Isla Bennett
The use of nail polish and gel polish has become increasingly popular in recent years, with the development of longer-lasting polish techniques. However, the question of whether these polishes are harmful to nail health remains. The effects of nail polish on nails vary depending on the type of polish used and the chemicals included. While modern gel polish formulas alone are virtually harmless, the tools and techniques used to apply and remove them can cause nail damage. Similarly, while regular nail polish may be safer, certain chemicals and excessive use can lead to negative health effects. Therefore, it is important to understand the potential risks associated with different types of nail polish and take necessary precautions to ensure nail health.
How unhealthy are nails with gel polish or nail polish?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Removal process | Can be destructive to nails. Involves soaking in acetone, aggressive buffing, scraping, and peeling of polish, which can injure the nail plate. |
| Long-term use | May result in severe brittleness and dryness of the nails. |
| UV exposure | Curing lamps emit ultraviolet radiation, which is a known cause of cellular damage, premature skin aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. |
| Sanitation | Communal jars of powder can be a reservoir for bacteria, fungi, and viruses. |
| Nail health | Gel polish can cause temporary nail damage, such as cracking, peeling, white spots, and grooves. It can also lead to an overall weakening of the nail plate. |
| Cuticle care | Cutting or pushing cuticles can lead to inflammation and infection. |
| Nail maintenance | Moderation and spacing out manicures are key to maintaining nail health. Rehydrating nails with a moisturizing product can minimize brittleness and help prevent chipping. |
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Removal of gel polish
Removing gel nail polish can be a tricky process, and it is important to take extra care to prevent damage to your nails. There are a few methods you can use to remove gel nail polish at home, but it is worth noting that the removal process can be time-consuming and may require some common household items or specific products.
The first method is to let your nails grow out. This is a slow process and can take up to six months for fingernails and 12 to 18 months for toenails. During this time, you can clip your nails once a week to help remove the gel nail polish and prevent your nails from catching on things. It is important to resist the urge to pick, peel, or scrape off the polish, as this can damage your nails.
The second method involves using acetone, which is an effective way to remove gel nail polish at home. First, protect your work area by lining it with plastic wrap and placing a thick towel on top, as acetone can damage surfaces. It is also recommended to work on one hand at a time and to choose a well-ventilated area due to the strong smell of acetone. Cut ten squares of aluminum foil, big enough for each fingertip, and ten pieces of cotton ball or pad that fit just the nail bed of each nail. Then, follow these steps:
- Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to each cuticle and the surrounding skin to protect them from the acetone.
- Use a coarse nail file to file down the gel top coat until it is no longer shiny and smooth.
- Soak the pieces of cotton in acetone and place them on top of your nails.
- Wrap each nail with plastic food wrap, ensuring a tight seal to prevent dripping.
- Leave the plastic wrap on for about 10 minutes.
- Remove the plastic wrap and gently rub off any remaining polish with a warm, wet washcloth, being careful to only rub the nail and avoid the surrounding skin.
- Wash your hands with gentle soap and water to remove any remaining acetone.
As an alternative to the traditional acetone method, you can use a gel nail polish remover, which is faster, requires fewer tools, and is less damaging to your nails. Simply follow the product's instructions, and always remember to be gentle with your nails during the removal process.
It is important to note that the UV or LED lights used to cure gel nail polish emit UV radiation, which has been linked to premature skin aging and an increased risk of skin cancer. Additionally, the tools used for gel nail polish application and removal can cause damage if they are not properly sterilized, as there is a risk of fungal or bacterial infections. Therefore, it is recommended to space out gel manicures and give your nails a rest to maintain their health.
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UV exposure
UV nail lamps are used to dry nail polish or to harden/fix artificial nails. They are only used for a few minutes at a time but leave long-lasting effects after repeated exposure. The UV intensity penetrating the skin from nail lamps is comparable to tanning beds, which are known to cause melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer.
Nail lamps emit unknown levels of UV-A light and potentially small amounts of UV-B light, exposing a manicure client's hands and fingers to harm. UV-A light is a known cause of cellular damage, ageing, and an increased risk of skin cancer. The Washington Post reported on a study that showed long wavelengths of UV-A light from UV nail dryers can damage DNA and cause mutations in human cells that increase the risk of skin cancer.
The UV exposure from nail lamps is concentrated and rapidly reaches an unnaturally high level at each exposure. Damage accumulates when exposure to artificial UV light becomes routine. Patients have reported receiving blistering sunburns on their hands after salon visits for gel nails. In the US, no agency evaluates, standardizes, or certifies the UV intensity emitted from nail lamps used in spas and salons. There is a significant lack of consistency in the UV intensity emitted from nail lamps, attributed to different brands, bulb wattages, and the number of bulbs per device.
To protect against UV exposure during gel manicures, it is recommended to apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands before your appointment. This will help protect your skin from UV radiation. Another option is to wear dark, opaque gloves with the fingertips snipped off before your nail polish is applied.
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Nail damage
During the preparation stage, the use of an electric file or excessive buffing can thin and damage the nail plate. It is recommended to avoid electric buffing and aggressive buffing, as this can weaken the nail. Instead, gentle buffing and manual filing can help smooth out any damage without causing further issues. Additionally, cuticle clipping and cuticle pushing should be avoided as they can also damage the nail and surrounding skin.
