Sophia Delgado
Keratin granules can cause nails to become chalky and discoloured. This can be caused by nail polish trapping moisture and changing the natural hydration balance of the nails. To remove keratin from nails, it is recommended to take a break from nail polish and allow nails to recover. This can be supported by hydrating nails with strengthening oils or creams containing ingredients such as vitamin E, jojoba oil, or keratin proteins. Additionally, gentle urea-based creams can be used to hydrate nails, and a nail buffer can be used to smooth the nail surface. When removing nail polish, it is advised to use an acetone-free remover to prevent further drying of the nails.
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What You'll Learn
Use an acetone-free nail polish remover
Acetone is a harsh chemical that can weaken your nails and irritate the surrounding skin. To avoid these issues, you can opt for an acetone-free nail polish remover.
One option is to use a soy-based remover. Although soy takes longer to work than acetone, it is not as harsh. Apply the remover to a cotton pad and let your nails soak in it for 30 to 45 seconds. Then, take an old toothbrush and gently scrub away the nail polish.
Another option is to use an aerosol hairspray, which contains alcohol. Soak a cotton ball in the hairspray and place it on your fingernails to soak the polish. Gently massage away the varnish after 10 to 20 seconds.
Hand sanitiser is another acetone-free alternative, as it typically contains 60% alcohol. Apply some hand sanitiser to a cotton ball and hold it against each nail for 10 seconds before rubbing the nail polish off.
Toothpaste can also be used to remove nail polish due to its ethyl acetate content. Put a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on an old toothbrush and scrub your nails. Let it sit for 10 to 15 seconds before cleaning it off with warm water.
Finally, Green Flash™ offers a gentle, acetone-free nail polish remover that is compatible with Green Flash™, Green™ and Active™ nail polishes. Soak small cotton pads in the remover and press one onto each nail. Wait for 1-2 minutes, then remove the pads one by one. The nail polish should come off with the pads.
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Apply a nail and cuticle oil
Applying a nail and cuticle oil is an important step in nail care. Oiling your nails while wearing polish helps keep the polish flexible, reducing chipping. The oil is beneficial for the exposed nail, such as the underside of the free edge, sidewalls, and any grow-out, as well as the skin around your nails.
Nails are porous and can absorb water, which pushes apart the layers of keratin and causes peeling. Well-oiled nails help repel water, preventing water from penetrating the nail plate and causing damage. Jojoba-based nail oils are highly recommended as their molecules are similar to the body's natural oils, allowing them to penetrate the nail plate and provide deeper nourishment.
Cuticle oils are essential for maintaining nail health and shine. They help prevent infections by keeping the cuticle area moisturized and free from small cuts that can allow bacteria to enter. Regularly massaging cuticle oil into the nails supports strong and healthy nail growth.
There are various cuticle oils available, such as the Margaret Dabbs oil with rose and lemon scent, infused with jojoba oil and borage seed oil. The Manucurist Green Oil and Sally Hansen cuticle oil are also popular choices, with the latter infused with vitamin E and aloe to moisturize the nail bed and prevent polish peeling.
In addition to cuticle oils, a protein base coat applied every two days is recommended to maintain nail health.
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Use a nail buffer
If you're experiencing keratin granules, which can appear as white spots or a rough surface on your nails, there are several steps you can take to address the issue. One recommended approach is to use a nail buffer. This technique involves gently buffing the surface of your nail to smoothen and reduce the appearance of keratin build-up.
When using a nail buffer, it's important to be cautious and not overdo the buffing process. Excessive buffing can weaken your nails and cause further damage. Gently and lightly buff the affected areas to gradually reduce the keratin build-up.
You can find nail buffers specifically designed for this purpose, often made with a soft, gentle material that won't damage your nails. These buffers are typically different from traditional nail files and are designed to smoothen the nail surface without causing excessive abrasion.
It's recommended to combine the use of a nail buffer with other nail care practices. For example, after buffing, you can apply a strengthening oil or cream containing ingredients like vitamin E, jojoba oil, or keratin proteins. This helps to nourish and reinforce your nails, promoting healthy growth.
