Love Fashion Jewelry? 3 Ways It Can Affect Your Skin

Fashionistas say you're never fully dressed until you don at least a few pieces of jewelry to complete your lewk. Remember that famous line in the movie Devil Wears Prada? "Fashion is not about utility. An accessory is merely a piece of iconography used to express individual identity." Don't worry, your accessories don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Wearing fashion jewelry is okay, too.

Many start out using costume jewelry to figure out what they like and dislike. It's how to up your accessories game without breaking the bank. You can go for materials like wood, resin, or sterling silver instead of gold and platinum. The only catch? They can irritate your skin if you’re sensitive to them. Here are some of the possible side effects.

Not all accessories are created equal. Fine jewelry usually comprises precious metals, like solid gold. Sometimes it can also feature gemstones, such as sapphire, ruby, and diamonds. This type of jewelry does not tarnish or break easily.

On the other hand, fashion jewelry is usually composed of brass, copper, aluminum, and other base metals. Sparklier ones come with zirconia, Swarovski crystals, resin, and even plastic. While some of these pieces can be of high quality, cheaper ones canadversely affect your skin.

Nickel allergies are the most common irritation that comes with wearing nickel-laden trinkets. Some symptoms include rashes, blisters, and dry patches on your skin. The earlobes, neck, and belly button are most prone to this allergic dermatitis. The symptoms may last between two to four weeks if you don't treat them, so get it checked immediately by your doctor.

If you suspect an allergic reaction, stop using your fashion jewelry immediately and let the area heal. For affected areas on the face, wash with a gentle, non-drying cleanser such as POND'S Aloe Vera Jelly Cleanser. This two-in-one jelly cleanser has aloe vera extract and vitamin B3, essential ingredients that keep your skin fresh and hydrated all day. The product is suitable for sensitive skin because it doesn’t have alcohol that can further dry it.

You can also use POND'S Watermelon Jelly Moisturizer to hydrate your ears and neck. It moisturizes the skin with vitamin E. It's also water-based, making it much gentler.

Notice your skin turning green after wearing costume jewelry over long periods? It happens when the metals in your earrings, ring, or necklaces react with the acidity in your skin. Copper is the usual culprit. Your sweat, oils, perfumes, and lotions oxidize the metals, which leaves a green film on your fashion jewelry. The color transfers to your skin when you wear them. While it’s usually harmless, it’s not a good look.

Go for hypoallergenic jewelry if you want to avoid this reaction. These accessories have trace amounts of metals, which will less likely cause allergies.

Contact dermatitis is inflamed skin from repeated exposure to a stressor, such as fashion jewelry. It doesn’t matter if it’s metal, wood, or plastic – your skin will react to it if it’s sensitive to the material. Symptoms include itching, rashes, and patchy skin. See your doctor immediately if rashes start to spread or become warm and itchier. Avoid friction on the area until it has recovered.

To manage the itching, keep the area clean and dry – but moisturized. Repairing the skin barrier is essential to retaining moisture and healing the irritation. If you have contact dermatitis symptoms on your face or neck, use a facial cleanser like Dove Facial Cleansing Mousse Moisture Care. It contains 40% Active-boost serum and hyaluronic acid that strengthens your skin and prevents dryness.

Accessorizing with fashion jewelry is okay. Just watch how your skin reacts to them and take care of potential irritation that creeps up.