Is gel nail polish harmful?

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

In addition to durability, the lacquer coating with a gel is distinguished by a rich color range and fast drying under the action of ultraviolet rays. In connection with the abundance of synthetic substances in the composition of the product and exposure to light radiation, many people have a question about whether gel polish is harmful to the structure of nails.

Each type of gel coating has an individual technology applied to the nails. The most resistant grip is observed in shellac. When applied, it is not necessary to pre-polish the nail plate with the help of a buff. For painting nails with Shellac gel varnish, it is necessary to remove the cornified layer of dead cuticle cells and skin rollers, free the nail surface from the fat layer. For other brands of products, additional procedures are required.

Removal of the lacquer coating is carried out using a similar technology for any kind of cosmetic products - the nail plate is wrapped in cotton, which was 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 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, which allows in a short time to dry products and protects them from delamination. To protect your nails from the negative effects of varnish, you should familiarize yourself with the active substances in its composition. The most secure components are several compounds.

• Coloring pigments. Required to obtain the desired color range. 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 on the gel composition applied. Therefore, the foaming agent gives the lacquer coating durability and elasticity.
• Natural or synthetic thinners. When these components are added, the gel structure acquires the consistency of varnish, which allows to strengthen the final adhesion of the applied mixture with the nail plate.
• Photoinitiator. The chemical compound actively absorbs ultraviolet radiation, under the action 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 varnishes based on artificial chemical compounds. Thanks to such additives, the products are distinguished by a delicious, memorable aroma and durability.

The most harmful substance included in the main composition of the gel coating is formaldehyde. Synthetic compound prolongs the shelf life of the product and gives it stability. At the same time, formaldehyde is not recommended to be used to create cosmetics, as it causes severe intoxication. Therefore, in European countries exercise strict control over the content of this substance in the gel polish - the figure 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 released into the blood through the 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.

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

Putting gel varnish does not take much time, so it is great for people with a lot of time at work. Lacquer with gel has several advantages.

• High durability. Lacquer coating of the previous generation did not even allow to wash the dishes, because water and detergents peeled off cosmetic products. The gel can be kept for 3 weeks, regardless of the work performed.
• Strengthening the natural structure of the nail plate. Durable gel coating protects the nail from damage that is necessary for girls with brittle nails. Due to its high strength, it is possible to grow nails without overlaying artificial nail plates.
• Gel coating allows you to seal the broken areas of the nail. As a base, you can use a tea bag. From the mesh paper should cut the strip and stick on the nail, giving a natural shape. After that, gel nail polish can be applied over the nail plate and tea bag.
• Unlike the last generation of lacquer gel allows you to eliminate the maximum number of irregularities and hide the deformation of the nail plate. In some people, due to the lack 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 full restoration of the natural structure of the nail. To remedy the situation, you should drink a multivitamin.
• Gel Polish for a long time does not lose gloss and original color. The coating does not crack and does not flake off, which allows you to save an aesthetic picture of well-groomed hands.
• There is a wide range of gel products. Gel polishes do not have a sharp smell, unlike classical coatings.

Despite the large number of advantages, gel varnish with improper application or disregard of the recommendations of experts can harm the nails and skin of the hands. There are some disadvantages of cosmetic products.

• Applying varnish requires certain skills. From this factor depends on the health of the hands and the quality of the manicure.
• The procedure is not recommended for women with accelerated growth of nails. With the rapid renewal of the cells after 3 weeks, the question of changing the gel coat 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 their financial well-being.In this regard, the classic low-cost varnishes benefit, the application of which does not require anything other than 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 can be completely updated. The processes of cell recovery are activated, traces of chronic intoxication disappear.
• Removing varnish requires experience and the acquisition of special materials. Acetone is required to keep the nails longer than usual, which increases the risk of fragility of the plates and dry skin.
• The duration of wearing due to the high resistance 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.
• Time to create a manicure takes more, which increases the risk of adverse reactions on the skin and nails.

Varnishes on a gel basis can not be used often because of the harmful chemical composition. In addition, the gel firmly settles on the surface of the nail, preventing the penetration of air to the cells. Due to prolonged wearing 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 a break, the following may develop unpleasant consequences:

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

It is necessary to thoroughly familiarize yourself with the technology and rules of nail polish removal on a gel basis.

• With a strong cut of the surface layer with a fraser or other cosmetic tools, you can damage the protective film on the nail plate. Manicure with the subsequent application will become less aesthetic, nails will become brittle. May cause irritation, drying of the cuticles.
• You can not leave a void under a layer of gel. Air pressure spoils the nails and deforms the plate.
• When peeling lacquer it is strictly forbidden to tear off pieces of the gel with your own hands. It is important to remember that cosmetic products are firmly bonded and hardens in the structure of the nail plate. And if you strongly pull the detached area of ​​the gel, you can cause damage to the nail.
• Do not scrape off varnish with sharp objects. In such a situation, you can inadvertently injure the nail plate, which will cause bleeding and subsequent exfoliation of the entire 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 on thin nails. And it is also forbidden to use products to people predisposed to the development of allergic reactions. If after the application of the fingers itching, it is necessary to quickly remove the products from the nails. If your hands hurt after removal, you need to contact a dermatologist.