Additionally, giving your nails a break from nail polish for a few weeks can be beneficial. During this time, your nails can recover and restore their natural balance. When you do use nail polish again, opt for polishes free from harsh chemicals and always use an acetone-free remover, as acetone can contribute to the formation of keratin granules by drying out the nail plate.
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Apply a strengthening oil or cream
Oiling your nails is an important step in nail care, even when wearing polish. The oil won't penetrate the polish, but it can help keep it flexible and prevent chipping. It is also beneficial for the exposed nail, such as the underside of the free edge, sidewalls, and any grow-out, as well as the skin around your nails.
There are many different types of strengthening oils and creams available for nails. Some of the key ingredients to look out for include jojoba oil, vitamin E, apricot kernel oil, avocado oil, honeysuckle, and almond oil.
Jojoba-based nail oils are highly recommended due to their molecular size. Jojoba molecules are similar to the body's natural oils, allowing them to penetrate the nail plate and be absorbed. This helps keep the layers of keratin bonded and reduces peeling. Some popular jojoba-based nail oils include Simply Pure from My Bliss Kiss and Cuticle Buddy from Shop NBM, which come in a variety of scents.
For those who prefer a luxe experience, Dior's Huile Abricot is formulated with apricot, camellia, and argan oils, as well as vitamin E. This serum hydrates cuticles and strengthens nails, and its applicator brush makes it easy to control the amount of product dispensed.
If you're looking for an affordable option, Sally Hansen's Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oil is a great choice. It has a brush-on applicator, making it easy to swipe the oil onto your fingertips and cuticles. This oil helps to strengthen thin, bendable nails and hydrates cuticles, all at a drugstore price.
In addition to these options, there are many other strengthening oils and creams available, such as the Manucurist Green Oil, Olive & June Cuticle Serum, and Deborah Lippmann's It's A Miracle Pen. Regular use of these products can help improve the health and appearance of your nails, promoting nail growth and flexibility while reducing breakage and hangnails.
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Avoid harsh chemicals
To remove keratin from nails, it's important to understand what causes keratin build-up in the first place. Keratin granules are areas of damage to the top layers of the nail, often caused by prolonged nail polish use, the use of harsh nail polish removers, or constant exposure to harsh or drying chemicals. Therefore, the first step to removing keratin from nails is to give your nails a break from nail polish. Let them breathe for a few weeks so they can recover. During this time, avoid harsh nail polish removers that contain acetone, as these will further dry out your nails. Instead, opt for acetone-free nail polish removers that are gentler on your nails.
In addition to avoiding nail polish and harsh removers, it's important to keep your nails and the surrounding skin well-moisturized. Use natural oils like coconut oil, jojoba oil, or vitamin E oil daily to hydrate and strengthen the nail surface. You can also find over-the-counter nail serums and strengtheners that contain keratin, which can help to reinforce the nail and protect it from further damage.
If you need to use products that contain harsh chemicals, such as household cleaners, it's a good idea to wear protective gloves to minimize their direct contact with your nails. This will help create a barrier between your nails and the chemicals, reducing the chances of keratin build-up.
While it may be tempting to pick or peel off nail polish, especially when it starts to lift, this can weaken your nails and make them more fragile. Instead, opt for gentle removal methods that do not require force or prolonged exposure to acetone, as this can dehydrate and damage your nails.
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Frequently asked questions
You can remove keratin from your nails by using an acetone-free nail remover. You can also try Fungisolve Nail Clarifying, which clears out keratin debris.
Keratin granules can form when nail polish traps moisture and changes the natural hydration balance of the nails.
To prevent keratin build-up, avoid leaving nail polish on for longer than 7-10 days. Allow your nails to breathe for a few weeks by not applying any nail polish.
If your nails start to thicken, hurt, or separate from the nail bed, it's time to see a dermatologist. These could be signs of a different condition that requires medical attention.
To strengthen your nails, you can apply a strengthening oil or cream with ingredients like vitamin E, jojoba oil, or keratin proteins. You can also try nail treatments such as Nail Envy and Duri's Rejuvacote.
