Safe Nail Care: What Every Hand Keeper Should Know
Manicures can look great on their own, but problems arise when they’re not done correctly or with the right products. Aggressive substances used on the skin can trigger allergies, dermatitis, and even infections in the nail plate, surrounding skin, or beyond. Proper technique matters as much as the products themselves.
Dr. Lourdes Navarro, a member of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV), emphasizes that the danger lies not in permanent or semi-permanent polishes themselves, but in misuse. The concern with some manicures is nail damage. Filing the entire surface of the nail can strip away the hard, protective layer, leaving the nail porous and susceptible to acrylates that may cause allergic reactions. During permanent manicures, UV-A lamps or LEDs are used to cure polishes, which, over time, may increase risks for the skin and nails.
Tips to Revitalize Nails After Summer
The expert notes that in certain cases a single-layer application is preferable to multiple coats. This can be especially beneficial for individuals with weak or brittle nails, as a thin coating helps protect against repeated hand washing and contact with substances that could be harmful. In normal conditions, three coats are typical, meaning three exposures to UV light and its associated risks. A single gel layer can reduce these exposures while still delivering a polished look.
Navarro also warns about the downsides of frequent acetone use, which dries out and weakens the nails.
Gel Nails: How to Make a Manicure Last Longer
When choosing nail polishes, it is important to consider allergies to metals used in some formulations and pigments. Some products use metal components to dissolve pigments, which can be problematic for sensitive individuals. The level of formaldehyde, used to harden enamels, should be considered as well since high concentrations repeated over time may weaken nails.
Steps to Perform a Manicure
Regarding removing a manicure, professionals note that hangnails can lead to scarring and a painful condition known as paronychia, an infection of the skin around the nail. This can cause temporary changes to the nail plate. Proper hygiene and cautious handling are essential to prevent these issues.
The best approach is not to cut the cuticles. Disinfect the nail area with a gentle antiseptic such as alcohol or iodine, and avoid aggressive removal of the cuticle. The cuticle protects the nail from external factors, so lifting without removing is a safer option. If yellowing occurs after painting, it can result from enamel pigments, especially on thin or porous nails. Applying a protective base coat helps prevent absorption of pigments and yellowing. White granules on the nail surface may be keratin granules caused by coloring pigments.
Special Summer Care
Navigating hand care doesn’t drastically change with the seasons. However, winter environmental dryness caused by cold and heating can dehydrate the skin around the nails. Hydration remains essential for both the back of the hand and the proximal nail fold. A moisturizing emollient applied around the nails, particularly for frequent hand washers, is recommended. After a shower is a good time to care for nails, as nails are more porous and softer. Filing from the sides is preferable to cutting, and surface polishing should be avoided for healthier nails.