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

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

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

Manicure and pedicure specialists recommend sticking with several rules to reduce the negative impact of gel coating.

• It is forbidden to use varnish on a gel basis for people with damaged nails or the presence of dermatological diseases. At risk are women with cracks in the plates or with a fungal infection. It is not recommended to apply the gel to people with a pronounced bundle of nails.
• To take dietary supplements containing vitamin-mineral complex, if the nails began to lose their natural color, they became dull, the skin around the plates began to fade.
• Periodically cover the nail plate with a colorless medical varnish to restore the natural structure of the nail. This procedure is recommended once a month. And it is also necessary to take a break every 90 days to rest your nails.
• The cuticle must be constantly lubricated with petroleum jelly after application and removal of gel polish to saturate with fatty acids and essential vitamins.
• To maintain health, you should choose only a professional master with the 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 removing nail polish. Prolonged contact with a synthetic agent adversely affects the health of the nails.

By following the recommendations, it is possible to avoid side effects on the nails and skin of the hands, to prevent chronic intoxication of the internal organs and body systems.

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

• The safest gel polish is a brand name product. Kodi. Lacquer is made on the basis of natural oils, which are necessary to supply the entire surface of the nail. The rubber in the composition of the product passes air and does not interfere with the natural breathing of the nail.
• Products from Irisk possesses 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 the complete absence of synthetic additives. Unlike other cosmetics gel polish produced in bottles of dark glass, which protects the product from the negative effects of sunlight.
• The brand Ingarden It is allowed to use people with pronounced exfoliation and high fragility of the nails. The product contains natural silicones, nutrients of plant origin and natural resins.
• Mark Entily differs in the high resistance protecting a nail from damages. Argan and olive oils are present in the composition of cosmetics for nourishing and moisturizing the nail. To create a juicy tint, the manufacturer uses natural mica, which additionally adds shine to the coating.

Procedures for the restoration of the nail plate is classified into 3 main groups:

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

Despite the high efficiency, not all methods can guarantee 100% nail restoration 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.

Home treatment is carried out using traditional recipes. Means of alternative medicine can get rid of skin irritation, restore the nail, nourish the soft tissue with vitamins and minerals, strengthen the plate from chipping. Unlike salon procedures, the use of drugs is possible after allergies. The most effective are several popular methods.

• Trays with sea salt. For cooking means you need to dissolve in water 1 tbsp. l crystalline component. In the finished solution, keep nails for 15-20 minutes. To whiten nail plates, you can add 5 drops of lemon juice or essential oil obtained from the peel.
• Iodine. Alcohol solution should be applied to the nails in the form of a fine mesh to prevent drying of the nail. The composition of the drug includes ethanol, which pulls water molecules from the tissues.
• Vitamins and trace elements. It is recommended to add to the diet fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts and other foods rich in iron and zinc. Meals should be balanced. You can rub into the base of the nail the contents of the capsules of multivitamin complexes, previously diluted in water or oil. As the latter, it is recommended to use unrefined olive oil.
• Mask of berries. Vitamin C is essential for a strong nail structure. To prepare the mask you need to mix sour varieties of berries (cranberries, sea buckthorn, raspberries, currants) in a homogeneous mass and apply on the nail plate. Wash off the product after 10-15 minutes.
• Bath for nails with olive oil. The tool should cover the entire surface of the nail to its base and cuticle. The nails go away in such a bath for 10 minutes. After that, you can wash off 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 for the prevention of flaking and drying of the skin, the formation of cracks on the nail plates.

Treat nails can be in beauty salons. The procedures carried out by specialists, allow you to restore the nails, even with pronounced destruction. We list the most effective methods of therapy.

• Applying a special tool on the nails. For correction, you will need to prepare in advance the composition of honey and propolis. 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 that becomes more elastic and less brittle.
• Paraffin therapy. Wax allows you to saturate the skin and nails with the necessary fats.Substance softens the horny tissues, slows down aging and eliminates peeling on the skin. The duration of the procedure is 20 minutes.
• Medicinal coatings. The tool for the restoration of nails should contain fiber gel varnish, minerals and vitamins for normal growth of the nail plate. The compounds that make up the medical coating, allow to strengthen the structure of the nail, preventing the formation of cracks.

You can go to such procedures as prevention.

In the process of applying gel polish as a preventive measure should be followed. several recommendations:

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

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

In addition to feeding the nails outside, you should pay attention to the daily diet, which must be balanced. If it contains no calcium and the daily intake of vitamins, brittle nails increase. As a result, they become covered with cracks, the regrown edges quickly break.

The process of nail restoration after gel polish, see the following video.