Isla Bennett
There is a common misconception that nails need to breathe and that nail polish prevents this from happening. This is false—nails do not have lungs and therefore do not breathe. The nail plate that comes out of the cuticle is dead tissue and is only alive underneath in an area called the nail matrix, which, along with the nail bed, receives oxygen and nutrients from the blood supply. While the nail plate is porous and can absorb moisture and natural oils, these substances are not trapped by nail polish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do nails need to breathe? | No |
| Do nails have lungs? | No |
| Do nails need a break from nail polish? | Yes |
| Do nails get nutrients from the environment? | No |
| Do nails get nutrients from the bloodstream? | Yes |
| Does nail polish with harmful chemicals penetrate the layers of the nail's keratin? | Yes |
| Does nail polish with harmful chemicals cause nail discolouration? | Yes |
| Does nail polish with harmful chemicals cause nail chipping and flaking? | Yes |
| Are nail polish removers harmful? | Yes |
| Do nail polish removers contain solvents like acetone and ethyl acetate? | Yes |
| Do nail polish removers cause nail dryness, cracks, peeling, and ridging? | Yes |
| Do nail polish removers increase the likelihood of fungal and bacterial infections? | Yes |
| Do nail polish removers cause keratin granulation? | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Nails are made of a protein called keratin
While it is commonly advised to "let your nails breathe" between manicures, this is not accurate. Nails do not have lungs, so they do not breathe. The nail plate that extends beyond the cuticle is a dead, hardened layer of cells, and it is only alive underneath in an area called the nail matrix. Nails are similar to hair in this respect.
There are 54 types of keratin in the human body, which can be divided into two types: type I and type II. Of the 54 kinds of keratins, 28 are type I, and 26 are type II. Of the type II keratins, 20 are skin cell keratins, and six are hair keratins. These consist of basic-neutral, high-weight proteins. Their basic-neutral pH helps balance type I keratins and govern cell activity.
Keratin treatments, such as Brazilian blowouts, can improve the appearance of hair by making it shiny, silky, and less frizzy. These treatments involve washing the hair with a special shampoo, applying a liquid keratin solution, blow-drying the hair, and then using a flat iron to seal the solution. However, it is important to consult a healthcare provider if you experience any side effects, such as hair loss, coughing, eye irritation, rashes, or other issues.
While nails do not breathe, the nail plate is porous. Traditional nail polishes can contain toxic ingredients such as toluene and formaldehyde, which can penetrate and stain the deeper layers of keratin, leading to discolouration, chipping, and flaking. Therefore, it is recommended to take breaks from using nail polish or artificial nails to allow the nails to repair themselves.
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The nail plate is dead tissue and does not need to breathe
The nail plate is a movable solid made of non-living keratin, a protein that forms the hard structure of nails. It is a dead, hardened layer that is alive only underneath it in an area called the nail matrix. The nail matrix, nail bed, and surrounding tissue receive oxygen and nutrients from the bloodstream, not from the air. Therefore, the nail plate does not need to breathe.
Nail technicians often recommend removing nail polish to allow the nail plate to breathe. However, this is a common misconception. Nails do not have lungs and do not require an external air supply. The nail plate can grow and thrive in a completely air-free environment as long as there is a healthy flow of blood to the nail matrix, nail bed, and surrounding tissue.
While nails do not need to breathe, they can benefit from periodic breaks from nail polish. Leaving nails unpolished allows for the examination of the natural nail and helps maintain their health. Proper application and removal techniques are also crucial, as incorrect methods can lead to damage such as surface scratching or peeling of the natural nail.
Additionally, some traditional nail polishes and removers contain harmful chemicals such as toluene, formaldehyde, acetone, and ethyl acetate, which can dry out the nails and cause cracking, peeling, and ridging. These issues can weaken the nails and make them more susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections. Therefore, taking breaks between manicures and choosing non-toxic, breathable nail polishes can help maintain nail health.
In summary, the nail plate is dead tissue that does not need to breathe. Nails receive their nourishment and oxygen from the bloodstream, not from external air. Proper nail care and the use of non-toxic products are more important for maintaining nail health than allowing them to breathe.
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Nails receive oxygen and nutrients from the blood supply
While nails do not need to "breathe", they do receive oxygen and nutrients from the blood supply. The nail plate that grows out of the cuticle is dead tissue, but the nail is alive underneath in an area called the nail matrix. This part of the nail that is still attached to the finger gets its oxygen and nutrients from the skin underneath via the blood supply.
