Is nail gel polish harmful?

The new technology of nail art - gel polish nail polish quickly gained popularity. Unlike the classic coating options, this invention retains its original form for 1-2 weeks. The long-term effect is due to the creation of a strong dispersion medium on the surface of the nail plate, resistant to mechanical damage.

In addition to durability, the varnish coating with gel is notable for the richness of the color scheme and quick drying under the influence of ultraviolet rays. Due to the abundance of synthetic substances in the composition of the product and exposure to light radiation, many people have a question whether gel polish is harmful to the structure of nails.

Each type of gel coating has an individual technology for applying to nails. The most stable adhesion to the surface is observed in shellac. When applying it, you do not need to first grind the nail plate with a buff. For nail painting with Shellac gel polish, it is necessary to remove the keratinized layer of dead cuticle cells and skin ridges, to free the surface of the nail from the fat layer. For other brands of products, additional procedures are required.

The varnish is removed using the same technology for any kind of cosmetic product - the nail plate is wrapped with cotton wool, which was previously moistened with acetone. A layer of foil is applied over a cotton swab. To remove the softened gel composition, it is necessary to pry the coating with a special stick.The harder layers of the gel must be cut with a nail file, but this is undesirable, because the structure of the nail becomes thinner during the mechanical procedure.

The sticky layer of the gel has a complex chemical structure that allows drying products in a short time and protecting them from delamination. To protect the nails from the negative effects of varnish, you should familiarize yourself with the active substances that make up its composition. The safest components are several compounds.

• Coloring pigments. Necessary to obtain the desired color scheme. Their chemical structure can be obtained from natural plant materials.
• Film former. This substance is most sensitive to ultraviolet radiation. Its components are evenly distributed over the applied gel composition. Therefore, the film former gives the varnish coating resistance and elasticity.
• Natural or synthetic diluents. When these components are added, the gel structure acquires the consistency of a varnish, which helps to strengthen the final adhesion of the applied mixture to the nail plate.
• Photo initiator. The chemical compound actively absorbs ultraviolet radiation, under the action of which each layer of the varnish coating hardens.
• Additional fillers. Synthetic or natural components that give varnish elasticity, gloss and viscosity. They are obtained in chemical laboratories from plant extracts or extracts.

Natural raw materials are expensive products, which is why manufacturers prefer to create gel varnishes based on artificial chemical compounds. Thanks to such additives, the products have a tasty, memorable aroma and durability.

The most harmful substance in the basic composition of the gel coating is formaldehyde. Synthetic compound extends the shelf life of the product and gives it stability. At the same time, formaldehyde is not recommended for use in the creation of cosmetics, since it causes severe intoxication. Therefore, in European countries, they strictly monitor the content of this substance in gel polish - the indicator should not exceed 0.2%.

The second position is taken by toluene - a synthetic compound obtained during oil refining. It is dangerous for cells of the nervous system, especially when it enters the bloodstream through a damaged epithelium. Toluene intoxication is accompanied by the occurrence of nausea, rash, dizziness. Signs of poisoning appear slowly, since the substance has the ability to accumulate in the soft tissues.

Dangerous substances that complement the structure of gel polish include dibutyl phthalate. The substance is used as a solvent. Dibutyl phthalate has a negative effect on the hormonal background, penetrates the blood through the skin and nails.

Application of gel polish does not take much time, so it is great for people with a lot of work at work. Gel lacquer has several advantages.

• High durability. The lacquer coating of the previous generation did not even allow to wash the dishes, because water and detergents exfoliated cosmetic products. The gel can hold for 3 weeks, regardless of the work performed.
• Strengthening the natural structure of the nail plate. Strong gel coating protects nails from damage, which is necessary for girls with brittle nails. Due to its high strength, it is possible to build up nails without applying artificial nail plates.
• Gel coating allows you to fasten broken areas of the nail. As a base, you can use a tea bag. A strip of paper should be cut from the mesh paper and glued to the nail, giving it a natural shape. After that, gel polish can be applied on top of the nail plate and tea bag.
• Unlike the varnish coating of previous generations, gel eliminates the maximum number of irregularities and hide the deformation of the nail plate. In some people, due to a deficiency of mineral or vitamin compounds, the surface of the nail becomes ribbed, which becomes more visible when applying a classic varnish. The gel allows you to hide irregularities until the restoration of the natural structure of the nail. To correct the situation, you should drink multivitamins.
• Gel polish for a long time does not lose its gloss and original color. The coating does not crack or peel, which allows you to maintain an aesthetic picture of well-groomed hands.
• There is a wide range of gel products. Gel polishes do not have a pungent odor unlike classic coatings.

Despite the large number of advantages, gel polish if applied incorrectly or neglected by the recommendations of specialists can harm the nails and skin of the hands. There are some disadvantages to cosmetic products.

