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It’s important to note that skin discoloration from gold filled chains is not harmful, but can be a bit of a  nuisance. Here are a couple of the most common reasons why gold filled chains may be turning your skin black or green.

Metallic Abrasion
The most common reason for skin discoloring when wearing gold filled chains is metallic abrasion. Metallic abrasion is a result of makeup on skin or clothing. Cosmetics, lotions and perfumes often contain compounds harder than jewelry, which wear or rub off very tiny particles. Finely divided metal always appears black rather than metallic, so it looks like jet-black dust. When this dust comes into contact with absorbent surfaces such as skin or clothing, it sticks, forming a black or green smudge. To prevent this, remove chains while applying cosmetics or lotions, and clean skin areas in contact with chains with soap and water.

Corrosion
Another cause is the actual corrosion of the metals. Gold itself does not corrode, but its primary alloys of silver or copper will, forming very dark chemical compounds under moist or wet conditions. When you sweat, fats and fatty acids released can cause corrosion of gold, especially when exposed to warmth and air. This problem can worsen in seacoast and semitropical areas, where chlorides combine with perspiration to form a corrosive element that discolors skin. Smog fumes gradually attack jewelry and are evident as a tarnish that rubs off on the skin.

To prevent this, keep the area dry and remove all chains before using soaps, cleaning compounds, or detergents, and clean your jewelry frequently. As well as solving the problem, you’ll be amazed at how much better your chains will look!