Gel Nail Polish & Manicure: Reasons Why You Should Be Concerned About It And Its Safe Alternatives
Gel Nails Side Effects: Nail fashion is at its peak at the moment with our favorite celebrities serving “nail goals” every week/month with their extravagant nail designs, art, and manicures. For its durability and final shiny finish, gel nail polish, and manicures have emerged as the go-to choice of many youngsters. While they do act as an embellishment of your hand, gel polishes have resulted in weak nail beds, allergies, and even the risk of skin cancer.
Gel Nails- A form of expression
Make-up and assorted forms of adornment are no longer a luxury. Gel nails have allowed people to display their talented side, and build a business around an art they are passionate about. Undoubtedly, no one fathomed gel polish to have severe effects ranging from short-term to long-term damage.
A form of liberation, an expression of art, a way to promote or highlight a cause, gel nails have been revolutionary in the fashion industry, so the adverse effects of the chemicals used in the process do make it unfortunate info for all the users.
Harmful Effects of Chemical Used in Gel Polish
Gel nail polish has resulted in harmful effects due to the chemicals involved in the application and removal process of the manicure.
Gel polish is notorious for containing acrylates and methacrylates known to cause allergic reactions in some people with symptoms including redness, itching, and swelling around the nails and cuticle. The removal process which ideally involves soaking the nail tips in acetone can lead to drying of the skin, with prolonged acetone exposure consequences including irritation on the exposed skin.
The UV light used during the process of gel nail setting can increase the risk of skin damage, premature aging, with a potential risk of skin cancer with prolonged exposure.
The natural nail bed under the gel polish can become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus due to the moisture trapped in between.
In some cases, the nail technician exposed to the fumes emitted during the application can experience respiratory issues as well.
Alternatives To Gel Nail Polish
So if gel nails pose such side effects, what should nail art lovers do?
There are several alternatives available for adorn nails instead of gel nail polish.
- Opt for press-on nails
- Regular nail paints instead of gel paints
- Dip-powder manicure
- Nail Stickers
- Silk Wrap Nails
Prevention is better than cure, so if you love getting your nails done professionally ensure to wear a broad spectrum SPF before your nail appointment, or wear UV protection manicure gloves. It is advised to let your nails breathe by taking a week or two’s break between your next new nails.
