If you've ever put on a pair of earrings only to find your skin itching, burning, or breaking out hours later—you’re not alone. Whether it’s green marks, rashes, or dry patches, skin irritation from jewelry is more common than you think.
The good news? It’s also completely avoidable.
At Twenty-Eight Minna, we believe you deserve to feel confident and comfortable in the pieces you wear every day. That’s why we’re breaking down the most common reasons your jewelry is causing skin reactions—and how to choose pieces that won’t turn your skin against you.
Reason #1: Low-Quality Metals
The #1 culprit behind skin irritation? Cheap metals like nickel, brass, and copper.
Nickel in particular is notorious for causing allergic reactions, and it’s often used as a filler metal in low-cost jewelry. Even if it’s “gold-colored,” if the core metal is cheap, your skin will pay the price.
How to Avoid It:
Look for jewelry labeled as nickel-free, hypoallergenic, or made with stainless steel or sterling silver bases. At 28M, all of our pieces are designed with sensitive skin in mind and made with high-quality, skin-safe metals under a layer of genuine 14k or 18k gold.
Reason #2: Poorly Plated Jewelry
Not all gold plating is created equal. Jewelry that’s thinly plated can quickly wear off with daily use, exposing the base metals underneath. That’s when the irritation often begins.
How to Avoid It:
Choose gold-plated jewelry that’s built for everyday wear. All 28M jewelry is life-tested and plated with a layer of geniune 14k or 18k gold, making it more durable and less likely to cause irritation.
Reason #3: Coatings & Chemicals
Sometimes it’s not the metal—it’s the mystery mix of chemicals used to coat the jewelry. These coatings can include sealants, colorants, or shine enhancers that may not be disclosed on the label.
How to Avoid It:
Opt for brands that are transparent about their process and materials. 28M uses clean materials with no unnecessary chemicals or coatings, so what touches your skin is exactly what we say it is: gold-plated, hypoallergenic, and safe.
Reason #4: Wearing Jewelry to Bed or in the Shower
Even high-quality jewelry can cause issues if it’s not treated with care. Friction and trapped moisture, sweat, and product buildup from lotions or hair products can irritate the skin and weaken the jewelry’s finish over time.
How to Avoid It:
Choose water-resistant and sweat-proof jewelry—AND give your skin a break by removing pieces before bed or showering. At 28M, our pieces are Mom-Life Ready™, meaning they’re tested to withstand real-life conditions—sweat, water, and all. But, your skin and your pieces still need a break every once-in-a-while.
Reason #5: Sensitive Skin Needs Gentle Materials
Some people simply have more reactive skin. If you’ve experienced eczema, allergies, or sensitive skin in general, you’re more likely to react to lower-grade materials.
How to Avoid It:
Go for jewelry specifically designed for sensitive skin. That means avoiding mixed metals and seeking out brands (like us!) that focus on hypoallergenic, non-toxic materials. 28M is made for women who need style without compromise—no itching, redness, or breakouts.
Bottom Line: You Don’t Have to Choose Between Style and Comfort
Irritation shouldn’t be the price you pay for looking polished. With the right materials and mindful design, you can wear beautiful, everyday jewelry that works with your skin—not against it.
Ready to stop guessing and start glowing?
Explore our hypoallergenic, Mom-Life Ready™ collection today.
Shop Jewelry That’s Safe for Sensitive Skin
