The Times Australia
The Times World News

.

Are polishes, acrylics and powders bad for my fingernails? Do I need a breather between manicures?

  • Written by Christian Moro, Associate Professor of Science & Medicine, Bond University
Are polishes, acrylics and powders bad for my fingernails? Do I need a breather between manicures?

People are increasingly opting for regular manicures – with vibrant layers of polish, gel, acrylic or powder.

Australians spend more than $22 billion[1] a year on beauty treatments. And it’s not slowing down – the beauty and personal care market is expected to grow at around 2–5%[2] in the next year[3].

Manicure popularity (velvet nails are among the latest looks[4]) could be down to fashion, social media influencers or our desire for small luxuries. But should we hold off from treatments, and give our nails a break every now and then?

Read more: We know hand dryers can circulate germs through the air. Why are they still used everywhere?[5]

What are nails?

Nails are a unique feature in primates, made from skin cells[6]. A special arrangement of keratin, a structural protein, allows the nails to become strong and compact. Keratin is the same protein present in hair, as well as the horns, claws and hooves of other animals.

Upon maturing, the cells making up the fingernail disintegrate their nucleus[7], giving rise to a translucent and colourless appearance.

Nails strengthen and protect the fingertips. They enable fine motor control, such as turning the pages of a book or picking up a needle from a table. They allow us to scratch ourselves when itchy, hold a better grip on some items, and pry open nuts and foods. They also enhance some sensations due to the underlying nerves.

The curved shape[8] of the nail both strengthens it, as well as allows a nice snug fit to the underlying finger.

Fingernails grow at an average rate of 3 millimetres per month[9], so it takes about 4–6 months to fully grow from the cuticle to the tip. This is much faster than toenails, which grow around three times[10] slower.

Labelled fingernail. Christian Moro, Author provided

Fingernails grow from the skin at the base of the nail, with the new nail slowly pushing the rest forward. This occurs the fastest up to about 14 years[11] of age, with males exhibiting faster-growing nails than females. The growth rate evens out at around 50[12] years of age.

Nails can be an insight into our health. An abnormally shaped[13] nail bed (clubbing) may suggest anaemia, low tissue oxygenation, or cardiovascular disease. Discolouration or pitting could indicate autoimmune[14] issues, infections or malnutrition.

How do nails break?

Dermatologists[15] see a lot of patients with frail and brittle nails[16]. Such nails can be vulnerable to splitting or breaking[17].

The external environment does impact our nails. Both low moisture and very high moisture can cause the nails to become brittle[18].

Poor nutrition[19] and age[20] can also affect the health[21] of the nailbed and the strength and colour of the nails.

Read more: What causes dry lips, and how can you treat them? Does lip balm actually help?[22]

Beautiful nails

Healthy nails are more likely to look good[23].

Good habits[24] to adopt for strong fingernails include trimming the nails straight across and rounding the edges, not messing with the cuticles (which help keep out nasty bugs), and not putting anything sharp under the nails.

But of course, playing around with the look of nails using shades and colours can be fun and fashionable. Around 85–90%[25] of women worldwide use nail care products.

nail colour selection in salon
Choices, choices, so many choices. Pexels/Rodnae, CC BY[26][27]

Read more: Yes, women might 'feel the cold' more than men. Here's why[28]

Can manicures do damage?

Although nail cosmetics can enhance nail appearance, they can potentially damage the underlying nails. Knowing what changes could occur is the important first step towards avoiding any permanent impact.

If you regularly paint your nails with traditional nail polish, be careful when using darker colours as this can stain the nail plate. Some ingredients in nail care products may also lead to allergic[29] contact dermatitis[30].

To cure, harden, and dry each layer, the nail is often exposed to light under a fluorescent bulb. Most commonly, nail salons will use UV lamps, which requires about five minutes of exposure per hand.

This can cause cell damage[31] and ageing to the skin. Current literature[32] reports low skin cancer risk from UV lamp exposure[33]. However, the recommendation is to apply a broad spectrum sunscreen[34] with SPF >30 before exposure[35].

The most common method of removing gel polish is using acetone. The chemical can lead to brittle, dry and rough nails[36] and cause separation of the nail from the nail bed.

Skin contact with acetone can also cause your skin to become dry, irritated and cracked[37]. Some damage can also be done by peeling off acrylic or gel nails.

Everybody’s doing it. Christian Moro, Author provided

Maybe don’t try this at home

Practising beauty techniques at home comes with the danger of serious harm.

The glue or chemical applicants used to adhere fake nails can cause serious burns[38]. The chemicals used can also be harmful to children[39] if left within reach. As such, going to a qualified and experienced nail technician is likely safer, provided they are taking infection precautions like using sterile tools and equipment.

Although nail cosmetics come with relatively minor risks, dermatologists[40] often recommend sticking with your natural nails and painting them with regular polish, and allowing intermittent breaks between manicures to give your nails time to breathe.

We use the term “breathe” loosely here. Your nails receive their nourishment from the blood vessels under the skin, and do not need contact with the outside oxygen. But keeping the nails uncovered with product does give your body a chance to repair and regenerate the nail and its surrounding skin, keeping the region nice and healthy.

How long of a break is up to you, depending on your nails. However, given a full nail regrows entirely in four to six months, you won’t need to wait that long.

