The increasingly popular trend of nail art has become the most important element in women's hand adornment. However, health issues caused by nail art and nail polish are also commonplace. How can beauty-conscious women protect their health while pursuing beauty?
Nail polish does not corrode nails, but long-term use is harmful
Two parts of the human body are composed of 100% keratin: nails and hair.Neither nails nor hair dissolve in water and lack vital signs; they serve merely as protective structures. When nail polish dries, the organic solvents used to blend pigments largely evaporate. The small residue is unlikely to corrode nails, as organic solvents struggle to dissolve proteins.
However, prolonged nail polish application can damage nails.The truly harmful substances in nail polish are the ingredients that chemically react with the nail, altering its natural composition to allow the color to adhere. Beyond damaging the nail itself, some individuals handle high-fat foods with nail-polished hands, causing polish components to dissolve into the food and enter the body, potentially affecting health.
Nails are essentially protein. When protein encounters harmful organic substances, it can denature or even undergo necrosis. While short-term effects may not be noticeable, prolonged nail polish use inevitably leads to an uneven, rough nail surface. Thus, nail polish does possess a certain corrosive effect on nails.
Precautions for Using Nail Polish
1. Before applying nail polish, thoroughly wash your hands and apply hand cream.
2. Prepare all necessary tools beforehand and place them within reach: base coat, nail polish, top coat, nail art pen, DIY nail decorations, etc.
3. Apply nail polish in the correct order: dip the brush into the polish and apply a thin layer to the center of the nail first, then brush from the base toward the tip.
4. Avoid applying polish to the cuticles.
3. Apply polish in this order: Dip the brush lightly into polish and apply a thin coat. Start at the base of the nail, sweeping toward the tip, then cover the sides.
4. Apply one coat of clear or light-colored base coat, followed by two coats of nail polish. Finish with one coat of top coat—four layers total. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next to prevent bubbles.
5. Avoid moving your hands or exposing nails to hot water until polish is fully dry. Never blow on nails—this won't speed drying and may dull the finish. Refrain from washing clothes for 12 hours after application to prevent chipping.
6. Nail polish requires 1-3 hours to fully cure. Wait patiently before touching objects with your hands. If you must use your hands, keep fingertips raised to avoid smudging. For faster drying, use a hairdryer on a cool setting.
Nail polish should be used based on tolerance
Nail polish contains toxic substances, so it is definitely not recommended for sensitive individuals or pregnant women. For the general public, tolerance levels should also be considered.
Additionally, experts note that before applying artificial nails, manicurists often file away a layer of the nail surface to enhance adhesion before bonding the artificial nail tips with glue. This practice actually damages the nail's protective surface layer. Combined with potentially unclean tools, it significantly increases the risk of viral or fungal infections, leading to "onychomycosis" (fungal nail infection).
Given the body's active metabolism, it's best to minimize nail polish use to allow nails to "breathe" fully.