Nail polish can be found at any drug store, mall kiosk, or gas station and ranges from a few dollars to $50 or more for luxury brands. But does all that glitter mean you’re doing your nails some good? Is nail polish bad for your nails?
The answer depends on several factors, including how often you use it. If you use nail polish too frequently, you are at risk of developing nail problems.
This article is all about nail polish and why it can be bad for you. I’ll also explain why it’s bad to wear nail polish all the time. And there are some tips to help make sure your nails stay healthy.
Is nail polish bad for your nails?
Nail polish can be bad for your nails depending on the type of nail polish, the color, and how often you use it.
For instance, some nail polishes contain harmful chemicals that can dry out your nails and make them brittle. This can cause your nails to break or chip more easily. If you use dark-colored nail polishes, they can also stain your nails.
Additionally, frequent use of nail polish can weaken your nails and cause them to become brittle. It can also cause damage to your nail bed, resulting in nail fungus and other nail diseases.
If you notice that your nails are becoming dry, brittle, stained, or deformed after using nail polish, you may want to take a break from it for a while.
There are also some non-toxic nail polishes on the market that claim to be less damaging to your nails, so you may want to try one of those instead.
SEE: These Are The Best Nail Polishes for Your Skin Tone
Are there any benefits to using nail polish on your nails?
Yes, there are several benefits to using nail polish on your nails.
For one, nail polish can add shine to your nails and keep them looking their best. It can also help to protect your nails from chipping and provide a barrier against dirt and bacteria.
Lastly, some nail polish contains ingredients like vitamin E oil, which can help moisturize your nails and make them stronger.
Is it bad to wear nail polish all the time?
Yes, wearing nail polish all the time can be bad for your nails.
It can cause your nails to become weak and brittle, and also make them more susceptible to infection. If you want to keep your nails healthy, be sure to give them a break from nail polish every once in a while.
How long should you give your nails a break from nail polish?
Most experts recommend giving your nails a 3-4 week break from nail polish. This will help to keep them healthy and looking their best.
But if your nails are in bad shape, you should aim to give your nails a break every 2-3 weeks. By doing this, you’re giving your nails enough time to breathe and repair themselves naturally.
SEE: How To Remove Gel Nail Polish From Skin Around Nail
How do you keep your nails healthy?
There are several ways to keep your nails healthy and looking their best. Here are a few:
Avoid harsh soaps
You should avoid using harsh soaps as these can dry out your nails and make them brittle. You should also wear gloves when washing dishes and avoid soaking your hands in water for too long.
Don’t bite your fingernails
Nail biting can cause serious damage to the fingernail, the surrounding tissue, and the nail bed, which is ultimately what makes nails grow. In addition to this, if you bite your fingernails long enough, they may become brittle or even split open.
Nail biting can also lead to an overgrowth of bacteria on your nails, which can cause an unpleasant odor or even infection.
Improve your diet
If you want your nails to be healthier, then you must give them plenty of nutrients such as vitamins A, B complex, and vitamin C. You can find these nutrients in foods such as carrots, tomatoes, and citrus fruits.
SEE: Superfoods From Africa You Need to Add to Your Diet
Don’t pull off hangnails
Hangnails are tiny bits of cuticle skin that have grown over the edge of your nail. Pulling off hangnails is a bad idea because it can cause damage to the skin surrounding your nail and lead to infection.
If you have hangnails, be sure to cut them carefully with a nail clipper or cuticle scissors.
Keep your fingernails clean
The best way to keep your fingernails clean is by washing them regularly with soap and water. This will help prevent bacteria and dirt from building up under your nails, which may cause an infection in the future.
Moisturize your hands
Moisturizing your hands will help protect against dry and brittle nails caused by harsh soaps or harsh nail products. So be sure to moisturize your hands with a good hand cream twice daily (or more if needed).
SEE: Keep Your Hands Moist With the Best Hand Cream
Take a biotin supplement
Biotin supplements help in strengthening the nails so that they do not break easily. They also help in preventing nail dryness and can make your nails grow faster.
Biotin supplements are especially beneficial when used with other supplements, such as vitamin A or calcium supplements. If you’re not sure which one to buy, ask your healthcare provider for advice.
FAQs
How often should you paint your nails?
Ideally, you should paint your nails every two weeks.
This will help to prevent your nails from becoming yellow or discolored, and will also help to keep them looking their best.
If you can’t commit to painting your nails that often, aim for at least once a month. If you take good care of your nails, you can get away with painting your nails less often.
Can gel nails cause cancer?
Yes, they can.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, gel manicures can increase the risk of developing skin cancer in the future. So if you’re concerned about the potential cancer risk, you may want to talk to your nail technician about alternative options.
Can nail biting cause diseases?
Yes, it can.
Nail biting can contribute to several nail diseases including nail fungus, onycholysis, and brittle nail syndrome.
Do nails need to breathe?
No, they do not.
Nails do not need to breathe because they get their oxygen and nutrients from the blood. However, keeping your nails free of nail products once in a while is important for overall nail health.
Conclusion
The chemicals in nail polish can cause your nails to become dry, brittle, and discolored, and long-term use can even lead to nail diseases.
So, if you’re worried about the health of your nails, it’s important to choose a non-toxic nail polish. You should also make sure to give your nails a break from nail polish now and then.
At the end of the day, it’s up to you to decide what’s best for your nails.
Thanks for reading.
If you want to know more about nail polish, visit Africana Fashion.