The application of nail polish, especially gel nail polish, can lead to temporary and long-term nail damage. The curing process of gel nail polish involves UV exposure, which can increase the risk of skin cancer and cause cellular damage and aging. To minimize UV exposure, it is recommended to use LED lamps, apply sunscreen before curing, or wear fingerless gloves during the process. Additionally, the use of a bonding polish or resin containing chemicals similar to those in superglue can further enhance the adverse effects.
The removal process of nail polish, especially gel nail polish, is often the most destructive stage. Soaking nails in acetone, aggressive buffing, scraping, and peeling of polish can severely injure the nail plate, making it prone to brittleness, peeling, and splitting. It is crucial to use a mild nail polish remover and be patient and gentle during removal. Soaking the nails in acetone and using minimal scrubbing or a hand file can help reduce the risk of damage. Additionally, the use of orange sticks or plastic cuticle pushers instead of metal tools is recommended if additional tools are necessary.
To minimize and prevent nail damage, it is essential to choose nail polishes without acetone or with low acetone content. Applying a base coat can act as a protective barrier between the nail and the nail polish, reducing direct contact with solvents. Regular application of moisturizing nail care products, such as nail oils or creams, can also help counteract drying and maintain nail health and flexibility. Additionally, allowing nails to rest for a few days between polishes and regularly moisturizing cuticles can promote healthier nails.
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Sanitation
The removal process of gel nail polish can also be damaging to the nails if not done carefully. Gel polish should not be peeled or picked off, as this can result in peeling layers of the nail plate and lead to brittleness. Instead, it is recommended to soak only your fingertips in acetone or to use cotton balls soaked in acetone and wrapped in aluminium foil to remove the polish. This ensures that only your nails come into contact with the acetone.
It is important to space out gel manicures and allow time for your nails to recover. In between gel manicures, you can apply a moisturising product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles to minimise brittleness and help prevent chipping.
To ensure proper sanitation when getting a gel manicure, it is recommended to ask your manicurist if their tools are sterilised and cleaned after each client. You should also avoid letting your manicurist push or cut your cuticles, as this can lead to inflammation and infection.
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Nail rehydration
While gel manicures can be a great way to achieve long-lasting, chip-free nails, they can also be destructive to your nails. The removal process involves soaking nails in acetone and aggressive buffing, scraping, and peeling of polish, which can severely damage the nail plate, causing brittleness and dryness. Therefore, it is important to take steps to rehydrate and care for your nails in between gel manicures.
One way to rehydrate your nails is to apply a moisturising product several times daily. This will help to minimise brittleness and prevent your nails from chipping. Look for products that contain moisturising ingredients such as petroleum jelly, oils (jojoba, olive, avocado, flaxseed), or ointments (foot ointment, Kerasal). These products can be applied directly to the nails and cuticles, and some can even be used as a hot oil treatment for the nail beds. It is recommended to oil your nails after every hand wash, shower, or exposure to water, and to use a thicker ointment or cream at night. Additionally, consider wearing gloves when washing dishes or performing other household chores that involve water, as this can help protect your nails from excessive water exposure, which can weaken their structure and ability to retain hydration.
Another way to promote nail rehydration is to exfoliate your nails regularly. Think of your nail cells like overlapping tiles on a roof; because they are dead, they can become separated and peel or lift up. Exfoliation helps to remove these dead cells and promote the growth of new, healthy cells, resulting in stronger and more hydrated nails.
Finally, it is important to be mindful of the tools and techniques used during the manicure process. Before getting a gel manicure, ask your manicurist if their tools are sterilised, and ensure that they are cleaning and disinfecting the tools after each client. Additionally, remind your manicurist to avoid aggressive buffing (especially electric buffing) and forceful scraping of the nail plate during the removal process. Instead, opt for a gentle, soak-off removal method using acetone, followed by a hand file to remove any remaining gel polish.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, gel nail polish can be bad for your nails. The removal process can be destructive to nails, as it involves soaking in acetone, aggressive buffing, scraping, and peeling of polish, which can injure the nail plate. However, if done carefully, gel polish removal can prevent nail damage.
To remove gel nail polish without damaging your nails, you should soak your fingertips in acetone or use cotton balls soaked in acetone and wrapped in aluminium foil. Avoid forcefully scraping, aggressive buffing, or peeling off the gel polish, as this can cause damage to your nails.
The curing process of gel nail polish involves exposure to UV or LED light, which has been linked to premature skin aging and an increased risk of skin cancer. Additionally, the tools used to apply and remove gel nails can cause bacterial or fungal infections if they are not properly sterilized.
To protect your nails, it is recommended to space out gel manicures and allow time for your nails to recover. You should also avoid cutting or pushing your cuticles, as this can lead to inflammation and infection. Instead, moisturize your hands and nails and apply cuticle oil daily to keep the nail strong underneath the gel.
Yes, there are several alternatives to gel nail polish, including traditional nail polish, peel-off polish, gel-effect polish, and non-toxic natural nail polish. These options may be more gentle on your nails and reduce the risk of nail damage.
