The Truth Behind Gel Polish: Debunking the Myths in 2023. Gel polish has firmly established itself in the beauty industry. It is comfortable, aesthetically beautiful, and very practical. But despite this, more and more often you can see girls whose nails look naturally bare. Neat manicure – and no coating. I propose to figure out what pushes women to choose the nude nails trend!
The potential harm of gel polish
Fame often turns out to be in the company of myths and rumors. Many statements about gel polish have become quite common. In particular, about its harm to health. First, let’s see what is a myth and what is true.
Chemicals in gel polish
So far, the beauty industry cannot offer gel polishes with the most natural ingredients. The stability of the coating is achieved, among other things, thanks to the resins in its composition.
On the one hand, gel polish plays the role of a protective layer against mechanical injuries and scratches. And on the other hand, it becomes a barrier that does not let useful substances into the nail plate. Therefore, it is very important at the stage of the manicure to identify possible problems to influence them promptly. Otherwise, there is a risk that the nails will become drier or disease will develop under the varnish.
How to minimize the risks of using gel polish
The answer to whether this item is a myth or truth directly depends on the accuracy of your master. Because filing is better than soaking only on the condition that during its execution the top layer of the nail plate is not removed.
Excessive zeal in leveling the surface during a manicure should alert you. Yes, the coating will lie more evenly, but in the long term, the nails will become more brittle and sensitive to external influences.
Removal by soaking (disk, remover, fix it all with foil) has several harmful aspects:
- Nail polish removers can contain quite aggressive components;
- The foil creates a greenhouse effect, due to which the effect on the nail plate is enhanced;
- I overexposed the remedy – and instead of a positive one, I got a negative effect on the nails.
Expert advice on maintaining healthy nails
There is a certain influence of the lamp (because ultraviolet is still ultraviolet), but it is not as radical as they sometimes try to make it out to be. If you’re worried, use sunscreen.
Gel polish is harmful to children
First of all, the problem is not even in the composition of the coating, but in the features of its application. Children’s nail plate is not thick enough to withstand the sawing process. So girls and teenagers still should not do such a coating, it is better to choose a resistant ordinary varnish.
Do not apply gel polish during pregnancy
But this is a myth. And some superstitions. Their roots are probably that during the manicure procedure, it is very easy to damage the capillaries around the nail plate. And if the master does not sufficiently sterilize the instruments, there is a possibility of infection.
As you can see, gel polish is not as scary as they say it. And if you eat a balanced diet, have naturally strong nails, and your master is neat enough and does not cut too much, then you can do the coating regularly.
In other cases, it is still worth taking breaks, during which you will let the nail plate grow and nourish it with useful means for strengthening.
Alternatives to gel polish
Becoming a fan of the nude nails trend can push not only the likely harm to health. Personally, my story of refusing to permanently cover my nails with gel polish began with a lifestyle.
Once I visited the climbing wall in the period about a week before the appointment for the next manicure. The sound of scratching nails during training was quite effective. When I came to my master, I was not surprised that after removing the gel polish there was a peeling of the nail plate. In a good way, then it was worth taking a break and removing the cover.
But I made a different choice: I just removed the length, but I didn’t refuse to apply varnish. As a result, the problem worsened until the next time. The nails became brittle, and with the slightest increase in length, they exfoliated and moved away from the nail bed. It turned out that such a problem is not uncommon and is called onycholysis.
Common causes of its occurrence :
- Wearing coverage for more than three weeks. This leads to the fact that it makes the tips heavier.
- mechanical injury. Bowling and a climbing wall with long nails is a very, very bad idea.
- The nail plate has become thin due to excessive sawing. As I wrote above, a significant part of the harm is associated with the process of removing gel polish. When combined with item 2 of this list, problems are almost 100 percent guaranteed.
- Individual allergic reactions. They can appear both after prolonged exposure (accumulation effect) and when applying a new base or varnish.
On the feet, onycholysis can also occur due to shoes. If she constantly presses on the nail plate, she can easily be injured.
The main danger of nail detachment is that an environment appears in the gaps between the plate and the bed, in which bacteria and fungi easily multiply. So ignoring the problem and continuing to cover is voluntarily harming your health.
