Home Nail Care Kits: Modern nail care technology has roots in dental science and requires professional skills and knowledge.
Previously, when people wanted to give their nails a pop of color without visiting a skilled nail technician, the solution was simple: they would pull out their nail polish collection and carefully paint their nails.
Nowadays, many individuals have shifted from traditional nail polish to gel manicures, drawn by their longer-lasting and durable finish. Whereas nail polish might chip in a few days, gel nails can last two to three weeks without a single blemish or break. However, alongside the convenience of new technologies come hidden risks.
Home Nail Care Kits, During the pandemic, when people stayed home and nail salons were closed, some turned to online-purchased gel manicure kits, hoping to recreate salon-quality results at home. However, according to experts, this DIY approach, which has grown more popular over the years, could lead to health concerns.
Jim McConnell, a cosmetic chemist who analyzes the chemical composition of products, told The Washington Post: “During the COVID-19 pandemic, people weren’t going to salons, and they started doing their nails at home with cheap tools. But using gel at home with these readily available and often inexpensive kits can lead to problems.”
Home Nail Care Kits, Below are some tips to better protect yourself from potential damage when using DIY gel manicure kits at home.
Home Nail Care Kits
How Do At-Home Gel Kits Work, And What Are The Risks?
Home Nail Care Kits, The key to the success of gel polish compared to regular polish lies in its convenience. Wet gel polish is cured under UV or LED lights and is ready within minutes, whereas regular nail polish can take between 30 minutes to an hour to dry.
Experts are concerned about the chemicals in these DIY gel kits sold online. Vitaly Solomonov, a dermatologist and cosmetic chemist, says, “These kits are often sold by unrecognized and unreliable manufacturers that don’t even follow FDA regulations.”
Home Nail Care Kits, McConnell adds that many of these kits are made in places where the chemical components may lack proper oversight. Some products contain high concentrations of different resins to bond the gel to the nails, raising concerns that this strong adhesive might harm the natural nail.
If people develop allergic reactions due to improper use and high concentrations of harmful resins, symptoms may include irritation, swelling, redness, or even open sores and infections. McConnell said, “In severe cases, this could even lead to nail loss. Acrylates and methacrylates, chemicals found in these gels, are considered allergens that can trigger varying degrees of allergic reactions.”
Some of these chemicals, when used in low concentrations, are safe, but the problem arises when online Home Nail Care Kits, products use cheap materials with high concentrations that can cause problems.
Additionally, when untrained individuals use gel polish at home, problems often occur.
Solomonov said, “No one treats or replaces their teeth without the help of a dentist. Modern nail care technologies also have their roots in dental science, and the two share many similarities, so to avoid unwanted side effects, professional skills and knowledge are required.”
Which Chemicals Are The Most Dangerous?
Home Nail Care Kits, Hydroxyethyl methacrylate, also known as HEMA, is found in gel polish, acrylics, and nail glue that hardens under UV or LED light, giving nails a glossy and durable appearance.
When individuals become sensitive to HEMA, any product containing acrylates or other methacrylates can trigger allergic reactions. This chemical is also used in some medical and dental products, including contact lenses, dental fillings, and coatings, as well as in some materials used in orthopedic surgeries.
How Can You Avoid Risks When Using At-Home Kits?
Home Nail Care Kits, The simplest answer may disappoint you: stop using at-home kits!
According to experts, the money saved by doing at-home manicures isn’t worth the risk of exposure to dangerous allergens.
McConnell urges people to stop using gel polish at home and instead use regular nail polish at home.
Solomonov also emphasizes that salon-style gel manicures should be left to professionals.
Home Nail Care Kits, Experts also recommend that if you notice allergic reactions on the nails or the surrounding skin, remove the nail polish immediately.
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How To Remove Gel Nail Polish At Home: A Comprehensive Guide
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Nail State Of Health: What Does The Appearance Of The Nail Say About Its Health?
