Do you want to remove gel nail polish from the skin around your nail?
It’s happened to the best of us; you apply your gel nail polish, and then realize that you have some of it on the skin around your nail.
If this has happened to you, don’t fret. The good news is that gel nail polish is a lot easier to remove from the skin than you might think.
Keep reading to discover some of the best ways to remove gel nail polish from the skin around your nail.
How to remove gel nail polish from the skin around your nail
1. Use a nail polish remover
The easiest way to remove gel nail polish from the skin around your nail is to use a nail polish remover. Simply dip a cotton ball into the remover and rub it on the affected area.
Rinse your fingers under cool running water, then dry them thoroughly with a clean cloth or paper towel.
2. Try acetone
Acetone is a powerful solvent that dissolves nail polish, making it easier to remove.
Place a cotton ball soaked in acetone on the affected skin and rub it against the skin until all traces of the polish are removed. Rinse your hands with cool water and wipe off the water with a clean cloth or paper towel.
SEE: Here Are The Best Gel Nail Polish Every Beginner Should Start With
3. Good old toothpaste
Toothpaste is a great choice because it contains abrasive particles that can help break down the glue holding the gel polish in place.
Simply massage a small amount of toothpaste and water into the skin around your nail, working up a lather. Then, rinse your hands under cold water and pat dry with a towel. Repeat if you need to remove more residue.
4. Use lemon
Lemon juice is another great way to remove gel nail polish from the skin around the nail. The acid in lemon juice is harsh enough to remove the base of the polish but gentle enough to not damage your skin.
To use lemon juice, just cut a lemon in half and rub one-half on the affected skin. You may need to do this for a few minutes to fully remove the gel nail polish from your skin.
5. Don’t have a lemon? Try vinegar
Just like lemon, the acid in vinegar can help remove the base of your gel polish.
Apply a small amount of vinegar to the affected area and let it sit for 5 minutes before rinsing it off with water. Repeat this process 3 more times or until you’ve removed all traces of gel nail polish from your skin.
SEE: How Long Does Nail Polish Take To Fully Dry?
6. Warm water
To remove gel nail polish from the skin around your nail, another great option is to use warm water. The heat from the warm water will help break down the polish and dissolve it away from your skin.
You can then use a toothbrush or scrubber if you have any stubborn bits of gel polish that won’t come off easily with just warm water.
7. Use petroleum jelly
Petroleum jelly is an excellent choice for removing gel nail polish because it sticks to the hardened gel base and comes off with it after washing. It can also help to moisturize and protect the skin around your nail.
Apply some petroleum jelly on the affected area, then let it sit for about 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, scrub your skin with a soft cloth and wash it off with soap and water.
You can find petroleum jelly at most pharmacies and drugstores, as well as online. There are several kinds of petroleum jelly on the market, so make sure you buy one from a reputable brand.
8. Coconut oil
If you have sensitive skin, experts recommend using coconut oil to remove gel nail polish from the skin around your nail. This oil can help dissolve the glue holding the polish together, therefore making it easier to rinse off.
Another benefit of using coconut oil is that it’ll help soothe the skin around your nail and repair any damage done by the nail polish.
To use, apply a few drops of coconut oil to the affected area and massage it in. Let sit for a few minutes and rinse off the nail polish.
SEE: How Long Do Nail Polish Last On Your Nails?
9. Try olive oil
Like coconut oil, olive oil is an excellent moisturizer that will not only help dissolve gel nail polish but also provide soothing relief for the skin around your nail.
All you have to do is massage a few drops of olive oil into the area, leave it on for five minutes, and rinse with water.
As long as you’re careful and follow these instructions carefully, olive oil should do the trick.
10. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers remove nail polish by breaking down the glue that holds the polish on your nails.
Start by rubbing the skin with a cotton ball soaked in hand sanitizer for 10 to 15 seconds. Then, apply more hand sanitizer (if you have to) and wash off with soap and water.
11. Use perfume
Yes, you saw that right. The chemicals in perfume can help dissolve the solvents in gel nail polish, making it easier to rinse off.
To remove nail polish from the skin with perfume, apply a small amount of perfume directly to your skin and rub it in. The nail polish will begin to dissolve, and after a few minutes, you can rinse it off with water.
The only thing that will be left behind is the luxurious scent of your perfume.
What happens if gel polish gets on the skin?
If gel nail polish gets on the skin, it can cause irritation and redness.
If you have sensitive skin, you may also experience a burning sensation. In some cases, gel nail polish can even cause an allergic reaction.
If you experience any of these symptoms, remove the polish immediately and wash the area with soap and water.
SEE: Get Your Ultimate Professional Finish With the Best Nail Lamp
How do salons take off gel polish?
There are a few different ways salons take off gel polish, but the most common method is by using acetone.
Acetone helps to loosen up the gel polish and makes it easier to remove. Some salons may also use a nail drill, but this can be harsh on the nails.
Once your manicurist removes the gel polish, they’ll help clean your nails thoroughly. They may also massage your nails and apply lotion to help keep them hydrated.
SEE: Is Nail Polish Bad For Your Nails?
FAQs
What does a gel nail allergy look like?
If you have a gel nail allergy, you may notice your nails becoming reddened, swollen, and painful. You may also see blisters or bumps on your nails or around your cuticles.
In severe cases, the skin around your nails may crack and peel. If you experience any of these symptoms after getting a gel manicure, be sure to consult with your doctor or allergist.
How long do gel nails last polish?
1-2 weeks.
The best thing about gel nails is that they can last up to two weeks without chipping. This makes them perfect for people with busy lifestyles who like to wear their nails for as long as possible.
Can you scrape gel polish off nails?
Yes, but it’s not advisable.
When gel nail polish is applied to nails, a UV light is used to cure or harden the polish. Because of this, scraping the polish off your nails can cause nail breakage and even scarring.
What happens if nail paint gets on the skin?
If nail paint gets on the skin, it can cause the skin to become irritated. If you don’t wash it off immediately, the nail paint can also cause the skin to become dry and cracked.
Conclusion
Gel nail polish is a popular choice for those looking to switch up their manicure.
If you happen to get some on the skin around your nail, the best way to remove it is by using nail polish remover or acetone. You can also try using toothpaste, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, or perfume.
And if you like to go for natural remedies, try using vinegar, olive oil, lemon, or coconut oil.
Thanks for reading.
Visit Africana Fashion for more information on gel nail polish.
