Body Piercing Guides from Skin Metals Jewelry

Body piercings are a popular form of self-expression, offering a wide variety of styles and placements throughout the body. Whether you're considering your first piercing or expanding your collection, understanding common piercing types and proper aftercare can help you make informed decisions and support a healthy healing process.

PIERCING TYPES & PLACEMENTS

Ear Piercings

Ear piercings are among the most popular and versatile piercing styles. Common placements include the lobe, helix, tragus, conch, and industrial piercings. Each location offers unique jewelry options ranging from studs and hoops to barbells and decorative pieces.

Nose Piercings

Nose piercings are available in several styles, including nostril, septum, and bridge piercings. Nose jewelry ranges from simple studs and hoops to statement pieces designed to complement your personal style.

Lip & Facial Piercings

Facial piercings include labret, Monroe, Medusa, Ashley, vertical labret, and eyebrow piercings. These placements allow for a wide variety of jewelry styles while creating a unique and individualized look.

Tongue Piercings

Tongue piercings are commonly placed through the center of the tongue and are typically worn with barbells. Proper aftercare is especially important during the healing process.

Body Piercings

Body piercings include navel (belly button), nipple, and surface piercings. These piercings are available in a variety of jewelry styles and are often chosen to complement individual anatomy and personal style.

PIERCING CARE

Proper aftercare is essential for healthy healing and long-term comfort.

Clean Regularly

Clean your piercing with a sterile saline solution or piercing aftercare spray as recommended by your piercer. Always wash your hands before touching your jewelry or piercing.

Avoid Touching

Avoid touching, twisting, or rotating your jewelry unnecessarily during the healing process. Excessive handling may cause irritation and prolong healing.

Follow Healing Times

Healing times vary depending on the piercing location and individual factors. Even if a piercing appears healed on the outside, internal tissue may still be healing.

Avoid Pools & Hot Tubs

Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, rivers, and oceans during the healing process whenever possible. These environments may introduce bacteria and other irritants to a healing piercing.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long do piercings take to heal?

Healing times vary depending on the piercing location, your body's healing process, and how well aftercare instructions are followed. Earlobe piercings typically heal within 6–8 weeks, while cartilage piercings such as helix, tragus, and conch may take 6–12 months. Navel, nipple, and surface piercings can also require several months to fully heal. Even if a piercing appears healed on the outside, internal tissue may still be healing.

What jewelry material is best for piercings?

Implant-grade titanium is one of the most popular choices because it is lightweight, durable, biocompatible, and less likely to cause irritation. High-quality surgical steel is also commonly worn and offers excellent durability and shine. Choosing high-quality jewelry can help improve comfort and reduce the risk of irritation over time. Titanium and surgical steel are among the most widely used materials in body jewelry.

When can I change my jewelry?

It is generally recommended to wait until your piercing is fully healed before changing jewelry. Changing jewelry too early may cause irritation, prolong healing, or introduce bacteria into the piercing channel. Healing times vary by piercing type, so if you are unsure, consult a professional piercer before switching jewelry.

How do I know what size jewelry I need?

Jewelry sizing depends on the piercing location, gauge (thickness), and wearable length or diameter. Common sizes vary by piercing type. If you already wear jewelry, compare your current measurements or visit our Body Jewelry Gauge Chart & Size Guide to view common gauge sizes and millimeter conversions.

What are the most common piercing gauges?

Body jewelry is measured using gauge sizes, which indicate the thickness of the jewelry. Common sizes include 20G and 18G for nose piercings, 16G for cartilage, tragus, helix, and labret piercings, and 14G for belly button rings, nipple barbells, and tongue jewelry. Lower gauge numbers indicate thicker jewelry. Body jewelry is commonly measured using both gauge and millimeter sizing systems.

Can I swim with a new piercing?

It is best to avoid pools, lakes, oceans, and hot tubs while a piercing is healing. These environments may expose a new piercing to bacteria, chemicals, and other irritants that can increase the risk of irritation or infection. If water exposure cannot be avoided, clean the piercing afterward with sterile saline solution.

Can I use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on my piercing?

Alcohol and hydrogen peroxide are generally not recommended for piercing aftercare because they can dry out and irritate healing tissue. Most professional aftercare routines favor sterile saline solution and gentle cleaning instead. Proper aftercare helps support the body's natural healing process while reducing unnecessary irritation.