Experts gave tips on choosing jewelry for sensitive skin

Beautiful earrings or a stylish ring can become not only a fashionable accessory, but also a source of trouble for owners of sensitive skin. Experts from Sokolov and the Scandinavian Health Center (SKZ) told Izvestia on April 24 how to recognize jewelry allergies and which materials are suitable for those who suffer from allergic reactions.

The reaction to metals manifests itself in different ways — symptoms can occur both 15 minutes and six hours after contact with the jewelry. According to Anna Matveeva, a dermatologist at the SCZ, the first signs of allergies are redness, swelling of tissues and itching at the point of contact with the accessory. In advanced cases, peeling of the skin and even wet crusts may occur.

"It's important to distinguish between a real allergy and the usual irritation from friction. Allergic reactions are characterized by itching and swelling, and with mechanical irritation, a person feels discomfort and stinging of the skin. Confusion between these conditions often leads to improper care," the expert noted.

In this case, it is not the metals themselves that cause allergies, but the products of their oxidation. The list of potential "culprits" includes chromium, nickel, cobalt, copper, brass and lead. Jewelry made of titanium, niobium or rhodium is an ideal solution for people with sensitive skin.

However, the love of perfumes and creams can make the situation worse. Cosmetics can accelerate the oxidation of metals and provoke allergic reactions. To avoid this problem, Matveeva advised applying perfume or moisturizer 30 minutes before putting on jewelry.

At the first signs of irritation, you need to act quickly — remove the accessory, rinse the affected area with soap and water and take an antihistamine. To protect vulnerable skin, you can use products with copper and zinc, but before using them, it is better to get a doctor's approval.

Sokolov jewelry brand expert Elena Rakutina recommended choosing gold of at least 585th grade, and even better — 750th.

"Platinum and titanium are also great options for sensitive skin. At the same time, it is important to purchase jewelry from trusted brands and not wear them around the clock," she stressed.

Special attention should be paid to the tightness of the accessories. Bracelets or rings that are too tight not only increase skin contact, but also hinder air circulation, which can cause irritation even from hypoallergenic materials.

Earlier, on April 18, it was reported that in 2024, Russians increased spending on gold products with diamonds by 25% compared to 2023. The total expenditure of the population on these goods has reached 106 billion rubles. This follows from the data of the jewelry company "Alcor".