Ava Monroe
Gel nail nail polish is a popular choice for those seeking a long-lasting manicure, but it's not uncommon for people to notice discolouration after a week or so. There are several reasons why gel nail polish changes colour, from exposure to sunlight and self-tanning products to chemical reactions with cleaning agents, cosmetics, and even some foods. In some cases, discolouration may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. This article will explore the various causes of gel nail discolouration and offer tips for preventing and addressing this issue.
Characteristics and possible causes of gel nail discoloration
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Exposure to sunlight | Ultraviolet rays in sunlight can cause gel nails to change color |
| Self-tanning products | Self-tanners can contain chemicals that react with gel nails, leading to discoloration |
| Smoking | Nicotine in cigarettes can stain nails, especially on the dominant hand |
| Cleaning supplies | Chemicals in cleaning products can react with gel nails, causing discoloration |
| Makeup and skincare products | Some cosmetics and skincare items contain harsh chemicals that can stain or discolor nails |
| Hair dye and bleach | Colored dyes can stain nails, while bleach can cause discoloration |
| High-acid foods | Foods with high acid content, such as tomatoes and citrus fruits, can react with gel nails |
| Spices and ingredients | Certain spices and ingredients used in cooking, like turmeric, can stain or discolor gel nails |
| Nail polish quality | Lower-quality gels tend to be more prone to discoloration and chipping |
| Overexposure to UV light | Prolonged exposure to UV light during curing or from sunlight can affect nail color |
| Medical conditions | Yellowing can indicate a fungal infection, respiratory problem, or chronic sinus infection |
| B12 deficiency | A bluish hue on the nails may suggest a B12 deficiency or lung issues |
| Trauma or injury | Red discoloration can be caused by blood appearing under the nail after trauma |
| Excessive fluoride | High levels of fluoride can lead to brown-black discoloration of the nails |
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What You'll Learn
Exposure to sunlight
To prevent discolouration caused by sunlight, it is recommended to avoid spending too much time in the sun when wearing white nail polish. Additionally, wearing gloves while outdoors can help protect nails from the sun's rays. Storing nail polish in a cool, dry place can also help prevent discolouration, as exposure to sunlight over time can cause the polish to go bad.
While it is not always possible to prevent gel nails from discolouring, there are some measures that can be taken to reduce the chances of it occurring. Using a top coat can provide a protective layer between the nail polish and the sun's rays, and help to keep the white gel colour lasting longer. It is also important to note that higher quality gels are less likely to discolour, so choosing a reputable brand or salon can make a difference.
Overall, exposure to sunlight is a common cause of gel nail discolouration, but there are some steps that can be taken to reduce the chances of it occurring or to slow down the process.
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Smoking
To prevent discolouration, it is recommended to use a high-quality, stain-resistant top coat and reapply it every few days to protect the colour and shine. Applying a regular top coat at home can also help to prevent discolouration. Using darker or more vibrant shades, such as deep reds, purples, or blues, can make stains less noticeable. Glitter polishes or gradient techniques can also be used to distract from any yellowing or stains.
To remove existing stains, there are several methods that can be used:
- Soak nails in a mixture of lemon juice, baking soda, and water to naturally bleach out yellow stains.
- For minor stains, lightly dab the affected area with isopropyl alcohol, being cautious not to overdo it to avoid drying out the nails.
- Soak nails in tea tree oil for approximately 10 minutes, repeating if necessary.
- Use denture tablets designed to whiten dentures to safely lighten yellow fingernails.
- Buff the nails lightly to remove the staining and apply a polish top coat to restore shine.
- Soak nails in hydrogen peroxide to remove staining, and then file, buff, and exfoliate the surrounding skin.
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Skincare products
In addition to skincare products, there are several other causes of gel nail discolouration. Firstly, exposure to sunlight or the use of self-tanners can cause discolouration. This is because UV light can affect the gel polish, causing it to change colour or become brittle and prone to discolouration. Similarly, spending too much time in the sun can cause the nail polish to heat up and change colour.
Another cause of discolouration is smoking. The nicotine in cigarettes can stain the nails, causing them to turn yellow or brown. This is more likely to occur on the dominant hand, as this is the hand that smokers usually hold their cigarettes with.
Additionally, certain foods and spices can stain gel nails. Foods with high acid content, such as tomatoes or citrus fruits, can react with the gel and cause discolouration. Spices such as turmeric can also stain the nails.
Finally, other chemicals and products can cause gel nails to discolour. Hair dye, for example, can stain the nails, while bleach can cause discolouration. Cleaning supplies and cosmetics can also react with the gel and cause discolouration.
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Food with high acid content
Gel nails can become discoloured due to exposure to food with high acid content. This is especially true for white gel nail polish, which can turn yellow or become discoloured shortly after application.
Foods with high acid content that can cause discolouration include tamarind, a tangy fruit used in Indian cooking. In one instance, a person's gel nail polish changed colour after they used their hands to extract tamarind juice by soaking the fruit in warm water and squeezing the pulp from the seeds. The high acid content in the fruit interacted with the gel nail paint, causing the discolouration.
Other ingredients in Indian cooking, such as turmeric, ghee, and coconut oil, can also stain nails. Turmeric, in particular, is known for its highly staining properties. These ingredients are commonly used in cooking and have made their way into pantries and grocery stores everywhere, so it is important to be cautious when handling them with gel manicured nails.
In addition to these specific examples, other foods with high acid content can also contribute to gel nail discolouration. It is advisable to avoid direct contact between gel nails and acidic foods to prevent staining and discolouration.
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Low-quality gel
Gel nail polish is prone to discolouration, and low-quality gels are especially vulnerable to this issue. Lower-quality gels are more likely to be brittle and to discolour. Thicker nail polishes can also affect the outcome and appearance of the polish.
Gel nail polishes are cured under UV light, but overexposure to UV light can cause discolouration. This can happen if you spend a lot of time in the sun or use self-tanning products. Sunlight and self-tanning products can lead to a seasonal discolouration pattern.
Another cause of discolouration is exposure to certain chemicals. Some skincare products, cleaning agents, and sanitisers contain harsh chemicals that can react with the gel and cause it to discolour. Makeup and hair dye can also cause staining and discolouration.
Certain foods can also cause gel nails to discolour. Foods with high acid content, such as tamarind, and certain spices and ingredients, can stain nails. Smoking can also cause gel nails to discolour, especially on the dominant hand.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel nails can become discolored due to exposure to sunlight, self-tanning products, and certain chemicals in cleaning supplies, makeup, and skincare products. Additionally, hair dye can stain your nails, and bleach can discolor them. Exposure to certain foods with high acid content or spices can also lead to discoloration.
To prevent gel nails from discoloring, it is recommended to wear gloves when cleaning, cooking, or handling products that contain harsh chemicals. Avoiding excessive sun exposure and using a top coat can also help prolong the life of your gel nails.
Yes, you can try using hairspray, tea tree oil, or a sugar scrub made with brown sugar and coconut oil to remove stains from your gel nails.
Yes, in some cases, nail discoloration can indicate an underlying medical issue. For example, a bluish hue can be a sign of a B12 deficiency or a lung problem, while yellow nails can be caused by fungal infections or respiratory issues. It is important to consult a medical professional if you suspect your nail discoloration is related to a health condition.
