Dangerous Chemicals in Nail Polish

A celebration; self care; a "just because" are just a few of the reasons women treat themselves to a fresh coat of polish on their nails. Unfortunately, many items in the nail care industry have a laundry list of toxins that are harmful for our bodies.

Dangers of Nail Polish

Like many of you, I grew up loving to paint my nails; or even better, have someone paint my nails for me. It was a perfect touch of self care that kept my femininity in line. While painting our nails seems harmless, there are lots of toxins in nail polish.

There are four categories of toxins in nail polish that have damaging effects on our health: pigments, polymers, plasticizers, and solvents. These four toxins are linked to hormone disruption, cancer, and even infertility issues, such as miscarriages.

Fortunately, there are companies out there that prioritize our health. My personal favorite nail polish is from a company called Kapa Nui. This brand focuses on creating non-toxic, long lasting finger nail polish. It's Detoxed Life approved!

Dangers in Nail Polish Remover

Have you ever opened the bottle of nail polish remover? Just a whiff is enough to take your breath away. That's because nail polish remover is derived from dangerous solvents like isopropyl acetone and ethyl acetate, which is even found in non-acetone nail polish removers.

Studies have shown that these chemicals are linked specifically to reproductive harm and even organ toxicity. Nail polish remover is extremely dangerous to inhale, making a nail salon visit costly to your health.

Lucky for you, there's probably a nail polish remover alternative in your home already. Did you know that citrus essential oils are a superb alternative to dangerous nail polish removers?

Simply add a drop of lemongrass or other citrus based EO to your nail and use a cotton ball to rub off the nail polish.

Don't have any citrus essential oils? Reach out to me, and I'll get you hooked up!

The Dangerous Secret of Gel Nails

In the last fifteen years, gel nails have become a popular alternative to traditional nail polish. Using a UV light, the gel nail polish becomes solidified to your nail bed, making last longer and chip resistant.

Sounds perfect, right? WRONG. Despite the toxins that are in the gel nail polish, the UV light is actually the one causing the significant damage.

In a scientific study of mice and human cells, there was damage at the cellular level from using a UV light. In a twenty minute exposure, 20-30 percent of the cells had completely died. After three consecutive exposures, 75% of cells had died. This solidly confirms that these machines can and do cause DNA damage and general cell death.