A perfect manicure is an exquisite factor, and for those who’re getting it carried out on the salon you need it to final so long as doable. Cue powder gel manicures, which have develop into an more and more widespread choice, providing the quick-drying, chip-free qualities we love in gel manicures whereas additionally lasting even longer.
However is it dangerous to get common gel manicures? Do you have to be taking breaks in between? Nail techs will inform you one factor, however HuffPost needed to get the reply from board-certified dermatologists who may give the straight scoop about nail well being. Right here’s what they needed to say.
What’s powder gel?
Unlike traditional gel, powder gel doesn’t must treatment beneath a UV or LED gentle. As a substitute, nails are dipped right into a pot of coloured powder product of titanium dioxide, benzoyl peroxide and acrylic ester polymer and an activator product of ethyl acetate, methyl propyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone and N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine is brushed on prime to lock within the polish. As soon as the activator is on, the powder gel units. Dip powder manicures are likely to last more than conventional gel ― up to five weeks with correct prep, utility and upkeep, in comparison with two to 3 weeks for conventional gel, because the glue used to use it comprises cyanoacrylate (the principle ingredient in Krazy Glue).
Powder gel elimination might be tremendous drying
Powder gel is tougher to take away than conventional gel. Each contain some soaking in acetone, however powder gel requires an extended soak to interrupt down the product. Longer publicity to acetone can dry out your nails and even irritate your palms and cuticles, so it’s essential to moisturize afterward with loads of cuticle oil, cuticle serum and hand cream. Maintain some in your purse, at your desk and in your nightstand to remind your self to hydrate all through the day.
Taking breaks in between powder gel functions might be helpful
“No matter what kind of manicure you’re utilizing, it’s all the time good to take a break in between functions, not less than as soon as a month,” stated Dr. Tamara Lazic Strugar, a board-certified dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery and an affiliate medical professor of dermatology on the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. “Common nail polish is least dangerous, whereas gels (common and powder) are extra dangerous and acrylics probably the most.”
Lazic notes that whereas it is likely to be good to have a manicure on for a month or extra, the longer that any polish or chemical sits on the nail, the extra harm it causes. The elimination course of for powder gels will also be damaging, not solely due to the longer acetone soak, but additionally as a result of powder gel requires extra bodily scraping to take away, which thins and dehydrates the nail plate.
“If the technician is just too aggressive with the electrical submitting and the nail matrix will get broken, this can lead to nail discoloration and typically even lumps and scarring,” Lazic stated. “Additionally, remember that continued publicity to the numerous chemical substances present in gel manicures could cause sensitization and skin allergies.” She recommends taking breaks between manicures for those who can — not less than per week, however ideally a month. When you don’t need naked nails, think about using common polish throughout your break.
In case your pores and skin and nails appear to be tolerating dip gel manicures nicely, taking breaks may not be crucial. “Most individuals get gels carried out about each three weeks at the side of the pure nail progress cycle,” stated Dr. Janet Allenby, a board certified-dermatologist and founding father of Allenby Cosmetic Dermatology. “Most individuals tolerate them nicely, and it might really be uncomfortable to present them a break because the hardened floor of powder gel is extra sturdy than our pure nail.”
Dr. Corey Hartman, a board-certified dermatologist at Skin Wellness Dermatology, echoed Allenby’s view, noting that common gel powder manicures are effective so long as neither the powder nor the gel causes any irritation or allergic contact dermatitis.
Indicators it’s time to take a break
Regardless of how usually you’re getting powder gel manicures, it’s a good suggestion to examine in between functions to see if a break is important. When you’re seeing something irregular on or round your nails, like an an infection, allergic response or dermatitis, otherwise you’re experiencing any irritation or ache, Allenby recommends discontinuing powder gel manicures till the problem is resolved. “If there may be any pigment aside from the pure pink of the mattress it’s best to cease and see a dermatologist,” she stated. “All races are vulnerable to malignant melanoma of the nail mattress.”
Lazic added that while you discover whitish or yellow discoloration of your nails, cracking or dryness, it’s time for a break and a few hydration. She recommends utilizing plain Vaseline or Aquaphor on the nails and cuticles to assist hydrate and heal them.
Past topical merchandise, Allenby notes that good diet, dietary supplements and a wholesome life-style are the perfect methods to maintain your nails in good condition. “Nails, like hair, are a mirrored image of our well being and age,” she stated.
So, are fixed powder gel manicures dangerous for you?
It relies upon. In case you have delicate pores and skin that’s susceptible to drying out and turning into irritated, the appliance and elimination means of powder gel might exacerbate pores and skin sensitivity. To assist decrease your danger for a bacterial or fungal an infection, Lazic recommends guaranteeing the salon you’re going to doesn’t use a communal jar for dip powder. “You shouldn’t be dipping your fingers in a jar utilized by another person,” she stated. “Salons ought to use particular person disposable jars for every consumer.”
As for nail merchandise on the whole, whether or not you’re utilizing powder gel, common nail polish, gel or one thing else, Allenby notes that it will depend on how a lot publicity to chemical substances you’re prepared to just accept and the well being of your nails. “The nail is mainly the identical as a modified hair shaft, which grows as an inert nail from under the cuticle space,” she stated. “The mattress beneath the nail is reside, delicate, vulnerable to damage and has availability to soak up chemical substances.”