• Applying varnish requires certain skills. The health of the hands and the quality of the manicure made depend on this factor.
• The procedure is not recommended for women with accelerated nail growth. With rapid cell renewal after 3 weeks, the question will arise of changing the gel coating.
• To create a manicure, you will need to purchase special materials for applying, drying and removing varnish. Their high cost can greatly affect financial well-being. In this regard, classic inexpensive varnishes win, the application of which requires nothing but a bottle of varnish and fleece with acetone.
• Every 3 months you should take a break and do not use the gel coating for 7-14 days. During this period, the structure of the nails will be completely updated. Cell regeneration processes are activated, traces of chronic intoxication disappear.
• Removing varnish requires experience and special materials. Acetone needs to be kept on nails longer than usual, which increases the risk of plate fragility and dry skin.
• Duration of wearing due to the high durability of the coating can bore people who love variety. And frequent removal and repeated application of gel polish requires a lot of time, money and careful hand care.
• It takes longer to create a manicure, which increases the risk of adverse reactions on the skin and nails.

Gel-based varnishes can not be used often because of the harmful chemical composition. In addition, the gel settles firmly on the surface of the nail, preventing air from entering the cells. Due to prolonged use of gel polish, the protective film of the nail plate is damaged. Nails become vulnerable to mechanical damage. With frequent application of gel polish without interruption, the development of the following unpleasant consequences:

• stratification of the nail due to cut surface layer;
• cell depletion;
• increased fragility;
• dullness, the appearance of yellowness;
• cracking;
• nail deformation.

You must carefully familiarize yourself with the technology and rules for removing gel polish.

• With a strong cut of the surface layer using a fraser or other cosmetic tools, you can damage the protective film on the nail plate. Subsequent application of the manicure will become less aesthetic, the nails will become brittle. Irritation, drying out of the cuticle may appear.
• Do not leave a void under the gel layer. Air pressure spoils the nails and deforms the plate.
• When exfoliating the varnish, it is strictly forbidden to independently tear off pieces of the gel by hand. It is important to remember that cosmetic products firmly adhere and solidify in the structure of the nail plate. And if you pull the exfoliated portion of the gel strongly, you can damage it with your fingernail.
• Do not scrape off the varnish with sharp objects. In this situation, you can inadvertently injure the nail plate, which will cause bleeding and subsequent peeling of the whole nail.
• For polishing, it is recommended to take buffs with a hardness of 400 grit, and nail files - no more than 240 grit.
• Do not varnish thin nails. And it is also forbidden to use the products to people predisposed to the development of allergic reactions. If your fingers itch after applying the product, you need to quickly remove the product from the nails. If your hands hurt after removal, you need to consult a dermatologist.

An ultraviolet lamp, along with other modern technologies, has some radioactive radiation. But its performance is so low that it can not damage or pass through tissue. Weak waves are unable to destroy the structure of nails and skin. In addition, under the influence of ultraviolet light, the nail plates fall only for 10-30 seconds, during which the gel polish dries completely and adheres firmly to the nail. This time is not enough for cancerous degeneration of cells. Manufacturers produce harmless LED lamps, aimed at reducing the risk of harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.

To prevent the development of negative consequences and reduce the likelihood of side effects, The following recommendations should be followed:

• do not need to dry the gel polish under UV radiation to those people who have moles or birthmarks on their skin, open wounds, insect bites;
• the master must have a certificate indicating that the specialist has the appropriate skills in handling the equipment;
• The least dangerous lamps are devices that dry gel polish for a long time.

To protect soft tissues from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays, special gloves should be worn on the hands during the procedure. They should bare only the last phalanges of the fingers. You can use sunscreen.

Specialists in the application of manicure and pedicure recommend sticking to several rules to reduce the negative effects of gel coatings.

• It is forbidden to use gel-based varnish for people with damaged nails or the presence of dermatological diseases. Women with cracks in the plates or with a fungal infection are at risk. It is not recommended to apply the gel to people with severe stratification of the nails.
• Take biologically active additives containing a vitamin-mineral complex if the nails begin to lose their natural color, become dull, the skin around the plates begins to turn pale.
• Periodically, the nail plates should be coated with a colorless therapeutic varnish to restore the natural structure of the nail. This procedure is recommended to be carried out once a month. It is also necessary to take a break every 90 days to give the nails a rest.
• The cuticle needs to be constantly lubricated with vaseline after applying and removing gel polish to saturate with fatty acids and essential vitamins.
• To maintain health, only a professional craftsman with the appropriate certificate should be selected. When self-applying varnish with a gel base, it is recommended that you carefully study the information about all the stages of its application and removal.
• When using dark shades, it is necessary to apply the gel in several layers to prevent staining of the nail plate.
• It is not recommended to use acetone to remove varnish. Prolonged contact with a synthetic agent adversely affects the health of nails.

Following the recommendations, you can avoid side effects on the nails and skin of the hands, prevent chronic intoxication of internal organs and body systems.

