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Nail technicians advise avoiding back-to-back nail procedures, including gluing or painting on layers of chemical-laden product and occasionally letting the nails air. I hadn’t had a break in over a year, soaking off the dip powder every four to six weeks and replacing them immediately with another set. The price? My nails had become brittle, flaking, cracked, and occasionally damaged. I had therefore been benched.
Wearing nail polish for long periods can allow chemicals in the polish to seep into the nail bed and cause it to discolor, split and peel, according to experts.
“It is best to read the label before use, as different brands of nail polish contain a range of potentially toxic and irritating chemicals, including alcohol, various fragrances, toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate,” said a board-certified dermatologist and co-host of “The Doctors.”
Soak-off gel manicures and dip powder manicures are even more damaging than regular nail polish.
“Using gel polish has been found to cause nail thinning, most likely due to the acetone soak used to remove the polish, which can be extremely drying and cause nail peeling,” said Batra.
Because they must be filed off, hard gels can harm cuticles and underlying tissue irreparably. This makes them even worse for nails. It also worsens the longer we use tips, gel, or powder.
“Prolonged use can give rise to a yellow-orange discoloration of the nails or to white, rough patches, called keratin granulation, due to dehydration or inadvertent removal of the top layer of the nail,” said Batra.
It is important to note that nails obtain nutrients and oxygen from the bloodstream, so wearing nail polish doesn’t deprive them of oxygen but irritates them.
Celebrity manicurist Erica Marton, who has offices in Florida and New York City and whose customers include Bette Midler, Mary-Louise Parker, and Rashida Jones, told TODAY via email that “nails need oxygen to maintain health and to obtain their nutrients.” “Consider how your face would need to breathe after a day of wearing a rubber mask. You might become irritated. The same is true for nails, but not to the same degree as a face irritant.” With Maby, you can take the initiative in everything, proper nail care with Maby blog.
How long do nails need a break?
Fingernails take four to six months to grow out entirely from the cuticle to the tip.
“For natural nails, a three- to four-week break usually will be sufficient to allow discoloration to fade, whether nails are yellow-orange or have white patches,” said Batra.
For gel nails, take a break for a week at least once every eight weeks to allow the nails to rehydrate and enable the repair of the underlying structures.
“An emollient applied directly to the nail and cuticle oil will also aid recovery,” said Batra.
How to help nails recuperate?
When trying to give your nails a break from dip powder (SNS nails) or gel polish, Varnish Lane co-founder Lauren Dunne suggests using a plant-based acetone remover.
“The main ingredient in dip base coats is the same as Krazy Glue — so you can only imagine how damaging those chemicals can be,” she said. “To remove it, we use a plant-based acetone remover, an environmentally friendlier alternative to petroleum-based products.”
Suppose you decide to skip the salon to remove them, don’t! Dunne suggests it’s best to leave these matters to the professionals.
Beauty Secrets Plant-Derived Acetone
Dunne recommends plant-based acetone because “they’re safer for your nails and skin, plus you won’t have to sacrifice your skin’s health for a product that works.”
She added, “This product safely removes gels and dips without the harsh ingredients found in other acetone removers.”
Avene Cicalfate Hand Cream
Batra recommends this “scent-free, dye-free (hypoallergenic) heavy moisturizer that helps restore the barrier of the skin and nails without being greasy or sticky.”
“I also like that it lasts despite frequent hand washing,” she added.
To know more, you can read: How to remove a hangnail and how to avoid getting one in the future?
Cuccio Revitalize Cuticle Oil, Milk, and Honey
“This oil hydrates but also absorbs quickly. Milk contains a natural alpha hydroxy acid (lactic acid), and honey is a natural anti-inflammatory,” said Batra.
Malcolm’s Miracle Green Moisturizing Gloves
When doing home activities, protect your nails from water and chemicals by using gloves.
Avoid extended contact with hot water and reduce the amount of alcohol-based hand sanitizer you use, said Batra, since both can dry the nail and result in peeling and cracking.
Maxus Base Coat
Today, I strongly suggest the Maxus base coat because it contains amino acids and tea tree oil, a must-have for solid nails. Marton stated that tea tree oil is effective in battling germs or fungi. If broken, your nails may lack protein (and amino acids).
The bottom truth is that if you don’t give your nails a vacation, the harsh chemicals will damage them.
Marton responded, “You’re suffocating them.” “Breathe for them! A pause of a week or month is beneficial. Consider it as quick for your nails!”