Nail Polish: Why It May Not Be A Good Idea To Apply Too Often

Throughout history, women have improved their outward appearance with nail cosmetics.¹Some examples may include nail polish, acrylic nails, silk nail art stickers, nail gels and extensions.¹

Nail cosmetics have been around for millennia, dating back to 5000 BC, when henna was used to dye fingernails in India, China and Egypt.¹According to a study, approximately 85% to 90% of women worldwide use some form of nail care products.¹

From the statistics, it’s apparent that for women, there is a degree of importance towards the appearance of nails. However, studies reveal that 99% of those who use nail cosmetics may encounter a nail disorder at least once.¹In this case, they may seek medical treatment from a dermatology clinic. After all, most nail conditions are from nail cosmetics, nail grooming complications, or the ageing process.¹

An overview of our nails

Our nails are attached to the nail bed.² The nail and nail bed has a noticeable separation at the finger or toe tips, where the nail’s end sticks out. This allows the nails to be used as tools (e.g. scratching).²

The lateral nail folds surround the nail on either side of it, and the skin that forms the border at the nail’s lower end is known as the proximal nail fold.² A thin skin layer, called the cuticle, grows over the nail.²

Overall, our nails seem solid and sturdy, being half a millimetre thick². They are, but only to a certain degree.³ This is because our nails, technically known as the “nail plate”, are made of keratin, a protective protein.³ However, it is not impermeable.³

One thing to understand about your nails is that the nail plate is absorbent. Hence, anything painted onto the nails can soak into the bloodstream, causing adverse side effects.³ The skin around the nails is even more permeable.³

The dangers of nail polish

Because nail polish is made from chemicals, it can pose varying health risks, especially if they contain the following:

Toluene

This solvent is added to help with a smooth finish across the nail and prevents the paint in the bottle from separating. This chemical is known to be used for gasoline for our cars.⁴

Too much of this chemical in our bloodstream may harm the central nervous system and affect reproductive organs.⁴ Other side effects may include numbness, eye and throat irritation, and headaches.⁴

Formaldehyde

This ingredient acts as a nail hardener.⁴ Usually, long-lasting nail polishes will contain this.⁴ Moreover, it is also a disinfectant that prevents any contamination from bacteria.⁴ This chemical may be used when disinfecting the tools used in a manicure and pedicure.⁴

However, too much of this chemical may cause the nails to become brittle, making them likelier to break or peel.⁵Sometimes, they can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.⁵

Dibutyl phthalate

This plasticiser helps add flexibility to nail paints and prevents the polish from chipping to maintain the colour.⁴However, this can cause severe damage to the reproductive areas.⁴

Due to this, it has been banned in certain European countries, and the frequency of using this chemical has decreased.⁴

These three are also known as the “toxic trio” because of the chemical damage they can deal to your health.⁴

Other toxic ingredients to look out for

Camphor: This enhances the gloss and strength of nail polish.⁴However, they can cause side effects, such as nausea, headaches, and dizziness.⁴

Butylated hydroxyanisole: This can be found in gel nail polishes and used as a preservative.⁴ This compound is linked to mild skin irriation⁶, as well as the potential for several health concerns, such as endocrine disruption and organ-system toxicity.

Nitrocellulose: Many nail polishes contain this, since this chemical has film-forming properties.⁴Absorbing them through inhalation can lead to side effects such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, breathing difficulties, and loss of consciousness.⁶

Acetone: Used as a nail polish remover. However, it can dry the nails and cause severe allergic reactions and skin irritation.⁴

When using nail polish, the nails absorb the above ingredients. Do note that they can also be found nail polish removers and gel polishes.⁷

Due to the chemicals being found in so many nail care products, it may be unknown how many chemicals make it to your body or how safe the components inside the nail polishes are.⁴

The myth of nail polish being related to skin cancer

Gel nail polishes are becoming more popular because they can last longer without chipping. While several chemicals are known carcinogens, including formaldehyde⁷, studies revealed that nail polish is not the main concern, but rather the method salons use to dry the gel quickly.⁷

Repeated use of gel nail polishes in salons can lead to constant exposure to ultraviolet lights, which are responsible for wrinkles and skin cancer.⁷ This is because gel nail polishes have a hardening gel that needs exposure to UV light.⁷

One of the safer alternatives would be LED lights, since the UV rays from these lights are minimal.⁷

What to ensure before going for a manicure

Should you plan for a manicure, ensure that the salon’s equipment is sterile and that they replace their tools regularly.⁸Other things to ensure the salon can help you with include:

Dropping the cuticle oil on the nails. Do not let the salon employees brush it, in case it’s a reused brush. Reused brushes can contain bacteria and fungus.⁸
Discarding nail files after one use, since they can also contain bacteria and fungus.⁸
Using sandpaper grade buffing blocks on acrylic nails only.⁸

Restoring your nails from chemical damage

While nail polish can provide the aesthetics, it’s still better to spread the nail appointments. After all, nail cosmetics can compromise nail health if used excessively.

That is why it’s more important to maintain healthy nails for daily function and cosmesis, rather than fret over your nail colour. Moreover, it’s recommended to be aware of potential complications to avoid them or get diagnosed and treated at a dermatology clinic.

Should you suspect or notice any nail damage, our lead dermatologist, Dr. Angeline Yong, is more than capable of reviewing your case thoroughly and coming up with a personalised treatment that is ideal for you.

As an accredited dermatologist, Dr Angeline has undergone fellowships in Mohs Micrographic Surgery, Procedural and Laser Dermatology in the UK, along with Cosmetic and Procedural Dermatology Fellowships in both the United States and South Korea.

She also has the honour of being the first Singaporean dermatologist to qualify for membership with the American College of Mohs Surgery.

Her expertise can restore and maintain the healthy, functional nails you long for. Contact us to book an appointment today.

References

Reinecke, J. K., & Hinshaw, M. A. (2020). Nail health in women. International Journal of Women’s Dermatology, 6(2), 73–79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijwd.2020.01.006

InformedHealth.org, National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2018, June 28). Structure of the nails. National Library Of Medicine. Retrieved July 14, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513133/

Timmons, J. (2022, March 21). The Truth about Non-Toxic Nail Polish, Plus the Best Alternative for Put-Together Nails. Healthline. Retrieved July 14, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/non-toxic-nail-polish

Dr. Narsaria, R. (2016, September 16). Harmful effects of nail polish. Medindia. Retrieved July 14, 2022, from https://www.medindia.net/patients/lifestyleandwellness/harmful-effects-of-nail-polish.htm

Janelle Nassim, J. & Liu, K. (2019, November 21). A look at the effects of nail polish on Nail Health and Safety. Harvard Health. Retrieved July 14, 2022, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/a-look-at-the-effects-of-nail-polish-on-nail-health-and-safety-2019112118231

New Jersey Department Of Health. (2010). Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet [Fact sheet]. https://nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb/documents/fs/1366.pdf

Do gel manicures increase cancer risk? Harvard Health. (2017, May 1). Retrieved July 14, 2022, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/cancer/do-gel-manicures-increase-cancer-risk

WH Staff (2021, September 2). Why your manicure might be doing more damage than you think. Women’s Health. Retrieved July 14, 2022, from https://www.womenshealth.com.au/health-side-effect-danger-manicure/

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Nail Polish: Why It May Not Be A Good Idea To Apply Too Often￼

Nail Polish: Why It May Not Be A Good Idea To Apply Too Often