Skincare for Individuals with Piercings

Skincare for Individuals with Piercings

Skincare is essential to maintaining healthy skin, and it becomes even more critical for individuals with piercings. Piercings create openings in the skin that require extra care to prevent infection, promote healing, and keep the surrounding skin looking its best. Whether you have a new piercing or a well-established one.

Some essential skincare tips to consider

1. Cleanse gently: Proper cleansing is crucial for keeping piercings clean. Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser to wash the area around the piercing gently. Avoid harsh soaps or cleansers that irritate the skin and disrupt healing.
2. Avoid touching the piercing: Resisting the urge to touch or twist your piercings frequently is essential. Touching them with dirty hands can introduce bacteria and lead to infection. Only touch your piercings when necessary, such as during cleaning or jewellery changes, and always make sure your hands are clean.
3. Don’t remove jewellery prematurely: New piercings require time to heal, and removing the jewellery too soon can lead to complications. Follow the aftercare instructions provided by your piercer, and avoid removing the jewellery until the healing period is complete. If you’re unsure, consult with your piercer or a dermatologist.
4. Avoid harsh skincare products: Certain skincare products, such as those containing alcohol, fragrances, or strong chemicals, can irritate the skin around your piercings. Opt for gentle, fragrance-free products that are suitable for sensitive skin. Look for moisturizers and cleansers specifically formulated for sensitive or irritated skin.
5. Protect from sun exposure: If your piercings are located on areas of skin regularly exposed to sunlight, it’s essential to protect them from harmful UV rays. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 or wear protective clothing to shield the area. Sun exposure can lead to discolouration or damage to the skin around your piercings.
6. Avoid swimming in pools or hot tubs: While healing, it’s best to avoid swimming in pools, hot tubs, or other bodies of water. These environments can harbour bacteria and increase the risk of infection. If you swim, clean your piercings thoroughly afterwards with a saline solution or a recommended aftercare product.
7. Maintain a healthy diet: A well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can promote healthy skin and aid healing. Include foods high in vitamin C, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, which support collagen production and reduce inflammation.
8. Avoid excessive makeup or creams: During the healing process, it’s best to minimize the use of makeup, creams, or other cosmetic products around the pierced area. These products can clog the piercing and hinder the healing process. If you use makeup, ensure it’s non-comedogenic and avoid direct contact with the piercing.
9. Stay hydrated: Drinking adequate water is essential for maintaining healthy skin. Hydration helps keep the skin moisturized and aids in the healing process of piercings.
10. Seek professional advice: If you experience prolonged or severe redness, swelling, pain, discharge, or any other concerning symptoms around your piercing, you must seek professional advice from a dermatologist or your piercer. They can assess the situation and provide appropriate guidance or treatment.
11. Use saline solution or saltwater rinses: Saline or saltwater rinses are commonly recommended for cleaning piercings. These solutions help to cleanse the pierced area, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. You can purchase a sterile saline solution from a reputable piercing or drugstore or make your own at home by dissolving non-iodized sea salt in warm distilled water. Use a cotton ball or a clean cloth to gently apply the saline solution to the piercing, ensuring you thoroughly clean the jewellery.
12. Avoid sleeping on piercings: If your piercing is located on an area that comes into contact with your pillow while you sleep, it’s advisable to avoid putting direct pressure on it. Sleeping on your side or stomach can irritate the piercing and prolong the healing process. Try sleeping on your back or invest in a travel pillow or cushion with a hole in the centre to accommodate your piercings.
13. Be cautious with hair and hair products: Long hair or hair products can get tangled or come into contact with your piercings, potentially causing irritation or infection. Tie back your hair or use a clip to avoid the piercing site, especially during the healing process. Be mindful of hair products like hairspray or gels that can come into contact with the pierced area, as they may contain ingredients that irritate the skin. Try to avoid applying these products directly over the piercing.
14. Maintain good oral hygiene for oral piercings: If you have oral piercings, such as tongue or lip piercings. Regularly brush your teeth and gently clean around the piercing with a soft toothbrush or a saline mouth rinse after eating or drinking anything other than water. Avoid playing with the jewellery or clicking it against your teeth, as it can cause dental damage.
15. Avoid excessive sweating and friction: Sweating excessively or subjecting your piercings to friction from tight clothing can irritate them. Opt for loose-fitting, breathable clothing to allow the pierced area to breathe and reduce the risk of irritation. If you engage in activities that cause heavy sweating, such as sports or workouts, consider covering the piercing with a clean, breathable bandage or sports tape to protect it.
16. Stay consistent with aftercare routines: Aftercare routines for piercings can vary depending on the type of piercing and individual preferences. It’s essential to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your piercer and stay consistent with the recommended routine. Only change the jewellery or apply any additional products to the piercing with professional guidance during the healing period.
17. Stay mindful of allergies: Some individuals may have sensitivities or allergies to certain metals used in jewellery, such as nickel. It could be a sign of an allergic reaction if you experience persistent redness, itching, or irritation around your piercings. Consult with your piercer or dermatologist to determine if switching to hypoallergenic or alternative jewellery options, such as titanium or surgical stainless steel, might be necessary.
18. Be cautious with new piercings during travel: If you plan to travel shortly after getting a new piercing, taking extra precautions is essential. Remember that travel environments, such as airports, public transportation, or hotel pools, can expose your piercing to bacteria and other contaminants. Be vigilant about cleaning your piercings, avoid touching them with unwashed hands, and consider carrying a travel-sized saline solution or aftercare product for convenience.

Proper skin care for piercings involves a combination of cleanliness, gentle care, and patience.