Nail polish every day: Bad for your nails?

To enhance an outfit, accentuate a tan, or complete a jewellery ensemble, nail polish is adored in the beauty world. However, be mindful of how often you use it. Over time, its components may damage your nails.  

Most nail polishes are composed of chemicals, including acetone, formaldehyde, and ethyl acetate, which tend to dry out the nails. With excessive application, they can become fragile, brittle, or split easily, as indicated by the Belgian media RTBF. In some cases, nail polish can even lead to fungal infections. Moreover, the surface of nails is porous and thus more likely to absorb pigments (which provide the colour) from the polish. If you use it frequently, your nails might discolour or turn yellow.

Can't live without it?

If you're not ready to say goodbye to your favourite nail polishes, but also don’t want to damage your nails, here are some valuable tips: 

• apply a base coat as a protective shield for your nails;
• moisturise your nails between manicures: a bath of oil or a massage with a moisturising cream will do the trick; 
• buff your nails, but not too often. Although it allows nail polish to adhere better, in the long run, it weakens the nails;  
• use gentle removers, preferably acetone-free.

Finally, try to space out your manicures by at least two days. And if this proves too difficult (nail polish is your great passion), a "detox cure" twice a year is needed in order to allow nails time to rehydrate and treat any possible breakages or infections. 

(MH with Raphaël Liset: Source: RTBF - Illustration: ©Unsplash)