Is gel nail polish harmful?

A new technology of nail art - gel polish nail polish quickly gained popularity. Unlike classic coating options, this invention retains its original appearance 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 distinguished by its richness of colors and fast drying under the influence of ultraviolet rays. Due to the abundance of synthetic substances in the composition of the product and the effect of 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. Shellac has the most stable adhesion to the surface. When applying it, you do not need to pre-grind the nail plate with a buff. To paint nails with Shellac gel varnish, it is necessary to remove the keratinized layer of dead cells of the cuticle and skin rolls, to free the surface of the nail from the fat layer. For other brands of products, additional procedures are required.

Removing the varnish is carried out using a similar technology for any type of cosmetic product - the nail plate is wrapped in cotton wool, which has been previously moistened with acetone. A layer of foil is applied over the cotton swab. To remove the softened gel composition, it is necessary to pry off the coating with a special stick.The harder layers of the gel must be cut off with a 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 you to dry the product in a short time and protects it from delamination. To protect your nails from the negative effects of varnish, you should familiarize yourself with the active substances that make up it. The safest components are several.

• Coloring pigments. Necessary to obtain the required color scheme. Their chemical structure can be obtained from natural plant materials.
• Film former... This substance is most sensitive to the effects of ultraviolet radiation. Its components are evenly distributed over the applied gel composition. Therefore, the film former gives the lacquer coating durability and elasticity.
• Natural or synthetic thinners. When these components are added, the structure of the gel acquires the consistency of a varnish, which makes it possible to strengthen the final adhesion of the applied mixture to the nail plate.
• Photoinitiator. The chemical compound actively absorbs ultraviolet radiation, under the influence of which each layer of the lacquer coating hardens.
• Additional fillers. Synthetic or natural ingredients that give the 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 polishes based on artificial chemical compounds. Thanks to such additives, the products are distinguished by their tasty, memorable aroma and durability.

The most harmful substance in the main composition of the gel coating is formaldehyde. The synthetic compound extends the shelf life of the product and gives it stability. At the same time, formaldehyde is not recommended to be used for the creation of cosmetics, as it causes severe intoxication. Therefore, in European countries, strict control over the content of this substance in the composition of gel polish is carried out - the indicator should not exceed 0.2%.

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

Dibutyl phthalate is referred to as hazardous substances that complement the structure of gel polish. The substance is used as a solvent. Dibutyl phthalate has a negative effect on hormones and enters the bloodstream through the skin and nails.

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

• High durability. The lacquer coating of the previous generation did not even allow washing the dishes, because water and detergents peeled off cosmetic products. The gel can last for 3 weeks, regardless of the work being done.
• Strengthening the natural structure of the nail plate. The durable gel coating protects nails from damage, which is necessary for girls with brittle nails. Thanks to its high strength, it is possible to build up nails without applying artificial nail plates.
• The gel coating allows you to hold the fractured areas of the nail together. You can use a tea bag as a base. A strip should be cut out of mesh paper and glued to the nail, giving it a natural shape. After that, gel polish can be applied over the nail plate and the tea bag.
• Unlike the varnish of previous generations, the gel allows you to eliminate 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 classic varnish. The gel allows you to hide irregularities until the natural structure of the nail is completely restored. To remedy the situation, you should drink a multivitamin.
• Gel polish does not lose its glossy shine and original color for a long time... The coating does not crack or flake off, which allows you to preserve the aesthetic picture of well-groomed hands.
• There is a wide variety of gel products available. Gel polishes do not have a pungent odor, unlike classic coatings.

Despite the large number of advantages, gel polish, if applied incorrectly or if the recommendations of specialists are neglected, 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 done depend on this factor.
• The procedure is not recommended for women with accelerated nail growth. With a rapid renewal of cells after 3 weeks, the question of changing the gel coating will arise.
• To create a manicure, you will need to purchase special materials for applying, drying and removing varnish. Their high cost can greatly affect your financial health. In this regard, classic inexpensive varnishes win, the application of which does not require anything except a bottle of varnish and cotton wool 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 able to completely renew. Cell regeneration processes are activated, traces of chronic intoxication disappear.
• Removing varnish requires experience and the acquisition of special materials. Acetone needs to be kept on nails longer than usual, which increases the risk of brittle plates and dry skin.
• Due to the high durability of the coating, the length of wear can be boring for people who like variety. And frequent removal and reapplication of gel polish requires a lot of time, money and careful hand care.
• It takes more time to create a manicure, which increases the risk of developing adverse reactions on the skin and nails.

Gel-based varnishes cannot be used often due to the harmful chemical composition. In addition, the gel adheres firmly to the surface of the nail, preventing air from entering the cells. Due to prolonged wearing of the gel polish, the protective film of the nail plate is damaged. The nails become vulnerable to mechanical damage. With frequent application of gel polish without interruption, the development of the following unpleasant consequences:

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

It is necessary to carefully familiarize yourself with the technology and rules for removing gel polish.

• With a strong sawing of the surface layer using a fraser or other cosmetic tools, the protective film on the nail plate can be damaged. With subsequent application, the manicure will become less aesthetic, the nails will become brittle. Irritation may appear, drying out of the cuticles.
• You cannot leave a void under the gel layer. Air pressure damages the nails and deforms the plate.
• When peeling off the varnish, it is strictly forbidden to independently tear off the pieces of gel with your hands. It is important to remember that cosmetic products firmly adhere and solidify in the structure of the nail plate. And if you pull hard on the exfoliated section of the gel, you can damage the nail.
• Do not scrape off the varnish with sharp objects. In such a situation, it is possible to inadvertently injure the nail plate, which will cause bleeding and subsequent flaking 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 apply varnish to thin nails. And it is also forbidden to use the products for people prone to the development of allergic reactions. If your fingers itch after applying the product, you must quickly remove the product from your nails. If your hands hurt after removal, you need to see a dermatologist.

