Nail paints can harm your nails and skin too, a dermatologist explains how
We always try to look better but sometimes in the process we end up harming ourselves. In this article, learn about the harmful effects of excessive use of nail paint on nails and ways to prevent them to enhance the beauty of your hands.
Perhaps you love the beauty of your smooth, polished nails, but you often look at your nails and wonder: Does nail polish have any harmful effects? Are nails healthier without polish? Usually, the answer is yes — but that doesn’t mean you should steer clear of nail polish forever. Here’s how nail polish can affect the health of your nails and skin.
There are different types of nail paints
Nowadays women use many types of nail paints, these nail paints available in different colors are available in the market from many companies and bases. There are many different types of nail polish available in the market. You can apply nail polish to natural or artificial nails. Here are the types of nail polish:
1. Traditional nail polish
This is applied in several coats and air dries. It can be easily removed with an acetone-based nail polish remover. This is the type most people apply at home.
2. Gel Polish
A salon technician applies it to the nail, then cures it under a lamp so it dries almost instantly.
3. Powder dip polish
A technician applies a glue-like polish and then dips the nail in acrylic powder. A liquid is then applied that forms a hard coating.
Is nail polish harmful for nails?
Dr. Vijay Singhal, Senior Consultant, Dermatologist, Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, Delhi says that “If you do not use nail polish carefully, you may develop a variety of skin and health problems.
Some nail polishes contain formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and other harshly reactive ingredients. Regular use of nail polish can have some negative effects on nails. Here are some reasons why nail polish can be harmful to nails:
- Continuously applying nail polish can make nails weak and fragile. It can reduce nail growth.
- Some nail polishes contain ingredients that can absorb moisture from the nails, increasing dryness.
- Some people may be allergic to the chemicals in nail polish, which can cause itching, redness, burning, or swelling.
- Applying nail polish for a long time can cause yellowing of nails and discoloration of skin.
- When nail polish come in contact with skin can cause skin problems. Such as skin cancer etc.
- Some chemicals present in nail polish can also cause hormonal imbalance.
Therefore, it is important to give nails a break from time to time and also choose good quality nail polish.
Can the harmful effects of nail polish be prevented?
Many people love manicured or painted nails. If you are one of them, here are some ways suggested by Dr. Vijay that can help avoid potential problems that may arise from them:
- Do not keep nail polish for too long after applying it once, two weeks are enough for this.
- Do not remove gel or powder dip polish yourself, removing it yourself can damage the nails. Make an appointment with a manicurist to get it removed.
- Use LED curing lights at the salon; these cure nails quicker than UV lights, so your hands need to be exposed to the light for less time.
- Save nail polish for special occasions, avoid using it on a daily basis.
- Give your nails time to heal themselves. And avoid using nail polish for some time.
- Use brands with fewer chemicals, choose nail paints that contain fewer toxins.
- Apply sunscreen on your hands while you are applying gel polish, which has SPF 30 or higher. This will help prevent skin cancer and premature skin aging.
- Clean the nails before applying nail paint, let the nail paint dry thoroughly, use nail remover to remove the nail paint.
- Never let the technician cut your cuticles. They work to protect your nails and surrounding skin from infection. You can gently push back your cuticles yourself after a shower, when they are softer.
- Do not dip your entire fingers or hands directly into acetone. At home, you can use cotton balls for traditional nail polish removal.
- Small cuts on your skin can allow bacteria to enter and cause infection. If you shave before a pedicure, this can increase the risk of infection.
- Use cream or petroleum jelly to moisturize them after removing the polish.
Along with this, you should also keep in mind that if you are using nail paint and you are facing any kind of problem like itching, burning sensation in the hands, or pain in the skin around the nails, swelling etc., then immediately consult a doctor.
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