Silver jewellery is a popular choice among many people, especially when it comes to accessorizing outfits. However, you may have noticed that your silver jewellery often turns black when it comes in contact with your skin. This can be frustrating, especially when you want to keep your jewellery looking shiny and new. But have you ever wondered why this happens?
In this blog post, we will discuss the reasons behind why silver turns black on skin and explore the various fixes that you can implement to prevent it from happening. From the science behind the tarnishing process to practical tips for cleaning and storing your silver jewellery, we will cover everything you need to know to keep your silver accessories looking as good as new. So, let’s dive in and explore the fascinating world of silver jewellery tarnishing!
Why Does Silver Turn Black When Worn On The Skin?
Silver is a highly reflective and lustrous metal that is known for its beauty and versatility. However, when it comes in contact with the skin, it can sometimes tarnish and turn black. There are several reasons why this happens.
The most common reason for silver turning black on the skin is due to a chemical reaction between the silver and sulfur compounds that are present in the air, water, and even in our sweat. This reaction causes a layer of silver sulfide to form on the surface of the silver, which is black in colour and causes the jewellery to lose its shine.
Another reason for silver tarnishing is due to the acidity levels in our skin. The pH levels in our skin can vary depending on several factors, such as diet, medication, and even stress levels. When the pH levels in our skin are too high or too low, it can cause the silver to tarnish faster.
Additionally, wearing silver jewelry while using cosmetics, perfumes, lotions, or other beauty products can also contribute to tarnishing. These products often contain chemicals that can react with the silver and cause it to tarnish faster.
It’s important to note that some people may not experience tarnishing with silver jewelry, while others may experience it more frequently. This can be due to differences in skin chemistry and exposure to various environmental factors.
Here are Reasons Why Silver Turns Black Over The Skin
Skincare
Skincare lotions and creams can contain chemicals that react with silver jewelry, which can cause the skin to turn black. This is because the chemicals in skincare products can cause a chemical reaction with the silver and produce silver sulfide, which is the black substance that causes tarnish.
Many skincare products contain acidic ingredients, such as alpha-hydroxy acids, retinol, and salicylic acid. These ingredients can react with the silver and cause it to tarnish faster. Additionally, some skincare products may also contain sulfur compounds, which can further contribute to the formation of silver sulfide.
When these chemicals come into contact with silver jewellery, they can cause the silver to oxidize and produce a black or grayish color. This can happen quickly, especially if the jewellery is in direct contact with the skin and exposed to the product for an extended period of time.
To prevent skincare products from reacting with your silver jewellery, it’s best to avoid wearing jewellery while applying lotions, creams, or other skincare products. If you must wear jewellery, apply your skincare products first and allow them to fully absorb into the skin before putting on your jewellery. It’s also recommended to remove your jewellery before washing your face or applying any products to minimize exposure to the chemicals in the skincare products.
Makeup
Skincare makeup, like skincare lotions and creams, can contain chemicals that react with silver jewelry and cause the skin to turn black. The chemicals in makeup, such as foundation, powder, blush, or even eye shadow, can cause the silver to tarnish and produce silver sulfide, which is the black substance that causes the discoloration.
Makeup products can contain a variety of ingredients that can react with silver jewellery, such as oils, acids, and other chemicals. For example, many foundations and powders contain talc, which can be abrasive and scratch the surface of the silver, making it more prone to tarnishing. Additionally, makeup products can contain sulfur, which can contribute to the formation of silver sulfide on the jewellery.
When makeup comes into contact with silver jewellery, it can cause the jewellery to tarnish quickly, especially if it is in direct contact with the skin and exposed to the product for an extended period of time. This can result in black marks on the skin where the jewellery has made contact, which can be difficult to remove.
To prevent makeup from reacting with your silver jewellery, it’s important to take some precautions. You can avoid wearing jewellery while applying makeup, and put on your jewellery after your makeup has fully absorbed into your skin. Additionally, it’s best to avoid wearing jewellery in areas where makeup is usually applied, such as around the eyes, cheeks, and neck.
