Side Effects of Wearing Copper Bracelet
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here.
Copper is often used as an accessory rather than worn as jewelry, commonly seen in the form of bracelets, rings and various fashion accessories. This preference is due to copper’s reputation as an excellent conductor of electricity and heat, leading many to believe it contains significant energy and possesses healing properties.
People wear copper for its notable properties, including its shiny metallic luster and its ability to serve as an effective energy carrier. Furthermore, its resistance to corrosion is both an advantage and a potential drawback, which will be discussed later in this article. Additionally, copper is an essential element found in the human body. While wearing copper bracelet offers numerous benefits, there are also certain disadvantages that, though not inherently negative, may impact individuals differently.
Regular wear of copper items can potentially affect individuals. Excessive copper buildup beneath the skin can lead to toxicity. Moreover, the appearance of green or blue stains on the skin can occur due to absorption of oxidized copper into the bloodstream. Elevated copper levels in the bloodstream may disrupt mineral balance, potentially overshadowing other essential minerals. When selecting copper bracelets, caution should be exercised, as some may contain impurities, such as lead and tin, which could be harmful to the skin.
What Attracts People to Wear Copper?
Copper, while not considered a rare or expensive mineral, possesses remarkable properties that find extensive utility across multiple industries, including health and beauty. Let’s explore some of these noteworthy attributes.
Advantages of Wearing a Copper Bracelet
1. Copper is Lustrous: Copper is celebrated for its dazzling luster, which makes it highly appealing in various applications. When polished, this metal exhibits a radiant, reddish-brown shine, adding aesthetic value to copper bracelets, rings and other accessories or decorative items.
2. Copper is Resistant to Corrosion: Copper boasts a remarkable non-corrosive property that sets it apart in the world of metals. When exposed to the elements, copper forms a protective layer, known as a patina, which shields it from rust and corrosion. This inherent resistance to decay makes copper bracelet an ideal choice to wear on skin and helps maintain their integrity over time.
3. Anti-Inflammatory: Copper is thought to possess anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate joint pain and arthritis. Wearing copper jewelry, such as bracelets or rings, is believed to facilitate the absorption of copper through the skin and reduce inflammation.
4. Detoxification: Copper is an essential trace mineral required for various biochemical processes including natural detoxification. Copper itself does not act as a detoxifying agent. However, copper does play a role in the body’s natural antioxidant defense system, which indirectly contributes to detoxification processes.
5. Helps in Blood Circulation: Copper is a vital essential mineral for the human body. Its presence in the bloodstream plays a crucial role in maintaining balanced oxygen levels, which in turn contributes to improved blood circulation.
Downsides of Wearing a Copper Bracelet
While wearing a copper bracelet can offer various benefits, it’s important to acknowledge that, like most things, it also has some potential drawbacks. These drawbacks, however, tend to be relatively minor and may only manifest in extreme conditions. Overall, copper is considered safe to wear on the skin. Let’s delve into some of these minor flaws.
1. Copper Toxicity: Excessive copper buildup beneath the skin can lead to copper toxicity. Over time, the copper from the bracelet can leach into the skin, and when it accumulates in the body, it can cause a range of health issues.
2. Skin Stains: The absorption of oxidized copper into the bloodstream can result in the appearance of green or blue stains on the skin. This not only affects the aesthetic aspect but also suggests that copper is being absorbed into the body in amounts that may not be safe.
3. Mineral Imbalance: Elevated copper levels in the bloodstream may disrupt the body’s mineral balance. Copper competes with other essential minerals such as zinc and iron for absorption, potentially overshadowing these vital nutrients. This mineral imbalance can have detrimental effects on overall health and well-being.
4. Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may be allergic to copper or develop sensitivity to it over time. Wearing a copper bracelet can lead to skin irritation, rashes, or allergic reactions in such cases.
5. Unproven Health Benefits: While copper bracelets are often marketed as having various health benefits, scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited. The potential downsides, as mentioned, are more well-documented than the positive effects.
How Maintenance is Significantly Helpful?
Maintaining and caring for copper bracelets is very essential to preserve their appearance and durability over time. Maintenance also helps to minimize its negative effects. Copper tends to tarnish when exposed to air and moisture, but with proper care, you can keep your copper bracelet looking its best. Here are some maintenance and care tips:
1. Cleaning: Regularly clean your copper bracelet using a mild copper cleaner or a homemade solution of lemon juice and salt. Gently rub the tarnished areas, rinse with water, and dry thoroughly. It also helps to get rid of skin stains by limiting copper decomposition on skin.
