Best known for strength, durability, and resistance, stainless steel is also hypoallergic, which makes it the best choice for those with sensitive skin. However, some people may get allergic reactions as it contains nickel and other metals that can cause allergic responses.
Stainless steel composition includes carbon, nickel, iron, and 10.5% chromium. Chromium forms a thin layer of oxide on the steel surface and prevents the release of nickel and other allergic metals, making stainless steel unsafe for those who are nickel allergic.
What Is The Hypoallergic Meaning?
Hypoallergic means less likely to get an allergic reaction. This term mainly describes products free from certain chemicals and ingredients that can cause an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals. The word hypoallergic also denotes some metals that are less likely to cause allergic responses, such as stainless steel.
Does Skin React To Stainless Steel?
Stainless steel is known as hypoallergic and safe to use even for those with sensitive skin, but it can cause mild allergic responses in people who are nickel allergic because stainless steel contains nickel content. The allergic reactions to stainless steel commonly include skin irritation, itching, redness, or rash. Nickel-free stainless steel or hypoallergic stainless steel is the best option for people with sensitive skin or metal allergies.
Stainless Steel VS Surgical Steel For The Body Jewelry: What’s The Difference?
Stainless steel and surgical are excellent for body jewelry as both are durable, strong, and hypoallergic. But some key differences make surgical steel preferable for body jewelry in contrast to stainless steel for individuals having sensitive skin or metal allergies.
Some crucial differences are;
- Composition: Surgical steel is a stainless steel alloy formulated and purified in jewelry, medical and dental equipment. On the other hand, stainless steel is a standard alloy used for industrial and consumer applications.
- Corrosion Resistant: Surgical steel and stainless steel are corrosion resistant, but surgical steel is more resistant to corrosion and tarnish, making it a better choice for jewelry.
- Biocompatible: Surgical steel is considered more biocompatible, which means it does not cause any severe skin reaction. On the other hand, stainless steel is also a biocompatible metal, but it can cause allergic responses in individuals who are nickel allergic.
- Durability: Surgical steel is highly resistant and durable than other types of stainless steel. It has high tolerability and weldability too.
- Grade: Surgical steel, known as grade 316 or 316L, is purer resistant. In contrast, stainless steel comes in various stages, like 304 and 316, which are considered less refined.
What Is Nickel Allergy?
Nickle allergy means an allergic response to nickel. Nickel is a metal commonly used in various products such as watches, coins, and jewelry that comes in contact with the skin and can cause skin allergy. It can develop at any time in life, and its symptoms are usually mild such as skin rashes, itching, and blistering. Individuals with nickel allergy diagnosed should avoid using nickel-containing products and go for hypoallergic nickel-free products.
What Type Of Stainless Steel Should I avoid If I’m Afraid of Being Allergic?
If you are afraid of being allergic to stainless steel, you should avoid nickel-containing stainless steel because it is the most common cause of allergic reactions. The most common stainless steel type containing nickel is 304 stainless steel. Instead of using nickel-containing stainless steel, you should look for nickel-free or hypoallergic stainless steel. The best kind of hypoallergenic stainless steel is surgical stainless steel or 316L stainless steel. The finest way to avoid allergic reactions is to do a patch test on your skin.
Is Stainless Steel Hypoallergic For Ears?
Allergic reaction to ears due to stainless steel depends on your type of stainless steel. Mainly allergic reactions results due to nickel-containing low-grade stainless steel. If you are wearing nickel-containing earrings and are allergic to nickel, you might get a severe allergic response. To avoid allergic reactions to ears, use hypoallergic or nickel-free earrings.
Do You Need Hypoallergic Earrings?
If you have sensitive skin or metal allergies, you should choose hypoallergic earrings because they are less likely to cause allergic reactions and are safe to use. The most commonly available hypoallergic earrings are made of stainless steel, niobium, gold, and titanium. To avoid any possible allergic response, you should go for a patch test by a dermatologist.
Is Sterling Silver Hypoallergic?
Sterling silver contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, primarily copper. It is commonly considered hypoallergic means it’s OK to use it without being worried about allergic reactions. But if you are steel or copper allergic, you should not use sterling silver because it contains high steel and copper content. It can also cause an allergic response because of its tarnishing property.
Why Choose 361L Stainless Steel Jewelry For Sensitive Skin?
If you have sensitive skin and are afraid of wearing stainless steel jewelry, you should choose 316L stainless steel jewelry. 316L stainless steel is a high-grade, pure steel alloy with the most negligible nickel content, making it the best choice for sensitive skin. It contains 16% chromium and 10% nickel, and the letter L denotes low carbon, making it the most hypoallergic metal for jewelry and other products. 316L stainless steel jewelry is also resistant, durable, and versatile. It is used in a variety of jewelry designs and styles and is easy to clean.
If You Are Allergic To Earrings Or Other Jewelry, Here’s What To Do:
- Don’t wear cheap costume jewelry: Cheap costume jewelry may look fine, but its composition consists of cheap metal. It has high nickel content and can cause mild to severe allergic reactions. Investing in pieces that will be kind to your skin is worthwhile.
- Visit your dermatologist: It is essential to visit your dermatologist to determine whether or not you are nickel allergic or if something else is causing skin irritation.
- Go for nickel-free jewelry shopping: If your skin is nickel-sensitive, wearing nickel-containing jewelry will never be enjoyable. Purge your nickel-containing jewelry and go for nickel-free jewelry shopping.
Metal EarRing Options That Are Potentially Safer Than Stainless Steel
Many metal earring options are potentially safer than stainless steel for individuals with sensitive skin or for those who are stainless steel allergic. Some of these options include;
- Titanium: Titanium is lightweight, durable, and hypoallergic metal and is best for jewelry for sensitive skin. It is biocompatible, non-toxic and non-allergic, and highly corrosion-resistant.
- Platinum: It is pure and nickel-free metal and best for those who are nickel or stainless steel allergic. It is one of the most valuable metals and needs low maintenance.
- Niobium: Niobium is best known for its softness and malleability. It is a hypoallergic and sound option for earrings for people with sensitive skin. It is affordable, safe for piercing, and suitable for many jewelry items like earrings, bracelets, and more.
- Silver: Silver is also hypoallergic and a good jewelry option for those with metal allergies or sensitive skin. Silver jewelry is less expensive and trendy but requires proper care because it can tarnish over time.
- Pure Gold: Gold is a pure and alloy-free metal and is potentially safer than stainless steel because of its low nickel content. It is not only hypoallergic but also durable and easy to maintain.