Humid Weather Conditions
Humid weather conditions can also cause silver jewelry to tarnish and turn black when in contact with the skin. This is because humid air contains moisture, which can react with silver and cause a chemical reaction that produces silver sulfide, which is the black substance that causes tarnishing.
Humidity can also increase the level of sulfur compounds in the air, which can further contribute to the formation of silver sulfide on the surface of the jewelry. This is especially true in areas with high levels of pollution or industrial activity, where sulfur compounds are more prevalent in the air.
When the skin comes into contact with silver jewellery in humid conditions, the moisture on the skin can speed up the reaction and cause the jewellery to tarnish more quickly. This can lead to black marks on the skin where the jewellery has made contact.
People With High Acidic Levels
People with high acidic levels in their skin can be more prone to silver jewellery tarnishing and turning black when in contact with the skin. This is because the acidity of the skin can accelerate the chemical reaction that causes silver sulfide to form on the surface of the jewellery, resulting in black discoloration.
The pH levels of the skin can vary depending on several factors, including diet, medication, and stress levels. When the pH levels in the skin are too low, it can make the skin more acidic, which can cause silver to tarnish more quickly.
When the skin comes into contact with silver jewellery, the acidity of the skin can cause a chemical reaction that produces silver sulfide on the surface of the jewellery. This can lead to black marks on the skin where the jewellery has made contact.
To prevent silver jewelry from tarnishing in people with high acidic levels, it’s important to take steps to reduce the acidity of the skin. This can include adjusting your diet to include more alkaline foods, avoiding acidic skincare products, and reducing stress levels through relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.
Sulphar In The Preperation Of Food
Preparing foods containing sulfur can contribute to silver jewelry tarnishing and turning black when in contact with the skin. This is because sulfur is a chemical element that can react with silver and cause a chemical reaction that produces silver sulfide, which is the black substance that causes tarnishing.
Sulfur is present in many foods, such as garlic, onions, eggs, and meats. When these foods are prepared or cooked, sulfur compounds are released into the air, which can come into contact with silver jewelry and cause it to tarnish more quickly.
When the skin comes into contact with silver jewellery that has been exposed to sulfur from food preparation, it can cause a chemical reaction that produces silver sulfide on the surface of the jewellery. This can lead to black marks on the skin where the jewellery has made contact.
To prevent silver jewelry from tarnishing while preparing foods containing sulfur, it’s best to remove your jewelry and store it in a dry and airtight container before cooking or preparing food. This will minimize exposure to sulfur compounds in the air and prevent tarnishing.
Tips to Stop Tarnishing On Silver Jewellery
Here is a list of tips to help prevent your jewellery from turning black on your skin:
1. Avoid exposing your jewellery to water, moisture, and humidity.
2. Remove your jewellery before swimming, showering, or participating in activities that involve contact with water.
3. Avoid wearing jewellery while applying lotions, creams, or other skincare products.
4. Apply makeup and skincare products first, and allow them to fully absorb into the skin before putting on your jewellery.
5. Store your jewellery in a dry and airtight container, away from sunlight and other sources of heat.
6. Clean your jewellery regularly with a silver polish or cloth to remove any existing tarnish.
7. Remove your jewellery before engaging in activities that involve sweating or high levels of physical activity.
8. Avoid wearing jewellery while preparing foods containing sulfur.
9. Consider wearing a protective coating on your jewellery, such as a clear nail polish or an anti-tarnish coating.
10. Have your jewellery professionally cleaned and polished regularly.
11. Consider purchasing high-quality jewellery made with materials that are less prone to tarnishing, such as platinum, titanium, or stainless steel.
12. Take steps to reduce the acidity of your skin, such as adjusting your diet to include more alkaline foods or using alkaline skincare products.
13. By following these tips, you can help prevent your jewellery from turning black on your skin and keep it looking shiny and new for years to come.
