Nail Polish Health
Amit Sharma
| 15-05-2024
· News team
According to a survey conducted by the Consumer Council, about ninety percent of the nail polishes available on the market are marked as substandard and harmful to health.
People who enjoy using nail polish should take precautions to avoid health risks.
In today's society, where appearance matters, the percentage of importance placed on fingers and fingernails, representing demands on appearance, is 100%. Young people, in particular, consider nail painting as a fashion statement and are enthusiastic about it.
However, health experts warn of potential health risks associated with nail polish. When weighing beauty against health risks, consider the following health issues:

Harmful Effects of Nail Polish on Health:

1. Regular or improper application of nail polish, or the use of poor-quality nail polish, can lead to yellowing, loss of shine, deformation, breakage, cracking, peeling, and bacterial or fungal infections.
2. One of the main causes of nail fungus is frequent nail trimming. If the skin around the nails is trimmed too deeply, nail polish and nail polish remover can erode the nail layer, making it easier for fungi to invade the nail, resulting in unsightly nail fungus.
3. Nail painting can make nails fragile, leading to separation from the nail bed and the development of green nails. If left untreated, green nails can become infected and ooze pus. If infected with yeast, it can cause black nails, which are both time-consuming and difficult to treat.
4. Frequent use of nail polish remover and nail polish can lead to nail pitting and the appearance of ridges on the nail surface.
5. Nail polish and nail polish remover contain chemical solvents, inhaling them at close range or regularly can cause dizziness, irritation, and in severe cases, tumor formation.
6. Nail polish contains carcinogenic formaldehyde, inhaling which can cause dizziness and long-term exposure can induce blood disorders.
7. Nail polish contains isopropyl alcohol, which can irritate sensitive eyes.
8. The chemical solvent phthalate in nail polish can disrupt endocrine function, excessive use increases the risk of breast cancer and may affect the fertility of future male babies.
9. Nail polish contains volatile components that, if mixed with excessive diluent or other nail polish, can cause the bottle to rupture, leading to accidents such as cuts.

How to Use Nail Polish Correctly to Minimize Health Risks:

1. Avoid prolonged application; it is best to apply and remove on the same day or the next day, and reapply after some time (preferably a week).
2. When using nail polish and nail polish remover, avoid getting too close to the mouth and nose, and try to apply them outdoors or in well-ventilated areas.
3. Do not trim too much skin around the edges of the nails, and avoid getting nail polish on the skin when applying it.
4. If you notice any unusual changes such as thinning or cracking of the nails, stop using them immediately.
5. When using nail polish remover, do not soak too much at once to prevent dissolved nail polish from flowing into the seams of the nails, and do not wipe forcefully.
6. When purchasing nail polish and nail polish remover, be sure to avoid buying products with unknown origins or poor quality, and carefully read the ingredients, expiration dates, and warning labels.
7. Nail polishes with added glitter and fragrances contain more carcinogenic chemical components, so it is safer to choose nail polishes with single components.
8. When purchasing nail polish remover, choose products without methanol and ethylene glycol ingredients, as ethanol can dry out the nail's keratin layer and cause it to break.
9. After removing nail polish, massage the nail surface, edges, and nail roots with nail care oil.
In conclusion, while nail polish adds flair to our appearance, it's essential to be mindful of its potential health risks. By following proper usage guidelines and selecting products carefully, we can enjoy beautiful nails while minimizing adverse health effects.