2. Polishing: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to polish your copper bracelet after cleaning. This will restore its shine and remove any toxic impurities.
3. Avoid water contact: Remove your copper bracelet before activities that involve water, such as swimming, showering, or washing dishes. Moisture can accelerate tarnishing.
4. Wear frequently: If you wear your copper bracelet regularly, the natural oils from your skin can help protect it and maintain its shine.
5. Use coated copper: Some copper bracelets come with protective coatings or plating. These can help reduce tarnishing and make maintenance easier.
6. Contain when not used: To prevent tarnish, store your copper bracelet in an airtight bag or container when you’re not wearing it. This will help minimize its exposure to air and moisture.
Choosing the Best Copper Bracelet
Choosing the right copper bracelet is essential to ensure that you get the best quality and potential health benefits. Here are some guidelines to help you select the right copper bracelet:
1. Design, Fit and Size: Despite our aim to minimize potential health concerns associated with copper bracelets, size and design remain primary considerations, as a well-fitted bracelet with an attractive design is typically the first aspect people take into account.
2. Purity of Copper: Look for bracelets made from pure copper (99.9% copper content) to maximize potential health benefits. Avoid those with lower copper content or copper-plated options.
3. Epoxy Coating: Some copper bracelets come with coatings or plating to prevent tarnishing. This can make maintenance easier and protect the skin from direct contact with copper. These coatings may include materials like lacquer, epoxy, or even silver or gold plating.
4. Craftmanship: Be diligent in checking that the inner lining of the bracelet is smooth and well-finished, as a rough surface can cause uncomfortable skin scratches. Such scratches can potentially raise the likelihood of copper accumulation beneath the skin, which is why it’s essential to avoid purchasing thin bracelets with sharp edges. Selecting a bracelet with a polished and gentle inner surface can enhance your comfort and overall experience while wearing it.
5. Return policy: Since some individuals may be allergic to certain types of copper, it’s advisable to review the seller’s return policy carefully. Having the option to return or exchange the bracelet can be valuable if it fails to meet your expectations or if you experience any discomfort while wearing it.
My Personal Experience
I’ve been wearing copper bracelets for the past two years. The one I have on now is actually my third. Thanks to their affordable prices, I’ve been able to switch them out quite often.
Up until now, my experience with copper bracelets has been positive. I haven’t encountered any allergic issues during this time. The only downside, in my opinion, is the green tarnish that can develop on my hand. Other than that, I find them trendy and quite comfortable to wear.
I make it a routine to clean and polish my bracelet every three days. Just to let you know, my bracelet doesn’t have epoxy coating. However, I’d strongly suggest going for a coated one if it’s an option for you. The only thing is, I prefer simple designs, and at the store where I bought my bracelets, I couldn’t find plain designs in the coated ones. Most of the coated ones are quite intricately designed. If you want to steer clear of green stains on your skin, I’d recommend going with a coated one.
Final Verdict
Copper bracelets have garnered attention for their potential benefits and unique attributes, but they also come with certain considerations. On the positive side, copper’s lustrous appearance and resistance to corrosion make it an attractive accessory choice. Some individuals believe that wearing copper may alleviate joint pain and inflammation, improve blood circulation, and contribute to the body’s natural detoxification processes.
However, it’s crucial to be aware of potential downsides. Excessive copper buildup beneath the skin can lead to toxicity, causing health issues. The appearance of green or blue stains on the skin may occur due to oxidized copper absorption. Elevated copper levels in the bloodstream can disrupt mineral balance, overshadowing essential nutrients. Some people may also experience allergic reactions to copper.
While copper bracelets are often marketed for their health benefits, scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited. It’s important to approach these claims with a degree of skepticism and consult with a healthcare professional if you have specific health concerns.
Proper maintenance can help mitigate some of these issues, including regular cleaning and choosing well-finished designs that minimize the risk of skin scratches. Some individuals may find that epoxy-coated copper bracelets offer added protection against tarnishing and skin contact.
In making a choice, factors such as purity, design, and fit are essential. While copper bracelets can be a fashionable and potentially beneficial accessory, it’s crucial to weigh their advantages against the potential disadvantages and make an informed decision that aligns with your preferences and needs.
