Nail salon businesses are currently thriving since the discovery of gel nail polish. However, is gel nail polish safe? Gel is extremely popular because it can last up to 3 to 4 weeks without chipping and keep its shiny luster. Unfortunately, it has may leave women susceptible to infections, rashes, and skin cancer. Moreover, damaged nails from gel are left weakened as a result. To top it off, the poor regulation of the nail industry is making the problem worse.
Regrowing Nails
This article will cover the steps it takes to regrow and repair these nails from gel damage, but we will start with the most important part of the process: What is so dangerous about gel nail polish?
- Similar to acrylics, before the gel is applied, the nail is usually weakened by abrasion for stronger contact with the gel. This leaves the nail weak, may lead to breakage and can possibly lead to infection.
- Gel nail polishes contain a chemical called Methyl Acrylate, which can cause an allergic skin reaction called contact dermatitis. This reaction may result in a rash on the areas that came in contact with the solution. Moreover, any skin in contact with the irritated skin may become inflamed as well (e.g. eyes, nose, mouth).
- Some gel nail polishes also contain a chemical called Butylated Hydroxyanisol, which is known to cause cancer. Though it is not clear how much of this chemical is needed to cause it, it’s important to know.
- Gel nail polish is set with ultraviolet light. Unfortunately, ultraviolet light is also known to cause cancer. Although small amounts of ultraviolet light may not be scary to think about, it’s important to know.
- Nails are generally soaked or wrapped in acetone to remove the gel. Acetone has a nasty habit of causing nails to peel and become brittle.
Now that we’ve discussed what causes common issues with gel nail polish, we will discuss how to regrow nails damaged from gel nail polish.
Here Are Your Steps For Nail Regrowth
First, it is important to file each nail down to eliminate any uneven or jagged points or edges (a fingernail clipper works as well). It is recommended to file nails as least once a week for extra protection. For even more protection, dermatologists recommend clipping nails after soaking them in water.
Second, a healthy application of moisturizing hand lotion or cuticle oil must be applied once a day. Cotton gloves are recommended to seal in the moisture on the nails.
Third, apply a nail strengthening polish. These are generally available at pharmacies and beauty supply stores. This step prevents future breakages.
Fourth, wear dishwashing gloves before washing dishes to avoid contact with chemicals and solvents that may damage nails even worse.
Last, consume biotin supplements, which are designed to help strengthen dry, cracked nails.
Here is a recap of the required (and suggested) items listed in the article:
- Fingernail clipper
- Nail file
- Moisturizing hand lotion
- Cuticle oil
- Cotton gloves
- Nail strengthening polish
- Rubber gloves
- Biotin Supplement
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