Can gold make my skin turn green?Updated 2 years ago
You’ve probably heard that gold jewelry can turn skin green or black after prolonged wear. Though very rare, this can occur even when using only high-quality materials.
This discoloration is not caused by the pieces themselves, but by a few common external factors—it can even happen with solid gold pieces.
Here are three common ways gold can discolor skin:
Metallic abrasion
This can occur when makeup or other cosmetics come in contact with your piece. Since gold is a soft metal, makeup can contain compounds that are harder than gold, causing super tiny particles to rub off over time. When this particle dust comes in contact with an absorbent surface (such as your skin), it can stick and form a black or green smudge.
Corrosion of metals
Even 14k solid gold contains other, non-gold alloys in it. Sweat and other natural oils from your body can cause corrosion of these non-gold metals, leaving a dark chemical compound behind which can stain your skin. This reaction can be worsened in semi-tropical locations and near the ocean where salt is in the air.
Chlorine
Chlorine from pools and hot tubs can eat away at gold and other metals to cause corrosion, leaving behind black or green smudges on the skin.
Here are a few helpful tips for avoiding discoloration of the skin:
- Always take off your jewelry before entering chlorinated water
- When applying cosmetics, remove your jewelry beforehand and wash your hands thoroughly before putting them back on
- Clean your pieces often
If you want more information, this article also explains how external factors can cause skin discoloration in further detail.
If your problem with skin discoloration persists, please reach out to our Care Team and we will work to help solve your problem in any way we can.