core, so gold filled is a durable, popular choice for permanent jewelry.
But still, if gold filled permanent jewelry starts to discolor your skin, that doesn’t mean the gold surfacing wore off or wasn’t as thick as promised. Remember, skin discoloration doesn’t only happen with cheap or gold plated jewelry.
Surprise! Your skin might be reacting to alloyed metals in the 14k gold itself.
Read more about the difference between gold filled and gold plated jewelry here.
Why does jewelry turn skin green?
“Usually with some coaching on lifestyle changes, that problem can be corrected.” @elysianjewelryllc
There’s a long list of lifestyle factors and everyday chemicals that can cause jewelry discoloration: sweaty workouts, pool chlorine, tanning lotions, sugary snacks, antibiotics, and even a nightly glass of red wine.
Is it safe to wear jewelry that turns your skin green? Yep! Luckily, the green color change won’t hurt your skin or the jewelry – it’s just a little annoying.
If you love wearing permanent jewelry and want to prevent green discoloration under your favorite pieces, it’s worth experimenting with these lifestyle changes:
1. Avoid chlorine exposure, especially hot tubs
2. Talk to your doctor about noticeable hormone shifts
3. Keep skin clean and dry, especially after sweating
4. Eat less acid-causing foods, like red meat and sugar
5. Don’t wear lotion under jewelry, especially tanning oils
6. Increase iron levels with a healthy, balanced diet
7. Cover jewelry with a protective coating or clear nail polish
Why does jewelry turn skin black?
“Avoid lotions under your permanent jewelry – especially tanning lotion!” @beautifully.you.with.megan
Any grayish shadow or black smudge under jewelry is likely caused by metallic abrasion. Some makeup and cosmetics have tough mineral compounds that create microscopic friction and rub against your jewelry, releasing tiny gold particles that look black against your skin.
To avoid metallic abrasion (and the gray or black smudge that comes with it), you should avoid wearing perfume, mineral sunscreens, lotions, and makeup under your jewelry, especially if the formula contains zinc oxide.
How to stop permanent jewelry from tarnishing?
“A deep clean of your piece should help remove any buildup that might be contributing to that reaction.” @amandademartino_
Tarnished jewelry doesn’t neccessarily turn skin green, but many of the chemical reactions that cause skin discoloration can also cause jewelry to tarnish, so it’s worth talking about.
Knowing how to clean permanent jewelry is a good start. Wipe it with a soft jewelry polishing cloth every night before bed to make sure the chain is fully clean and dry against your skin. Every few months, you can also use a soft brush, dish soap, and warm water to remove any oil or chemical buildup.
How can I stop jewelry from turning my skin green?
“If skin staining is common, you might just be one of those people who has more acidic skin. A lot of the time people who react with 14k have better success with 18k.” @hazlip_zap
If your skin is highly acidic or your lifestyle doesn’t mesh well with permanent jewelry (avid swimmers, for example!), your permanent jewelry artist might be able to recommend high karat 18k or 22k gold filled chains that are less reactive against your skin.
If that’s still not enough, the permanent jewelry artist may suggest adding a subtle clasp to your chain, so you can take it off for night sweats, swims, and workouts. Ultimately, you might be happier by prioritizing jewelry protection, instead of permanence.
Shop wholesale gold filled clasps and chains:
- 14k gold filled permanent jewelry footage chain
- 14k gold filled lobster clasp with jump ring