When it comes to choosing jewelry, it is important to take into account allergies and skin sensitivity. Many people experience allergic reactions when wearing certain types of jewelry, which can lead to discomfort and irritation.
To avoid this, there are options marketed as hypoallergenic or non-allergenic jewelry. But what exactly is the difference between these two categories? Let's explore it further:
Hypoallergenic jewellery:
Hypoallergenic jewelry is specially designed to minimize the risk of allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin or allergies to certain materials. This jewelry is usually made with consideration of the most common allergens, such as nickel, which is a common cause of allergic reactions. Materials used in hypoallergenic jewelry usually include:
Pure Titanium: Titanium is known to be a hypoallergenic material that is safe for most people with sensitive skin.
Surgical Stainless Steel: This is another popular metal used in hypoallergenic jewelry due to its low risk of allergic reactions.
Pure silver: Pure silver is generally considered safe for most people, but it is important to avoid silver alloys that may contain allergens.
Pure gold: Real high karat gold (14k or higher) is usually safe for people with sensitive skin.
Non-allergenic jewelry:
On the other hand, jewelry marketed as non-allergenic may have been made with a wider audience in mind, including people without allergies. These pieces of jewelry can be made from a variety of materials that are generally considered safe for most people, although there is a risk that some individuals may still experience allergic reactions. Materials commonly used in non-allergenic jewelry include:
Acrylic: is a synthetic material that usually does not cause allergic reactions and is popular for use in jewelry and accessories.
Glass: Natural glass is another safety used in jewelry and is less likely to cause allergic reactions.
Plastic: Some types of plastic, especially those labeled as BPA-free and hypoallergenic, can be safe alternatives for jewelry.
The differences and what to consider:
The difference between hypoallergenic and non-allergenic jewelry lies in the degree of consideration given to allergies and skin sensitivity during manufacturing. While hypoallergenic jewelry is specifically designed to minimize the risk of allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin, non-allergenic jewelry may be safe for most people but is not specifically tailored for allergy sufferers.
When choosing jewelry, it is important to consider your own skin sensitivity and any allergies you may have. Test jewelry on a small area of skin before wearing it for long periods of time to make sure it doesn't cause any reactions. And remember that even though jewelry may be marketed as hypoallergenic or non-allergenic, reactions may still be possible for some people.