Read more: What position should I sleep in, and is there a ‘right’ way to sleep?[41]

References

  1. ^ $22 billion (stat.mozo.com.au)
  2. ^ 2–5% (www.statista.com)
  3. ^ year (www.ibisworld.com)
  4. ^ latest looks (www.refinery29.com)
  5. ^ We know hand dryers can circulate germs through the air. Why are they still used everywhere? (theconversation.com)
  6. ^ skin cells (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  7. ^ nucleus (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
  8. ^ curved shape (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  9. ^ per month (doi.org)
  10. ^ three times (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
  11. ^ 14 years (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
  12. ^ around 50 (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  13. ^ abnormally shaped (www.statpearls.com)
  14. ^ autoimmune (www.mayoclinic.org)
  15. ^ Dermatologists (www.healthycellsmagazine.com)
  16. ^ frail and brittle nails (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  17. ^ splitting or breaking (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
  18. ^ brittle (www.aocd.org)
  19. ^ Poor nutrition (synapse.koreamed.org)
  20. ^ age (ijdvl.com)
  21. ^ health (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  22. ^ What causes dry lips, and how can you treat them? Does lip balm actually help? (theconversation.com)
  23. ^ look good (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
  24. ^ Good habits (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  25. ^ 85–90% (www.goldsteinresearch.com)
  26. ^ Pexels/Rodnae (images.pexels.com)
  27. ^ CC BY (creativecommons.org)
  28. ^ Yes, women might 'feel the cold' more than men. Here's why (theconversation.com)
  29. ^ allergic (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  30. ^ dermatitis (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  31. ^ cell damage (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  32. ^ Current literature (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
  33. ^ lamp exposure (www.cancer.org.au)
  34. ^ broad spectrum sunscreen (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  35. ^ before exposure (www.jprasurg.com)
  36. ^ brittle, dry and rough nails (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
  37. ^ cracked (www.gov.uk)
  38. ^ burns (www.mdpi.com)
  39. ^ children (www.mdpi.com)
  40. ^ dermatologists (www.health.harvard.edu)
  41. ^ What position should I sleep in, and is there a ‘right’ way to sleep? (theconversation.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/are-polishes-acrylics-and-powders-bad-for-my-fingernails-do-i-need-a-breather-between-manicures-193947

Times Magazine

Building a Strong Online Presence with Katoomba Web Design

Katoomba web design is more than just creating a website that looks good—it’s about building an online presence that reflects your brand, engages your audience, and drives results. For local businesses in the Blue Mountains, a well-designed website a...

September Sunset Polo

International Polo Tour To Bridge Historic Sport, Life-Changing Philanthropy, and Breath-Taking Beauty On Saturday, September 6th, history will be made as the International Polo Tour (IPT), a sports leader headquartered here in South Florida...

5 Ways Microsoft Fabric Simplifies Your Data Analytics Workflow

In today's data-driven world, businesses are constantly seeking ways to streamline their data analytics processes. The sheer volume and complexity of data can be overwhelming, often leading to bottlenecks and inefficiencies. Enter the innovative da...

7 Questions to Ask Before You Sign IT Support Companies in Sydney

Choosing an IT partner can feel like buying an insurance policy you hope you never need. The right choice keeps your team productive, your data safe, and your budget predictable. The wrong choice shows up as slow tickets, surprise bills, and risky sh...

Choosing the Right Legal Aid Lawyer in Sutherland Shire: Key Considerations

Legal aid services play an essential role in ensuring access to justice for all. For people in the Sutherland Shire who may not have the financial means to pay for private legal assistance, legal aid ensures that everyone has access to representa...

Watercolor vs. Oil vs. Digital: Which Medium Fits Your Pet's Personality?

When it comes to immortalizing your pet’s unique personality in art, choosing the right medium is essential. Each artistic medium, whether watercolor, oil, or digital, has distinct qualities that can bring out the spirit of your furry friend in dif...

The Times Features

How much money do you need to be happy? Here’s what the research says

Over the next decade, Elon Musk could become the world’s first trillionaire[1]. The Tesla board recently proposed a US$1 trillion (A$1.5 trillion) compensation plan, if Musk ca...

NSW has a new fashion sector strategy – but a sustainable industry needs a federally legislated response

The New South Wales government recently announced the launch of the NSW Fashion Sector Strategy, 2025–28[1]. The strategy, developed in partnership with the Australian Fashion ...

From Garden to Gift: Why Roses Make the Perfect Present

Think back to the last time you gave or received flowers. Chances are, roses were part of the bunch, or maybe they were the whole bunch.   Roses tend to leave an impression. Even ...

Do I have insomnia? 5 reasons why you might not

Even a single night of sleep trouble can feel distressing and lonely. You toss and turn, stare at the ceiling, and wonder how you’ll cope tomorrow. No wonder many people star...

Wedding Photography Trends You Need to Know (Before You Regret Your Album)

Your wedding album should be a timeless keepsake, not something you cringe at years later. Trends may come and go, but choosing the right wedding photography approach ensures your ...

Can you say no to your doctor using an AI scribe?

Doctors’ offices were once private. But increasingly, artificial intelligence (AI) scribes (also known as digital scribes) are listening in. These tools can record and trans...