Nail painting is a popular cosmetic procedure all over the world, which not only decorates fingers or toes, but also serves as a form of self-expression. For example, recently, black emo-style manicures are often done not only by girls, but also by guys. Also, such a procedure as nail extensions has been popular for a long time. But how safe is it for health? There is no clear answer to this question, but we can immediately say that these procedures cannot be called absolutely safe.
Painting nails with varnish may not be as harmless a procedure as many assume. Photo source: makeup.ru
Is it harmful to paint nails with varnish
Nails are important parts of our body, and they are always in plain sight. Therefore, it is not surprising that most people try to make them look neat, and women also use various methods to decorate them. One of the simplest and most accessible of them is painting with varnish. The latter is a liquid that includes polymers, solvents, plasticizers and pigments that give the varnish a particular color.
Unfortunately, nail polish is not a completely safe cosmetic product. Certain substances in its composition can irritate the skin around the nail bed. In addition, some people even have an allergic reaction. But even this is not the most dangerous thing. Many polishes contain toluene and formaldehyde, which can potentially cause long-term negative health effects. Therefore, experts recommend purchasing polish that does not contain these chemicals.
The varnish can irritate the skin around the nail. Photo source: thevoicemag.ru
Why do manufacturers add formaldehyde and toluene to the varnish if these chemicals are dangerous to health? For example, formaldehyde performs several tasks at once. First of all, it is an antimicrobial agent. In addition, it serves as a preservative and strengthener for nails. As for toluene, this substance allows nail polish to remain liquid in the bottle, but dry immediately after application to the nails.
Some nail polish manufacturers indicate on the bottles that their products do not contain dangerous ingredients. But, as studies show, sometimes this information is not true. For example, in 2019, researchers found that out of 28 nail polishes advertised as formaldehyde-free, four actually contained this substance.
Why is formaldehyde dangerous in nail polishes
Formaldehyde is a recognized carcinogen, meaning it causes cancer. However, researchers at the National Cancer Institute have found a link between formaldehyde and certain types of cancer only in people who inhale large amounts of the substance. For example, embalmers and industrial workers who handle the substance have an increased risk of developing cancer.
Formaldehyde is often found in nail polishes. Photo source: kp.ru
Theoretically, manicurists may have an increased risk of cancer. However, studies on this subject have shown conflicting results. Therefore, science cannot yet give a definitive answer as to whether nail polish can increase the risk of cancer. According to Harvard Health, it is unknown whether the concentration of formaldehyde in nail polish is sufficient to cause harm to health.
Is it harmful to extend nails?
Nail extensions became popular in the second half of the 2000s. Gel polish and acrylic nails themselves are not believed to cause cancer. However, to say this with complete confidence, it will take some more time. The fact is that the delay between exposure and the occurrence of a cancerous tumor can be up to 20-30 years.
However, experts are more concerned about the way the gel hardens than the gel itself. As you know, this requires exposure to ultraviolet radiation. This is the same type of radiation that the sun exposes to our skin. We have previously reported that sunscreen should be applied to the skin to reduce the risk of skin cancer.
Drying gel polish with ultraviolet light is fraught with negative consequences for the skin. Photo source: dzen.ru
It follows that regular exposure to UV radiation in a nail salon can theoretically increase the risk of skin cancer. But there have been no studies on this, so the risk can only be considered potential for now. But even if we discount the possibility of developing cancer, ultraviolet radiation can lead to changes in skin color, as well as accelerated aging.
Additionally, gel polish and acrylic may contain methacrylate monomers, such as methyl methacrylate monomer. These chemicals may cause irritation or allergic reactions. Additionally, long-term use of acrylics leads to chronic inflammation and thinning of the skin under the nail. In some cases, changes may occur that cannot be reversed.
Acrylic should not be used for a long time, as it causes chronic inflammation. Photo source: nail-industry.ru
For example, in one review study, scientists came to the conclusion that acrylic should not be applied for more than three months in a row. Between each application of gel polish, experts recommend taking a break of two to four weeks, depending on the condition of the skin.
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In addition, soaking in acetone is often used to remove gel nails. This can cause irritation and weaken the nails. For example, a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology says that several people's nails became thinner after the very first gel polish removal procedure.
As you can see, negative health consequences can be caused by both the use of polish and nail extensions. Is it worth doing these cosmetic procedures? Everyone must answer this question for themselves.