We always try to look better but sometimes in the midst of all this we start harming ourselves. In this article, learn about the harmful effects of excessive use of nail paint on nails and measures to prevent them to enhance the beauty of your hands.

Perhaps you love the beauty of your smooth, polished nails, but often you look at your nails and wonder: Are there any harmful effects of nail polish? Are nails healthier without polish? Usually, the answer is yes — but that doesn't mean you should stay away from nail polish forever. Here's how nail polish can affect the health of your nails and skin.

There are different types of nail paints

Nowadays women use many types of nail paints, available in different colors, these nail paints are available in the market from many companies and bases. There are many different types of nail polish available in the market. You can apply nail polish on natural or artificial nails. Here are the types of nail polish:

1. Traditional nail polish

It is applied in several coats and dries in air. It can be easily removed with acetone-based nail polish remover. This is the type that most people have at home.

2. Gel Polish

A salon technician applies it to the nail, then cures it under a lamp so it dries almost instantly.

3. Powder Dip Polish

A technician applies a glue-like polish and then dips the nail in acrylic powder. A liquid is then applied which forms a hard coating. Also read: Toenail fungus: Toenail fungal infection can be painful, follow these tips for relief.

Yellowing of nails, scaly nails, cracks appearing in the nails, all these indicate your physical problems. Image: Adobe Stock

Is nail polish bad for nails?

Dr. Vijay Singhal, Senior Consultant, Dermatologist, Sribalaji Action Medical Institute, Delhi, says, “If you do not use nail polish carefully, you may face many skin-related and health problems.

Some nail polishes contain formaldehyde, toluene, and dipropyl phthalate (DBP) and other harshly reactive ingredients. Regular use of nail polish can have some negative effects on the nails. Here are some reasons why nail polish can be harmful to nails:

1. Constantly applying nail polish can make nails weak and brittle. Can reduce nail growth.

2. Some nail polishes contain ingredients that can absorb moisture from the nails, increasing dryness.

3. Some people may be allergic to the chemicals in nail polish, which can cause itching, redness, burning or swelling.

4. Applying nail polish for a long time can cause yellowing of nails and change in skin tone.

5. Contact of nail polish with skin can cause skin problems. Like skin cancer etc.

6. Some chemicals present in nail polish can also cause hormonal imbalance.

Therefore, it is important to rest the nails from time to time and choose good quality nail polish.

Can the harmful effects of nail polish be prevented?

Many people love manicured or painted nails. If you are also one of these, then here Dr. There are some methods suggested by Vijay that can help avoid potential problems:

1. Once applied, do not keep the nail polish for long, two weeks is enough for this.

2. Do not remove gel or powder dip polish yourself, removing it yourself can damage the nails. Make an appointment with a manicurist to get it removed.

3. Use LED curing lights in the salon, these cure nails faster than UV lights, so your hands have to remain in this light for less time.

With these tips you can get beautiful and shiny nails. Image: Adobe Stock

4. Save nail polish for special occasions, avoid everyday use.

5. Give nails time to heal themselves. And avoid using nail polish for some time.

6. Use brands with fewer chemicals Choose nail paint types that contain fewer toxins.

7. While applying gel polish, apply sunscreen on your hands, which has SPF 30 or higher. This will help prevent skin cancer and premature skin aging.

8. Before applying nail paint, clean the nails, let the nail paint dry thoroughly, use nail remover to remove the nail paint.

9. Never let the technician cut your cuticles. These work to protect your nails and the surrounding skin from infection. You can gently push them back after you shower, when the cuticles are soft.

10. Do not put your entire fingers or hands directly into acetone. At home, you can use a cotton ball to remove traditional nail polish.

11. Small cuts on your skin can allow bacteria to enter causing infection. If you shave before a pedicure, it may increase the risk of infection.

12. Use cream or petroleum jelly to moisturize after removing polish.

Along with this, you should also keep in mind that if you are using nail paint and you are facing any kind of problem like itching, burning sensation in the hands, or pain in the skin around the nails, swelling etc., consult a doctor immediately,

Also read: Crooked or damaged nails can be a sign of these 5 problems