Noah Sinclair
Nail polish has been a popular cosmetic product for decades, with millions of people using it daily. With such widespread use, it is essential to understand the potential health implications, including whether nail polish remover can harbor bacteria. While nail polish is generally considered safe, there have been concerns about the potential for bacterial growth, especially in communal settings such as salons. This topic has gained attention, leading to several studies investigating the presence of bacteria in nail polish and its potential impact on consumers and salon workers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Does nail polish remover harbor bacteria? | No, nail polish products do not harbor microbes. |
| Types of nail polish | Classic, hybrid, gel |
| Classic nail polish | Painted onto the nail plate, usually in multiple coats, and then air-dried. |
| Hybrid nail polish | Applied and removed the same way as regular polish, but is intended to be longer-lasting. |
| Gel nail polish | Painted on and then "cured" under a lamp, which dries and hardens the polish almost instantly. |
| Gel nail removal | Soaking in acetone, and aggressive buffing, scraping, and peeling of polish, which can injure the nail plate. |
| Acrylic nails | May become a reservoir for bacteria, fungi, and viruses. |
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What You'll Learn
Solvent-based nail polishes prevent bacterial contamination
While there is limited information on whether nail polish remover itself can harbour bacteria, the use of solvent-based nail polishes can play a role in preventing bacterial contamination. Standard nail polishes are a type of solvent-based nail polish, and studies have shown that they can help reduce bacterial burden.
Standard nail polishes are a polymer dissolved in a solvent. During the drying process, the solvent evaporates, and the polymer hardens. One study found that standard nail polishes, along with natural nails, showed reductions in bacterial burden after hand hygiene. This was not the case for gel polishes, which did not show a reduction in bacterial burden.
Another study found that standard nail polishes were associated with a significantly higher bacterial burden than gel polishes from day 4 onwards after application. However, standard nail polishes showed a lower bacterial burden than gel polishes and unpolished nails on day 21.
The use of standard nail polishes may be more amenable to hand hygiene practices than gel polishes. This is because gel polishes are cured under a UV lamp, which hardens the polish almost instantly. The removal process for gel polishes can also be destructive to nails, as it involves soaking in acetone and aggressive buffing, scraping, and peeling of the polish.
While solvent-based nail polishes can help reduce bacterial burden, it is important to note that all nail types, including natural nails, standard nail polishes, and gel polishes, become more contaminated with bacteria over time. Therefore, it is recommended to take intermittent breaks from nail polish and to keep nails and cuticles well-moisturised between manicures.
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Water-based nail polishes require preservatives
Water-based nail polishes are often embraced by beauty brands looking to market a cleaner product, aiming to reduce the number of chemicals and odours in the polishes. Water-based nail polishes use water as the main ingredient in the polish base, rather than an oil or chemical solvent. However, water-based nail polishes can only claim to be "water-based" if at least 51% of the solvents they contain are water.
Water-based nail polishes are not necessarily safer than other types of nail polishes. All nail polishes can be safe to use. The solvent "water" is used to replace other solvents, and the thickeners and other ingredients must be water-soluble. Water is a powerful solvent and can dissolve more things than any other solvent.
Unless specially packaged and sealed in airtight containers, any water-based cosmetics need some sort of preservative to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi. Preservatives help ensure that such products are safe for use. For example, formaldehyde is a preservative that has been recognised by the National Cancer Institute as a potential cancer-causing substance. It is also among the most common substances that cause allergic contact dermatitis.
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Gel nail polish removal can be damaging
While gel nail polishes are a popular choice for their longevity and glossiness, the removal process can be damaging to the nails. The process involves soaking nails in acetone, a harsh chemical that can dry out and damage the nail plate, cuticles, and the skin around the nails. The longer the nails are soaked in acetone, the more damaging it is, and the longer it takes for the nails to recover.
The use of metal tools, such as cuticle pushers or orange wood sticks, to scrape and peel off the gel polish can also injure the nail plate and cause white spots. This can be avoided by using a coarse nail file to gently remove the gel polish that has started to peel, crack, bubble, or burst after soaking in acetone. However, filing the nails excessively or aggressively can also cause damage.