What should be done with onycholysis caused by mechanical trauma :
- Consult a doctor to exclude the presence of a fungus;
- Protect your nails from additional injuries;
- Regularly trim the regrown edges so that they do not drag the entire plate behind them like a sail;
- Use tea tree oil and nail strengthened.
In my case, it took two months not to part with a nail file and nail clippers. I regularly did a hygienic manicure, additionally cut off the excess length on my own, and gradually the problem areas ceased to appear. But the nail plate has grown much stronger than before.
Also, Relate 30 Valentine’s Day Nail Ideas and Designs for 2023
It was then that I was inspired by the aesthetics of healthy, well-groomed, naked nails.
Common myths about gel polish
Fans of nude nail aesthetics give her their hearts not only for health reasons. There are other aspects too:
- It’s convenient and saves a lot of time. A hygienic manicure without a coating takes much less time, so it is easier to fit into your schedule. Add to this regular cuticle care and your hands are always neat.
- No coverage, no problem. You don’t care that the nails have grown and there are holes without gel polish. The sudden departure of your master is also not a problem – you don’t need to shoot anything. (Especially appreciated this in covid and at the beginning of a full-scale war).
- Environmental friendliness. After removing the coating, it does not disappear “to nowhere”. The resulting dust may contain small microplastic particles. Getting into the air, and water supply, and settling on the soil, harms the environment. In small quantities, it is not noticeable, but conduct an experiment: collect the remnants of gel polish from nails during the year. And then imagine what happens if you multiply this number by all the women who are looking for new manicure ideas every three weeks.
- Naturalness is a trend that is constantly strengthening its position. The ability to see your natural beauty, enjoy it and not try to constantly improve and reshape yourself is a cool trend, one of the aspects of which is nude nails.
- Healthy nails are very beautiful. Gentle, defenseless, sincere. And at the same time strong in their nakedness and openness. So you can poetically describe this aesthetic. From a practical point of view, I will say the following: it is much easier to take care of the condition of the nails if at least from time to time you do not hide them from yourself, but focus on health care and strengthening.
The choice between a gel polish manicure and the nude nails trend may not be limited to one decision. Find your balance between your passion for interesting design and the desire to admire neat, well-groomed bare nails. There is only one rule that should always be observed: monitor the condition of the nail plate. Because health is the most important component of beauty!
FAQs
1. Does gel polish cause permanent damage to the nails?
Gel polish, when applied and removed correctly, shouldn’t cause permanent damage to the nails. However, improper application, excessive filing, or aggressive removal techniques can weaken the nails over time. It’s essential to follow proper nail care practices and give your nails regular breaks from gel polish to maintain their health.
2. Can gel polish increase the risk of skin cancer?
The risk of developing skin cancer from gel polish is minimal. The UV exposure during the curing process is relatively low, and when you take proper precautions such as using sunscreen or wearing protective gloves, the risk is further reduced. However, if you have a history of skin cancer or are particularly sensitive to UV radiation, it’s best to consult a dermatologist for personalized advice.
3. Are there any alternatives to gel polish that are safer for the nails?
Yes, there are alternatives to gel polish that can be gentler on the nails. One popular option is regular nail polish combined with a good quality top coat for added durability. Additionally, there are newer hybrid polishes on the market that offer long-lasting wear without the need for UV curing. Exploring these alternatives can help minimize the potential risks associated with gel polish.
4. How can I maintain healthy nails while using gel polish?
To maintain healthy nails while using gel polish, it’s crucial to follow proper nail care practices. This includes moisturizing your cuticles and nails regularly, avoiding excessive filing or buffing, and giving your nails breaks from gel polish to allow them to breathe and recover. Additionally, keeping your overall nail health in mind by maintaining a balanced diet and avoiding harsh chemicals or excessive use of nail products is beneficial.
5. Are there any signs I should watch out for that indicate nail damage from gel polish?
Yes, some signs may indicate nail damage from gel polish. These include nails becoming excessively thin, weak, or brittle, peeling or splitting of the nails, or changes in nail texture or color. If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to consult a nail care professional or a dermatologist for guidance on how to restore and maintain the health of your nails.
