Stretch It Body Jewellery
SIBJ is one of the world's leading online specialist retailers and wholesalers in ear stretching kits, plugs, aftercare and body jewellery. We have over 10 years of experience in selling high-quality, unique ear stretching jewellery providing the knowledge, expertise and tools to stretch up confidently and safely.
"Choosing the right material is more than just a preference when it comes to ear stretchers - it's a necessity for happy, healthy stretching."
On an ear stretching quest but your skin’s as sensitive as a fresh tattoo under a wool sweater? You’re in the right place. There’s an art and a science to ear gauges, especially if your skin tends to freak out at the slightest provocation. But, don’t worry. We’ve got your back (and your lobes).
In this article, we’re taking a deep dive into ear stretching with sensitive skin. And we promise to be gentle.
Discussed In This Post
Overcome the Sensitive Skin Struggle
Choosing the right material is more than just a preference when it comes to ear stretchers - it's a necessity for happy, healthy stretching. Here’s the thing. Sensitive skin doesn’t just sulk for a few hours and then get over it. Oh, no! It throws a tantrum when it’s exposed to the wrong materials. So, let's get you clued up on what’s good and what’s not for delicate ear gauges.
Surgical Steel – The Classic Choice (Most of the Time)
First on the list is surgical stainless steel. It’s the go-to for many ear stretchers because it’s sturdy, affordable, and generally safe. That said, not all surgical steel is created equal.
Some variants contain too many nasties, which can cause a nasty reaction if you’ve got a nickel or other metal allergy. For this reason, 316L surgical steel is your best bet because it’s extremely low in nickel. (It’s the only surgical steel available at SIBJ.)
Titanium - The Hypoallergenic Hero
Titanium is the platinum standard of the ear stretching world, (even though it’s not platinum, you get the idea).
It’s biocompatible, lightweight, nickel-free and three times stronger than steel. Just perfect if you’ve got sensitive skin and / or metal allergies. The only slight downside is it’s pricier than surgical steel. Although our customers with sensitive skin see it as a small price to pay to be safe than sorry.
Glass - The Smooth Operator
Glass ear stretchers are another fantastic option for sensitive skin. This is because glass is non-porous, smooth, and hypoallergenic. Plus, it’s got a completely smooth surface and comes in a variety of funky colours and designs.
The not so good news is it’s more fragile than metal. So, you need to be careful not to drop it. Furthermore, it can be a bit too heavy for ear stretching at the larger end of the scale, despite its fragility.
Materials to Avoid When Ear Stretching
Titanium, surgical steel and glass are the yes-yeses for ear stretching when you’ve got sensitive skin. So then, what are the no-nos?
Acrylic
Its kaleidoscope of colours and low price tag make acrylic a tempting option. But truthfully, it can be a nightmare for sensitive skin. Why? Well, it’s porous. This means it can harbour bacteria, leading to infections. Plus, it can cause allergic reactions. Best to steer clear.
Cheap Metals
Metals can be your BFFs or your worst enemies. It all boils down to quality. The market is flooded with low quality brass and poor grade stainless steel. And some of it is basically shite (seriously, don’t fall for sketchy brands playing fast and loose with their material claims).
For the sake of a few quid it’s better to aim high when you’re dealing with sensitive and potentially problematic ear gauges. Remember, ASTM F136 titanium or 316L steel are your golden tickets. And if you’re actually thinking about gold ear stretchers, make sure it's nickel-free and from a legit source.
Silicone
It might seem like a good choice because it’s soft and flexible. But don’t be fooled by its squidginess. Silicone earring gauges most definitely are NOT recommended for fresh stretches, because they can trap bacteria and cause infections. You might want to consider silicone once your ears are fully healed, but it’s advisable to proceed with caution.
So, that’s the lowdown in term of the most suitable (and inappropriate) materials for ear stretching delicate lobes.
But, what about weight, heavy versus light? It’s probably self-explanatory. But always worth an explanation.
The Weight Debate
It doesn’t take a genius to work out lighter jewellery is likely to go easier on sensitive skin than heftier pieces. And here’s why:
Light Materials -
Titanium and glass are comfortable lightweight options for everyday wear. The reason is simple. They exert less pressure on your lobes, which is especially important for sensitive skin.
As for the disadvantages, titanium can be a more expensive choice compared to other materials, while glass is more fragile and easier to break.
Heavy Materials -
Some heavier metals or stones are awesome and unique, but they’re best used sparingly and unsuitable for all-day wear. They can put too much pressure on your lobes and cause discomfort, thin spots or damage over time.
Now we’ve got all that covered, let’s move on to the tools of the trade. And it doesn’t get any better than ear stretching in a box.
Get the Best Ear Stretching Kit for Sensitive Stretching Success
Ready to get started? Just make sure your original piercing or last stretch is fully healed and you’re set. The process is fool-proof and pain-free when you use the best ear stretching kit (in our humble opinion) in your choice of glass, surgical steel, or titanium.
There isn’t much difference in terms of what’s included in the kits. So, it’s ultimately down to your personal preference in terms of material or price point. Or, you might just decide titanium is the best ear stretching kit for your super-sensitive skin.
Let’s take a quick look at each of them:
Titanium Dead Stretching Kit
Implant-grade titanium is your ticket to hassle-free stretching when your ear gauges are prone to throwing a wobbler.
It’s the boss of all metals - three times stronger than steel, nearly half as light, and totally biocompatible. Plus, the single flare plugs included in the kit come in tiny 0.5mm increments, making your next stretch quicker, safer, and a heck of a lot easier.
They’re polished to a smooth mirror shine, and come with a clear hypoallergenic o-ring. Perfect for fresh stretches and sensitive ears – or both, if you’ve got sensitive skin and you’re getting your first ear stretchers.
