Sophia Delgado
Gel nail polish is a popular choice for many people due to its quick-drying, long-lasting, and chip-resistant formula. However, it is important to be aware of the potential downsides of gel polish, including temporary nail damage and discolouration. Nails can become discoloured due to the pigments and chemicals in the polish, as well as prolonged exposure to these substances without allowing the nails to breathe. Additionally, UV exposure from curing lamps and other sources can contribute to discolouration and fading of gel polish. While nail discolouration is usually harmless, it is always a good idea to take precautions and give your nails some TLC!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of discolouration | Prolonged exposure to the chemicals and pigments in the polish |
| Prolonged exposure to UV light | |
| Reaction between the polish and natural oils on nails | |
| Use of old or expired nail polish | |
| Shaking the nail polish bottle | |
| Use of nail hardeners | |
| Lifestyle factors (e.g. tobacco use) | |
| Health conditions (e.g. fungal nail infections) | |
| Prevention | Use of a base coat |
| Allowing nails to breathe | |
| Use of Vitamin E oil or coconut oil | |
| Use of high-quality nail polish |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Pigments and chemicals in gel polish
The discolouration of nails after using gel polish is due to the pigments and chemicals in the polish. Nails are very porous and can absorb substances that are applied to their surface, such as dyes and pigments from nail polish.
Gel nail polishes are based on acrylic polymers, and the polymerisation is part of the application process. The polymerisation is triggered by light, specifically ultraviolet (UV) light. The UV light kicks off a chemical reaction in which the dissolved components form a stiff and shiny layer on the nail. This process is known as photoinitiation, and one of the most common photoinitiators in gel nail polish is benzoyl peroxide.
Gel nail polishes contain pigments and stabilisers, similar to conventional nail polishes. The pigments tend to be either inorganic or organic (carbon-based). Inorganic pigments include chromium oxide for greens, iron oxide for reds and oranges, and ferric ferrocyanide for blues. Organic pigments are similar to those used in food colourings and come in a range of colours.
In addition to pigments, gel nail polishes also contain preservatives, solvents, rheology modifiers, and plasticisers. Plasticisers are compounds added to stop the polish from easily cracking or chipping. They remain behind when the solvents evaporate or when the polish is cured with UV light.
The discolouration of nails after using gel polish is typically due to the pigments in the polish being absorbed into the top few layers of the nail. This can give the nail a yellow or red stain, especially if the polish is left on for more than a week. The discolouration is usually harmless and will go away once the new nail grows out.
Drying Sally Hansen Gel Nail Polish: Quick and Easy Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Natural oils reacting with gel polish
Nails are porous and can absorb substances that are applied to their surface, such as dyes and pigments from nail polish. This is why it is important to give your nails a break from polish every few weeks.
Natural nail oils are often used to keep nails elastic and skin soft. They also help to prevent cracking in nail lacquer and nail enhancements. However, it is important to ensure that the natural nail is free from oil and other residues before applying gel polish, as impurities can cause the polish to lift prematurely. Any acetone content of 60 percent or more will effectively clean the nail and provide a clean surface for the gel polish to be applied.
While gel polish is on the nail, natural oils can penetrate the polish through microscopic holes in the lacquer. This can help to keep the polish flexible and prevent it from drying out and cracking. However, if the oil is not fully absorbed into the nail and polish, it may cause the polish to lift or chip.
To avoid this, it is recommended to use a good-quality cuticle oil that will penetrate the nail and polish, rather than sit on top. Jojoba oil is an example of a light oil that can be used to keep the skin soft and supple, helping to eliminate hangnails. It also keeps natural nails tough and flexible, and helps to prevent cracking in the nail lacquer.
Gel Nails: Salon Secrets to a Perfect Manicure
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Prolonged exposure to gel polish chemicals
Prolonged exposure to the chemicals in gel polish can cause discolouration and yellowing of the nails. This is because nails are very porous and can absorb substances applied to their surface, such as dyes and pigments from nail polish.