The epidermis, or outer layer of skin, is porous and absorbs nutrients. Similarly, the nail plate is also porous, and allows water and oxygen to pass through the nail to reach the nail surface. This is why breathable nail polish is considered healthier, as it lets water and oxygen through to the nail surface and does not contain toxic ingredients that can cause nail discolouration, chipping, and flaking.
The importance of blood supply in providing oxygen and nutrients is also seen in other parts of the body, such as the articular cartilage. Articular cartilage is a type of connective tissue found at the ends of bones in synovial joints, and it does not contain blood vessels. Instead, it receives oxygen and nutrients from the blood vessels in the underlying spongy bone. This is crucial for maintaining the health of the joint.
Additionally, the clinical assessment of patients often involves measuring the concentration of oxygen in the blood using a pulse oximeter positioned along the length of the nail. While nail varnish was initially thought to interfere with these measurements, recent studies have shown that the alteration caused by nail polish is minimal and lies within the standard margin of error for pulse oximeters. Therefore, it is not necessary to remove nail varnish during emergency situations to obtain accurate oximetry measurements.
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Traditional nail polishes contain harmful chemicals
While nails do not need to breathe as they are not alive, the nail plate is porous. This means that water and oxygen can pass through the nail plate to reach the nail surface. Traditional nail polishes can contain harmful chemicals that can penetrate the layers of the nail's keratin, causing discolouration, chipping, and flaking. These polishes may contain toxins such as toluene and formaldehyde, which can be absorbed into the body through the nails and skin.
Traditional nail polishes are often labelled with terms like "three-free", indicating that they do not contain certain harmful chemicals. However, studies have shown that these polishes may still contain other toxic chemicals that can be equally dangerous. For example, one toxic chemical may be substituted with another of a similar makeup but with unknown effects. This lack of standardisation and transparency across brands makes it difficult to know exactly what is in the polish.
In addition to the nail polish itself, the removal process can also be harmful. Traditional nail polish removers often contain solvents like acetone and ethyl acetate, which can dry out and damage the nails, causing cracks, peeling, and brittleness. This can make the nails more susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections.
To avoid these potential health risks, some people opt for "non-toxic" or "breathable" nail polishes. These polishes are marketed as being free from certain toxic chemicals and allowing water and oxygen to reach the nail. However, it is important to note that the health benefits of these alternative polishes are uncertain, and they may still contain other harmful chemicals.
Overall, while nails do not need to "breathe" in the traditional sense, the use of traditional nail polishes and removers can have negative effects on nail health and potentially overall health due to the presence of harmful chemicals.
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Breathable nail polishes are healthier as they are non-toxic
While the concept of letting your nails "breathe" is a common piece of advice, it is not entirely accurate. Nails do not have lungs, so they do not technically breathe. The nail plate that grows out of the cuticle is dead tissue, and the nail is only alive underneath in the nail matrix. Therefore, the nail does not require oxygen or nutrients from the environment; instead, it receives these essentials through the bloodstream.
However, this does not mean that nail products cannot affect nail health. Traditional nail polishes and removers can contain harmful chemicals that can damage the nails and have negative health consequences. These include formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), which have been linked to issues such as respiratory problems, allergic reactions, hormone disruption, and reproductive issues. These toxic ingredients can be absorbed through the nails and into the bloodstream, causing potential long-term health problems.
Breathable nail polishes, on the other hand, are formulated to be non-toxic and often enriched with nourishing ingredients. They allow water and oxygen to pass through the polish, reaching the nail surface. This prevents waterlogging and protects your manicure from chipping, flaking, and discolouration. By eliminating toxic ingredients, breathable nail polishes offer a healthier alternative that stimulates nail growth and boosts resilience without compromising on shine or longevity.
When choosing a non-toxic nail polish, look for formulas labelled as "3-free," "5-free," or "10-free," indicating the absence of the most common harmful chemicals. Some brands go beyond these standards, offering formulas that are 13-free or more, ensuring an even safer and healthier option for your nails and overall well-being.
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Frequently asked questions
No, nails do not need to breathe as they do not have lungs. The nail plate that comes out of the cuticle is a dead, hardened layer and is only alive underneath it in an area called the nail matrix.
"Breathable" nail polish allows water and oxygen to pass through the polish to reach the nail surface. This protects the manicure from getting waterlogged and prevents flaking, chipping, or discolouration.
Traditional nail polishes may contain toxic ingredients such as toluene and formaldehyde. They can also dry out the nails, causing cracks, peeling, and ridging, and make nails more susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections.
To care for your nails, wear gloves when doing household chores and avoid biting or picking at your nails. Eat a balanced diet with vitamins and minerals to support nail health.
