Every time I look at my nails when they’re done, it instantly elevates my mood. From the ultra-glossy finish on my nails to the clickity-clackity sound on my keyboard and the tapping on my phone screen, I just find ways to show them off and bring them to attention. And who doesn’t love the compliments that come with it?
A new mani is a transformative experience, almost like self-care. However, nail extensions and gel manicures can also lead to health problems, apart from causing distress to your nails, according to numerous reports.
Wait, What?
You know how it’s recommended that you take breaks between getting your nails done? That’s because prolonged application of the gel polish on your nails can lead to a condition called pseudo-psoriatic nails. This is when the skin below your nail bed is red, inflamed, and resembles psoriasis. This in turn can lead to the loosening of the nail plate from the nail bed which can sometimes cause the nails to fall off – permanently! So maybe give your nails a good, looong breather before your next mani session?
If you’re an extension girlie, you better watch out! It’s typical for the nail glue used to stick extensions to have a mixture of alcohol, cyanoacrylate, and formaldehyde which is a carcinogen. So yes, the nail glue is potentially linked to cancer. This, mixed with the UV light used to cure your nails doesn’t sound like a very safe process.
And if you’ve been getting more pimples or mila than usual, maybe it’s time to check your nails again. The ingredients in both, gel polish and glue used for sticking extensions have a complicated mixture that could lead to both, contact dermatitis and eyelid dermatitis.
No, it doesn’t end there. Buffing the nail and cutting the cuticle as crucial parts of getting a manicure. Unfortunately, the cuticles are meant to protect the nail from bacterial and fungal infections. Cutting it short can increase the risk of both, causing it to swell up and look inflamed and red.
What Can You Do Instead?
Consider me freaked out! But does that mean I’m going to stop getting my nails done? Hell no! And it shouldn’t stop you either. Multiple dermats have revealed that the UV light from the curing device is not enough to cause cancer. And if you’re so worried, you can always slather your hands with SPF.
And good hygiene is mandatory, especially when you’ve got extensions. Wash your hands frequently, try not to touch your face too much, and use hand cream to keep your cuticles moisturised and healthy.
Featured Images: Unsplash, Pexels