The ultraviolet lamp, along with other modern technologies, has some radioactive radiation. But its performance is so low that it cannot 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 are exposed only for 10-30 seconds, during which the gel polish dries completely and firmly adheres to the nail. This time is not enough for the cancerous degeneration of cells. Manufacturers produce harmless LED lamps focused on reducing the risk of harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.

To prevent the development of negative consequences and reduce the likelihood of developing side effects, you should adhere to the following recommendations:

• no need to dry the gel polish under UV radiation for those people who have moles or birthmarks, open wounds, insect bites on their skin;
• the master must have a certificate confirming that the specialist has the appropriate skills in handling 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, you should wear special gloves on your hands during the procedure. They should bare only the last phalanges of the fingers. You can use sunscreen.

Manicure and pedicure specialists recommend sticking to a few rules to reduce the negative effects of the gel coating.

• It is forbidden to use gel polish for people with damaged nails or dermatological diseases. The risk group includes women with cracks in the plates or with a fungal infection. It is not recommended to apply the gel to people with severe nail delamination.
• Take dietary supplements containing a vitamin and mineral complex if the nails began to lose their natural color, become dull, the skin around the plates began to turn pale.
• Periodically, the nail plates should be covered with a colorless medicated varnish to restore the natural structure of the nail. This procedure is recommended to be carried out once a month. You also need to take a break every 90 days to give your nails a rest.
• The cuticle must be constantly lubricated with petroleum jelly after applying and removing gel polish to saturate with fatty acids and essential vitamins.
• To maintain health, you should choose only a professional master with an appropriate certificate. When self-applying varnish with a gel base, it is recommended to carefully study the information on all 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 for nail polish remover. Prolonged contact with a synthetic product negatively affects the health of the nails.

By 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 should not contain hazardous compounds. The most harmless is the products of several brands.

• The safest gel polish is a brand product Kodi... The varnish is made on the basis of natural oils, which are necessary to nourish the entire surface of the nail. The rubber in the product is breathable and does not interfere with the natural breathing of the nail.
• Products from Irisk has hypoallergenic properties and does not contain synthetic additives. Vegetable essential oils in the chemical structure of the product provide nutrition for the nail plate. The varnish dries quickly even without the use of UV rays.
• Products from Ibd are also based on natural plant materials and are distinguished by the complete absence of synthetic additives. Unlike other cosmetics, gel polish is produced in dark glass bottles, which protect the product from the negative effects of sunlight.
• Brand name InGarden it is allowed to be used by people with pronounced delamination and high fragility of nails. The product is formulated with natural silicones, plant nutrients and natural resins.
• Brand Entily has a high resistance to protect the nail from damage. To nourish and moisturize the nail, the cosmetics contain argan and olive oils. To create a juicy shade, the manufacturer uses natural mica, which additionally gives the coating a shine.

I classify procedures for the restoration of nail plates into 3 main groups:

• used for preventive purposes;
• used at home based on folk remedies;
• used in beauty salons.

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

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

• Baths with sea salt. To prepare the product, you will need to dilute 1 tbsp in water. l. crystalline component. Keep nails in the prepared solution 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 a fine mesh to prevent the nail from drying out. The drug contains ethanol, which draws water molecules from the tissues.
• Vitamins and minerals. It is recommended to add fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts and other foods rich in iron and zinc to the diet. Nutrition should be balanced.You can rub the contents of the multivitamin complex capsules, previously diluted in water or oil, into the base of the nail. It is recommended to use unrefined olive oil as the latter.
• Berry mask. Vitamin C is essential for a strong nail structure. To prepare the mask, you need to mix the sour 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.
• Baths for nails with olive oil. The product should cover the entire surface of the nail, up to its base and cuticle. Nails leave in such a bath within 10 minutes. The oil can then be washed off or rubbed into the skin to prevent drying out 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 to the nails and cuticles. This is necessary to prevent peeling and drying of the skin, the formation of cracks in the nail plates.

You can also treat nails in beauty salons. The procedures carried out by specialists allow nails to be restored even with pronounced destruction. Let's list the most effective methods of therapy.

• Application of a special product to the 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 rubbed 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. The wax allows you to saturate the skin and nails with essential oils. The substance softens keratinized tissues, slows down aging and eliminates flaking on the skin. The duration of the procedure is 20 minutes.
• Healing coatings. A 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 help to strengthen the structure of the nail, preventing the formation of cracks.

You can go to such procedures as a preventive measure.

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

• before covering, it is necessary to check the shelf life of the product after opening;
• to remove gel polish, you should not rinse your nails in water or clean brushes with a stiff brush - it is recommended to use acetone;
• it is necessary 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 to your hands. You can use coconut oil every night before bed. Skin care products can help prevent delamination of the nail plate. The cream must be applied before varnishing.

In addition to nourishing the nails from the outside, you should pay attention to the daily diet, which should be balanced. If there is no calcium in its composition and the daily norm of vitamins, the fragility of the nails increases. As a result, they become covered with cracks, the overgrown edges quickly break.

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