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Have you ever noticed your favorite body jewelry start to fade, darken, or even turn green over time?
You’re not alone — and it’s not always your fault. Let’s talk about why it happens, what to do about it, and how to choose materials that work best for your body.
First Things First: Is This Normal?
Yes — it’s actually very common for body jewelry to change color over time. Here’s why it happens:
- Your body chemistry (everyone’s skin reacts differently)
- Exposure to water, sweat, or skincare products
- Metal types that are prone to tarnishing
- Wearing jewelry for long periods without cleaning
Even high-quality jewelry can react depending on your skin’s pH, moisture, and even medications or diet. That means what works for one person might not work the same for another.
It’s Not Just the Jewelry – It’s Your Skin Too
Did you know some people’s skin is more acidic than others?
That means their sweat, oils, and environment can speed up tarnishing or wear on certain materials — even gold or surgical steel.
If your jewelry turns color quickly, it might not be low quality — your skin might just need a different material.
Which Materials Are Best for Piercing Jewelry?
Here’s a quick guide to the most common materials and how they behave:
Titanium
- Super hypoallergenic (great for sensitive skin)
- Light, strong, and resistant to tarnishing
- Ideal for both fresh and healed piercings
- One of the safest materials overall
316L Surgical Steel
- Affordable and durable
- Resists most fading and discoloration
- May cause slight irritation in ultra-sensitive skin
- Perfect for healed piercings and daily wear
14K Gold (Nickel-Free)
- Beautiful, long-lasting, and body-safe
- May show light surface wear over time
- Best for healed piercings — avoid gold-plated options for sensitive skin
Sterling Silver (.925)
- Classic look, but prone to tarnishing (a natural reaction)
- Best for healed piercings only
- Not ideal in moist areas (navel, tongue, etc.)
- Tarnish can be cleaned, but may return quickly with wear
Plated or Unknown Metals
- Often cause reactions, discoloration, or flaking
- Not safe for healing piercings
- Short-term use only — if at all
How to Keep Jewelry Looking Its Best
- Take it off before swimming, showering, or working out
- Clean it regularly with warm water and a soft cloth
- Avoid lotions, perfumes, and harsh cleaners
- Store in a dry, sealed pouch when not in use
Choosing What’s Right for You
Everyone’s body reacts differently. If you’ve had issues with jewelry changing color, try switching to:
- Titanium for the safest, longest-lasting option
- Surgical steel for everyday comfort and strength
- 14K solid gold if you want that luxe look for healed piercings
- Avoid plated or mystery metals — they may save money now but cost you in the long run
By choosing the right metal for your skin and taking care of your jewelry, you can keep your piercings looking great and feeling comfortable.
Have questions about sizing or materials? We’re here to help — just drop us a message or check out our safe, skin-friendly collection at BodyJewelry.com | Luxe Modz.