To minimize damage, some people opt to let their nails grow out and clip them once the gel polish has grown out. This process can take about six months for fingernails and 12 to 18 months for toenails. It is important to resist the urge to pick or scrape off the gel polish during this process.
Additionally, the use of gel nail polish remover products can be a gentler alternative to traditional acetone removal. These products require fewer tools and take less time, resulting in less potential damage to the nails. However, it is important to follow the instructions carefully and avoid getting the remover on the surrounding skin.
Overall, while gel nail polish can provide a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing manicure, it is important to be cautious during the removal process to prevent damage to the nails and surrounding skin.
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Acrylic nails are not recommended for healthcare workers
Several studies have found that acrylic nails harbor more bacteria than natural nails, and the bacterial burden increases over time. This is because acrylic nails create a conducive environment for bacteria, fungi, and viruses to thrive, especially when communal jars of powder are used for multiple clients in salons. The harsh removal process for acrylic nails, similar to that of gel nails, can also damage the nail plate and cuticle, creating further opportunities for bacterial growth.
Additionally, hand hygiene practices are crucial in healthcare settings, and acrylic nails can interfere with effective handwashing and sanitizing. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is commonly used between patient contact, and studies have shown that hand hygiene with alcohol hand gel reduced bacteria on natural nails and nails with standard polish but did not mitigate bacteria on gel-manicured nails. The World Health Organization (WHO) prohibits artificial nails and extenders for all healthcare workers, while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises against artificial nails, particularly for providers who come in direct contact with high-risk patients.
Furthermore, long fingernails, including artificial nails, can pose safety risks for both patients and healthcare workers. Longer nails can harbor more dirt and bacteria, increasing the potential for infection transmission. They can also tear gloves, scratch or gouging patients during movement or positioning, and hinder the effectiveness of pulse oximetry readings.
For these reasons, acrylic nails are not recommended for healthcare workers, and many hospitals and healthcare centers have adopted policies prohibiting artificial nails and certain manicures.
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$5.5
Nail polish removal before dermatologist appointments
It is recommended that you remove your nail polish before visiting a dermatologist so that they can examine your nails. This is because all nail types, including natural nails, nail polish, and gel polish, can become contaminated with bacteria over time. Acrylic nails, in particular, tend to harbor more bacteria than natural nails, and their removal process can be harsh on the nails, similar to gel polish.
To safely remove gel nail polish at home, follow these steps provided by dermatologist Dr. Lipner:
- Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to each cuticle and the surrounding skin to protect your skin from the acetone.
- Cut cotton balls or strips to the size of each nail. Using cotton that is roughly the same size as each nail reduces the risk of getting acetone on your skin, which can be irritating and damaging.
- Soak each piece of cotton in acetone and place them on top of the respective nails, wrapping them with plastic food wrap to create a tight seal. Avoid wrapping too tightly, as this may cut off circulation.
- Leave the plastic wrap on for about 10 minutes.
- Remove the plastic wrap and gently rub off any remaining polish with a wet washcloth, being careful to only rub the nail and not the surrounding skin.
- Wash your hands or feet with mild, fragrance-free soap and water to remove the acetone.
- Apply petroleum jelly to your cuticles and the skin around your nails daily for seven days to reduce any irritation caused by the acetone.
Additionally, it is important to keep your nails and cuticles well-moisturized between manicures. While cuticle-trimming is common in salon manicures, cutting cuticles too short can lead to fungal or bacterial infections. Instead, apply oil around the cuticle area to help moisturize the nail and reduce the chances of splitting or cracking.
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Frequently asked questions
No, nail polish remover is often an organic solvent with added scents and colours, and acts as a hostile environment for pathogens, preventing microbial contamination.
Nail polish remover is a solution used to remove nail polish. The classic and most recognised remover is acetone.
Exposure to substances such as acetonitrile found in removers may have toxic and caustic effects, especially if ingested. Compounds in nail polish remover can also become aerosolized and lead to asthma, eye and throat irritation, and neurocognitive changes.
There are alternative methods to removing nail polish, such as using an electric file, but these can be damaging to the nail plate and cuticle.
Sanitation is a major concern. Communal jars of powder may be used for multiple people, which could become a reservoir for bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