Gel nail polishes contain pigments and chemicals that can lead to discolouration. Darker polish colours, such as red, orange, blue, and black, are more likely to stain your nails. The yellowing may also occur due to a reaction between the polish and the natural oils on your nails.
Additionally, gel nail polish is cured under a UV lamp, which can cause skin ageing and DNA damage that may lead to cancer. There is also a risk of damage to the nail during the gel removal process. Therefore, it is important to give your nails a break from gel polish and let them breathe to prevent discolouration and potential health risks.
To prevent discolouration, you can apply a base coat before your nail polish, which acts as a barrier between your nails and the polish. Using high-quality nail polishes can also reduce the likelihood of discolouration. It is also recommended to avoid shaking your nail polish bottle, as this can cause air bubbles and lead to yellowing. Instead, you should roll the bottle between your palms to mix the polish.
If your nails are already discoloured, you can try using nail stain remover to lighten their appearance. Applying vitamin E oil or coconut oil to the nail and nail bed can also help nurse them back to health.
Gel Nails at Home: The Bio Gel Method
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Excess UV exposure
To prevent excess UV exposure, it is recommended to take precautions such as drying nails after swimming and applying sunscreen to the hands before going under a UV lamp. Additionally, applying two thorough gel top coats can help deter UV rays from penetrating the colour. While it won't eliminate the issue, it can help reduce the impact of UV exposure.
It is also important to note that the UV exposure from curing lamps is a concern for dermatologists, as it can lead to skin ageing, DNA damage, and an elevated risk of skin cancer. Therefore, it is recommended to take precautions when using gel polish to minimise the potential health risks associated with UV exposure.
Overall, while gel polish can provide a long-lasting and chip-resistant manicure, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with excess UV exposure and to take the necessary steps to minimise these risks. This may include allowing the nails to breathe and taking breaks from gel polish to give the nails a chance to recover.
Gel Nails: Safe or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Under-cured or over-cured gel polish
Under-cured gel polish occurs when the gel polish is not exposed to the UV lamp for the required duration. This can cause the polish to remain sticky and can also lead to discolouration. Over-cured, on the other hand, happens when the gel polish is exposed to the UV lamp for too long, which can also result in discolouration and other issues.
Both under-cured and over-cured gel polishes can be affected by additional exposure to UV light from sources such as sunbeds, natural sunlight, chlorine, and computer screens. This excess UV exposure can cause further discolouration, fading, and even premature service breakdown. To prevent these issues, it is recommended to take precautions such as drying nails after swimming and avoiding excessive sun exposure. Applying two gel top coats can also help deter UV rays from directly penetrating the colour.
Additionally, solvents like insect repellent and suntan lotions containing DEET can dissolve and cause problems with gel polish. Washing hands or wiping nails immediately after applying such products can help prevent staining. Applying a clear nail polish over the gel polish can also be a solution for those who use products with chemicals or smoke heavily.
While gel nail polish has its advantages, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with the UV exposure during the curing process. Dermatologists have expressed concern about the elevated risk of skin cancer, DNA damage, and skin ageing caused by the UV rays emitted during curing. Therefore, if you choose to use gel nail polish, taking precautions such as applying sunscreen to your hands beforehand and moisturising extensively afterward is essential.
Shellac vs Gel Nails: Which Manicure Option Lasts Longer?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Nails can become discoloured after the application of gel polish due to the pigments and chemicals used in the polish. The discolouration may also occur due to a reaction between the polish and the natural oils on your nails, or from prolonged exposure to the chemicals in the polish.
To prevent discolouration, it is important to let your nails breathe and take breaks from nail polish. Applying a base coat before gel polish can also help to create a barrier between your nails and the polish, reducing the chances of discolouration.
You can try applying vitamin E oil or coconut oil to the nail and nail bed to help nurse your nails back to health. Nail stain remover can also help to lighten the appearance of stains.
