Many of us cherish our engagement and wedding rings, often wearing them continuously as a testament to enduring love. However, this act of devotion might be doing us more harm than good.
Neil Dutta from Angelic Diamonds warns that keeping rings on while sleeping can lead to discomfort, allergic reactions and even infections. On top of this, there is also the possibility of damaging the ring itself as you toss and turn in bed.
Neil said: “Wearing your ring continuously, especially during sleep, creates an environment ripe for skin problems. Your ring acts like a barrier, trapping moisture, dead skin cells, and bacteria against your skin.”
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This can result in contact dermatitis, marked by red, itchy rashes, particularly for those with metal allergies. Moreover, the warm and damp conditions under the covers are ideal for fungal and bacterial growth, potentially aggravating existing skin issues, reports Surrey Live.
The expert further recommended: “By removing your ring at night, you’re allowing your skin to breathe, reducing moisture build-up, and minimising these potential health risks. Think of it as giving your finger a nightly ‘detox’ from jewellery constraints.”
Taking off your ring before bed could extend its life and maintain the health of your skin, ensuring that your symbol of love doesn’t turn into a source of discomfort over time.
Your cherished rings are not just at risk of losing their sparkle but may also face structural damage if you wear them to bed. The strain received nightly can harm the ring’s prongs and setting, potentially leading to loss of the centre stone.
The expert warned: “Wearing your ring to bed is like subjecting it to a nightly torture session. This unnecessary stress on the prongs and setting can loosen the structure holding your centre stone, dramatically increasing the risk of loss.”
He added: “In fact, I’d say as many as a third of engagement ring repairs are due to prong damage, with sleeping in your ring being a major culprit. By removing your ring before you sleep, you’re not just preserving its structural integrity – you’re safeguarding your precious memories and reducing the risk of a costly repair or stone replacement.”
To protect both the rings and the wearer’s health, experts advocate placing your ring in a secure spot at night. Though it might take some time to get used to, this preventative measure can help avoid expensive repairs and health issues over time.