:: Materials ::

Plastic ::

The use of plastics in piercings has been one of the most hotly debated topics among stretching enthusiasts. While not appropriate for fresh piercings, many plastics are okay for most healed piercings for most people. As with anything else, listen to your body, and use what is appropriate for you. In general, try for types that are less porous and more dense (or surgical grade) as they are less likely to cause reactions, and keep a few key points in mind. Hard acrylics (such as polymethyl methacrylate, aka Lucite/Plexiglas)scratch easily, and may shatter from impact (biting!) or sudden temperature changes. Also, like many other plastics, they will break down from exposure to solvents such as alcohol, ammonia, and petroleum products. Remember that Listerine and most hair products contain large amounts of alcohol, and keep petroleum-based lubes to a minimum.

More flexible plastics, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, Teflon), monofilament nylon, and Delrin can also be used in piercings. Monofilament nylon (fishing line or Weedeater cord) makes excellent discreet retainers to keep piercings open--especially useful for surgery, X-rays or pregnancy when hard or metal jewelry may be problematic. Just cut off a piece a little longer than your piercing, burn one end with a flame to melt it into a ball. Insert the non-burnt end through the piercing, and melt the other end into a ball or disk with a flame or hot knife. When you no longer need the retainer, simply cut one end with scissors and remove.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is the usual compnent of Fimo and Sculpy clays, as well as records and fetish gear. While some people are okay wearing it, it is generally more reactive than the other plastics listed above. If you do use it, make sure to bake it first (according to manufacturer's instructions), and then to coat it with a clear nail polish or polyurethane sealant. Let this dry for at least 24 hours before wearing.

If you do try wearing plastics, remember that they are all petroleum-based chemical compounds. This means they are not naturally in contact with living tissue, and are created in ways which exploit and/or destroy the environment. Plastics come from industries which are actively endangering the traditional cultures who gave us stretching to begin with. Beyond this, reactions to synthetic products often develop over time, with repeated exposure. Even if you were fine with plastics in the past, keep an eye on your piercings. At the first sign of excessive discharge, itching, swelling or heat, take them out!

Organic Products ::

Wood, bone and other natural products have been used for thousands of years as body jewelry. They come from the earth and from timeless human tradition. In wearing them, you are not only paying respects to our larger home, but to the people and cultures whose history shaped current aesthetics. However, organic jewelry will require a little more care than machine-tooled metals and plastics.

When you buy wood or bone jewelry, it has usually already been oiled and/or waxed. However, it is still a good idea to reseal the piece before wearing it, to condition the material, maintain lustre and keep moisture and bacteria out.

Most organics respond well to oils. After washing the jewelry in a non-chemical soap and drying, simply rub the jewelry down with an oil-soaked cloth and let it dry. Jojoba oil, availible at health food stores, is excellent, as it is readily integrated into body tissue and does not go bad. Grapeseed, peanut or olive oil will also work. However, food grade oils may become rancid over time or in excessive heat. So from time to time (especially in the summer), wash jewelry with a non-chemical soap and re-oil. Do not use vegetable oil.

Beeswax can also work well as a sealant, except for people with pollen allergies. Small wheels of wax are inexpensive at craft and sewing stores. Break off a small piece of beeswax, warm it in your hands, and rub it into the jewelry surfaces which will touch your skin. Wax does not condition most organic materials as deeply as oil. It also does not deepen wood color, as oil sometimes does.

Reapply wax or oil periodically, whenever jewelry surface begins to look dry. Over time, the oils will soak into your skin, conditioning it and breaking down scar tissue.

From time to time the wood grain may begin to expand, making the surface rough. When this happens, sand with a 400-grit fine sandpaper (wrap around finger to get inside curves) to remove swollen cells, then polish on a piece of cardboard. Wash with mild soap and water to remove residue. After dry, re-oil or wax, and wear. Lighter, softer grained woods may need sanding more often than darker, denser ones.

Avoid wearing wood or bone jewelry in water if possible. The more it is exposed to moisture, the more you will need to maintain it. Do wash jewelry periodically, keeping in mind that porous organic materials may act like a sponge--any chemicals you put on them will be absorbed and gradually released back into your skin. So you may want to use a mild non-chemical soap to clean them. Try glycerine or milk soap, or diluted Castille soap. Or clean them with tea tree oil if you are not allergic to it. Do not autoclave organic jewelry!!

A note on Amber ::

Amber jewelry (made from petrified tree sap) is widely prized for its warm glow and radiant beauty--both to the eye and the skin. It comes in all the colors of a sunset -- from milky white and pale yellow, to glowing orange and deep opaque red. It is particularly found near the Baltic Sea, North Africa, Southeast Asia, and Mexico, and its density and hardness depend largely on its origin. It makes great body jewelry as well, and is easily maintained.

Wash your amber as needed with a gentle soap. (Dead skin cell build-up is especially apparent on translucent jewelry.) Amber does not do well in extreme heat -- it wants to melt back into its original sap form. So remove it before sunbathing, sitting in the sauna or walking across a desert. Don't try to autoclave it. Amber that is not worn often, or especially old or porous pieces may need re-oiling periodically. Again, jojoba oil works well; other oils can also be used. If you wear it often, the oil from your skin may be enough. Beeswax is not ideal for amber -- it tends to obscure the surface.

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