It is necessary to choose high quality varnishes. Gel products must not contain hazardous compounds. The most harmless is the products of several brands.

• The safest gel polish is a brand product Kodi. Varnish is made on the basis of natural oils, which are necessary to nourish the entire surface of the nail. Rubber as part of the product allows air to pass through and does not interfere with the natural respiration of the nail.
• Products from Irisk It has hypoallergenic properties and does not contain synthetic additives. Vegetable essential oils in the chemical structure of products provide nutrition to the nail plate. The varnish dries quickly even without the use of UV rays.
• Products from Ibd They are also based on natural plant materials and are characterized by a complete absence of synthetic additives. Unlike other cosmetics, gel polish is produced in dark glass bottles that protect the product from the negative effects of sunlight.
• The brand Ingarden allowed to use for people with severe stratification and high brittle nails. The composition of the product includes natural silicones, plant nutrients and natural resins.
• Mark Entily differs in high durability protecting a nail from damages. To nourish and moisturize the nail, argan oil and olive oil are present in the makeup. To create a juicy shade, the manufacturer uses natural mica, which additionally gives the coating a shine.

The procedures for the restoration of the nail plates are classified into 3 main groups:

• used for preventive purposes;
• used at home on the basis of folk remedies;
• used in beauty salons.

Despite its high efficiency, not all methods can guarantee 100% restoration of the nail in a short time. Procedures allow you to return the natural color and strengthen the structure of the nail plate. Final regeneration is possible only with a complete replacement of the nail.

Treatment at home is using folk recipes. Alternative medicine allows you to get rid of skin irritation, restore the nail, nourish soft tissues with vitamins and minerals, strengthen the plate from chips. Unlike salon procedures, the use of drugs is possible after an allergy. The most effective are several folk methods.

• Baths with sea salt. To prepare the product you will need to dilute in water 1 tbsp. l crystalline component. In the finished solution, keep the nails for 15-20 minutes. To whiten the nail plates, you can add 5 drops of lemon juice or essential oil obtained from the zest.
• Iodine. The alcohol solution should be applied to the nails in the form of a fine mesh to prevent the nail from drying out. The composition of the drug includes ethanol, which draws water molecules from the tissues.
• Vitamins and minerals. It is recommended to add fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts and other products saturated with iron and zinc to the diet. Food should be balanced. You can rub the contents of multivitamin complexes capsules, previously diluted in water or oil, into the base of the nail.Unrefined olive oil is recommended as the last.
• Mask of berries. Vitamin C is essential for a strong nail structure. To prepare the mask, you need to mix acidic varieties of berries (cranberries, sea buckthorn, raspberries, currants) into a homogeneous mass and apply to the nail plates. Wash off the product after 10-15 minutes.
• Nail trays with olive oil. The tool should cover the entire surface of the nail to its base and cuticle. Nails leave in such a bath for 10 minutes. After that, you can rinse the oil or rub it into the skin to prevent drying and irritation of the skin.

After carrying out various procedures using folk remedies, it is recommended to apply oil from apricot kernels or germinated wheat grains on nails and cuticles. This is necessary to prevent peeling and drying of the skin, the formation of cracks on the nail plates.

You can also treat nails in beauty salons. Procedures carried out by specialists allow you to restore your nails even with severe destruction. We list the most effective methods of therapy.

• Application of special products on nails. For correction, you will need to prepare a composition of honey and propolis in advance. A homogeneous mass is applied to the damaged areas and begin to rub into the nails with massage movements. As a result, the plate is covered with a protective film, it becomes more elastic and less brittle.
• Paraffin therapy. Wax allows you to saturate the skin and nails with the necessary fats. The substance softens keratinized tissues, slows down aging and eliminates peeling on the skin. The duration of the procedure is 20 minutes.
• Therapeutic coatings. The nail restoration product should contain gel polish fibers, minerals and vitamins for the normal growth of the nail plate. The compounds that make up the treatment coating strengthen the structure of the nail, preventing the formation of cracks.

You can go to such procedures as a prophylaxis.

In the process of applying gel polish as a preventive measure, you should adhere to several recommendations:

• before coating it is necessary to check the shelf life of the product after opening;
• to remove gel polish, do not wash your nails in water or brush with a stiff brush - it is recommended to use acetone;
• you need to wash your hands after applying acetone and lubricate the skin with petroleum jelly.

In order not to harm your nails, you should regularly moisturize the cuticles and apply cream on your hands. You can apply coconut oil every night before bed. Skin care products will help prevent delamination of the nail plate. The cream must be applied before applying the varnish coating.

In addition to eating nails from the outside, you should pay attention to the daily diet, which should be balanced. If calcium and the daily norm of vitamins are absent in its composition, fragility of nails increases. As a result, they become covered with cracks, overgrown edges quickly break.

The process of restoring nails after gel polish see in the next video.