Surgical Steel Dead Stretching Kit
You’ll be stretching like a pro with the 316L surgical steel single flare plugs in this kit. Other than the metal, the kit has the same inclusions as its titanium counterpart. And thousands of folks in the ear stretching community think it’s the best ear stretching kit for both normal and sensitive skin.
Black Glass Dead Stretching Kit
This kit includes black glass single flare convex plugs for no sensitivity or stress, just stretch - a current best-seller at SIBJ!
FYI every dead stretching kit is labelled with precision and comes with a measuring card, so you don’t end up trying to force the wrong size into your ears!
In addition, pro gauge kits are available in both surgical steel and titanium options if you’ve set your mind on earring gauges past 10mm (00g).
As for the best ear stretching kit? It's down to what's important to you... price, style, ultra-sensitive skin? These factors all need to be considered when purchasing a kit.
Step-by-Step Ear Stretching for Sensitive Skin
Time to stretch? Here’s some pro tips for a comfortable and pain-free ear stretching experience:
Prepare Your Ears
First off, make sure your ears are in good shape before you even think about stretching. This might sound obvious. But clean them thoroughly with a mild soap and warm water, then pat them dry with a clean towel. After all, you want your ears to be squeaky clean, free from any pesky bacteria and causing infection.
Choose Your Starter Earring Gauges
We’ve already run though the best and worst ear stretchers for sensitive skin. But it’s worth repeating. Start with high-quality materials like titanium, surgical steel, or glass. And avoid acrylic, silicone, and cheap metals. It’s also imperative to go for a small gauge size, typically 1mm (18g) or 1.6mm (14g), when you’re preparing for your first stretch.
Lubricate those Lobes
Using a lubricant specially formulated for ear stretching, like LobeLove™ Organic Golden Jojoba Oil, helps make the process a whole lot smoother, and it's not hard to see why. This oil is a superstar, mimicking the sebum the skin naturally produces, helping to rejuvenate your skin and keep those lobes supple and hydrated.
Better still, it’s certified organic by the Soil Association, guaranteed 100% pure, natural, and cold-pressed to pack in all the goodness. And did we mention? It’s 100% vegan and cruelty-free. No animals were harmed in the making of your lobe-loving potion.
Apply a small amount to both your ear and the jewellery. Trust us, your tender ears will be singing your praises!
Insert Jewellery Gently
Never force your jewellery into your lobes. And stop immediately if you experience resistance or pain. Stretching should be a gradual process, not a race.
Monitor and Look After Your Ear Gauges
Once your jewellery is in place, keep monitoring your ears closely for any signs of irritation or infection. You can reduce the chances of anything unpleasant happening by cleaning your ears and jewellery regularly. And avoid sleeping on them to prevent pressure and irritation.
Have Patience
The number one rule of ear stretching? Patience. Stretching too quickly can lead to tears, blowouts, and infections - especially with sensitive skin. Wait at least two months between stretches to let your lobes completely heal.
Keep It Fresh
Keeping your jewellery and ears clean is vital for preventing infections, especially when your skin is sensitive and more vulnerable to nasties.
Thankfully, it quickly becomes part of your daily routine to keep everything fresh and fabulous. All it takes is:
- Washing your hands
- Cleaning your jewellery with a mild soap and warm water, or soaking it in a saline solution like LobeLove™ Professional Saline Piercing Spray for a deeper clean
- Gently cleaning your ears with a saline solution or mild soap and water
In addition, you might want to sterilise your jewellery once a month by boiling it. Just make sure it cools down completely before reinserting it.
Sensitive Ear Gauges Need Special Handling
All fresh stretches need some extra love to keep on track. It’s especially the case with sensitive skin. So, how can you love your lobes for optimum healing and readiness for their next stretch?
Daily massages are a must, preferably with a specialist ear stretching balm like Holey Butt'r, with its vegan-friendly antiseptic, moisturising and protective ingredients. Or LobeLove™ Premium Ear Stretching Balm, packed with a powerhouse blend of natural ingredients to soothe any irritation or redness, and forming a protective barrier on the skin.
These best-selling ear stretching products have the following benefits:
- Improve blood circulation
- Maintain elasticity
- Aid in healing
In addition, we’ve got a few advanced tips and tricks for sensitive skin up our sleeves:
- Avoid Sleeping on Stretched Ears – It can be challenging to adjust your sleeping habits. But sleeping on your earring gauges can cause pressure and irritation, especially for sensitive skin. Instead, try sleeping on your back. Or use a piercing pillow with a hole for you head in the middle to keep your ears pressure-free.
- Stay Hydrated - Keeping your body hydrated improves your skin’s elasticity, making the ear stretching process smoother. For this reason, drink plenty of water. And use a good moisturiser on your lobes (as we’ve already discussed above).
- Use Hypoallergenic Bedding and Pillows - Your pillowcase can harbour bacteria and irritants, causing unwelcome problems with your ear gauges. Keep your sleeping environment clean and skin-friendly by using hypoallergenic pillows, and change your bedding and pillowcase frequently.
Last Word
Using ear stretchers with sensitive skin can be a bit tricky. But it’s totally doable with the right know-how and materials. Just remember the hol(e)y trinity (pardon the pun!) of expert advice:
- Be patient
- Keep everything clean and pristine
- Choose your hypoallergenic materials wisely
Your sensitive skin will thank you with cheerful, problem-free stretches.
At Stretch It Body Jewellery, we’ve got the expertise, products, kits and jewellery to make your ear stretching adventure safe, stylish, and fun - even when you’ve got sensitive skin and it’s prone to playing up. Visit our website for all the tips, tricks, and highest quality products on the market. Your perfect stretch is just a click away!
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