How to Stop Picking Your Nails and Fingers

Nail picking, also known as onychotillomania, is the urge to pull at or pick the nails and surrounding skin. The condition is similar to the more commonly known onychophagia, which is when someone bites their nails and skin. Nail picking is often related to an underlying mental health condition. Treatment involves identifying triggers, therapy, and treating the underlying mental health condition.

Learning to stop picking cuticles, nails, and the surrounding skin can be difficult. It is often thought of as a dermatological concern when it is both that and a mental health concern.

Below are ways that can help someone stop picking their nails;

Identify Triggers

Identifying what triggers someone to pick their nails, cuticles, or surrounding skin can help resolve the issue. Some triggers will be external sources, such as an activity or environmental concern that causes the desire to pick. Other triggers are internal, a thought, feeling, or sensory change that creates the need to pick.

Determining the triggers can help create awareness and teach the person to avoid those situations or learn to identify what is happening to begin the process of stopping. Some people may find it helpful to write in a journal or keep notes to determine what is leading up to the nail picking.

Here are a few examples of things you can do to prevent yourself from picking your nails or your skin around your nails; 

Cover With Band-Aids

An occlusive cover like a Band-Aid or other adhesive dressing will provide a physical barrier and a reminder to stop picking.

 Some people may not like the appearance of wearing Band-Aids over their fingers, so try clear adhesive bandages found at pharmacies.

Apply Super Glue

Cyanoacrylate adhesive, also known as Super Glue, is applied one or two times per week over the nails, cuticles, and skin to provide a temporary barrier. It acts as a reminder not to pick. One case report found cyanoacrylate adhesive applications stopped picking within three to six months.

Join a Support Group

Learning to stop picking your nails, cuticles, and surrounding skin is a process that does not happen overnight. Joining a support group with other people who pick or have similar habits can offer a reassuring environment where advice and previous experiences can be shared. Healthcare providers and social workers can help find support groups.

What to Do Instead of Picking Your Nails

During the process of learning how to stop picking your nails, it can be helpful to find replacement behaviors. A replacement behavior is something that is done in place of picking. It can be squeezing a stress ball, sitting on your hands, or making a fist.

Why is it important to do something instead of picking your nails or skin? Infection is one of the risks when someone picks their nails or skin. The skin and nails form a barrier between the outside world and the inside of the body. When that is compromised with picking, an infection can develop. To avoid an infection, clean any picked areas and try not to touch them. If you develop signs of an infection, contact a healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment.

In conclusion... Onychotillomania, or the urge to pick at the nails and surrounding skin, is a behavior of an underlying mental health condition. There are several treatment options such as therapy, trigger identification, and medication. Contact a healthcare provider for an evaluation and treatment for nail picking. Source

Fall Nail Care & Wellness: Embrace the Season's Transition

The dreaded season change is coming quicker than we may all want it. This does not mean your beauty routine needs to change entirely, you just may need to adjust a few steps to better pamper yourself. As the leaves start to turn and the air grows cooler, fall not only signifies a change in the scenery but also heralds a transition in our self-care routines. This season, give your nails the care they deserve while focusing on holistic wellness.

Here is a guide for you on tips for nurturing your nails and your well-being this autumn;

1. Hydration, Hydration, Hydration!

Fall often brings drier air, which can be harsh on your skin and nails. Keep your nails and cuticles hydrated with nourishing oils. Regular moisturizing prevents brittleness and breakage, ensuring your nails stay strong and healthy. Staying hydrated from the inside out is always important as well! Make sure you are getting your recommended daily water intact, this will benefit not only your body but absolutely your nails.

2. Embrace Fall Colors

The shades of fall are rich and warm. Think deep reds, burnt oranges, moody purples, and earthy browns. These hues not only match the season but also give your nails a sophisticated look. Neutral tones are also very popular in the fall as they are classic and go with everything.

3. Protect Against the Chill

Gloves aren't just for winter. The chill of fall can begin to affect your hands and nails. Wearing gloves protects your hands from the cold, preventing dryness and preserving your manicure.

4. Regular Manicures and Pedicures

Even though your feet might be hidden away in boots, don't neglect them. Regular mani-pedis not only keep your nails in top condition but also provide an opportunity to relax and pamper yourself.

5. Mindful Moments

Fall is a season of reflection. As you care for your nails, take moments to breathe deeply, meditate, or simply enjoy the sensations of your nail care routine. This mindfulness can help reduce stress and improve overall wellness.

6. Natural Nail Boosters

Incorporate foods rich in biotin, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids into your diet. These boost nail health from the inside, promoting growth and strength. Think eggs, fish, nuts, and seeds.

7. Limit Direct Heat

As the temperature drops, we often find comfort in hot showers and baths. However, excessive hot water can weaken your nails. Opt for lukewarm water and always moisturize after.

8. Wellness from Within

Remember that nail health is a reflection of overall health. Stay hydrated, maintain a balanced diet, and ensure you're getting all the essential vitamins and minerals. When your body is nourished, it shows in your nails.

Embracing the beauty and tranquility of fall can be a fulfilling experience, especially when you prioritize self-care. Your nails are a canvas, ready to reflect the beauty of the season. With the right care and a touch of wellness, you can ensure they remain a testament to your health and style throughout the autumn months. Source

How to Perfectly Paint a Nail’s Cuticle Area

 

 

This is a video tutorial on how to perfectly paint a nail, we dig deep into the variables. What shape brush does your nail polish have and how does that affect how you paint the base shape of your nail. We talk about round and square nail bases and the best techniques for painting them with different shaped brushes.

The Perfect Hand Slugging Routine

Slugging is a way to hydrate the skin on your face, it’s also become popular for the hands and nails. This hand slugging routine from OPI layers multiple products and locks in moisture. It’s the perfect treatment for dealing with dryness or giving your hands (and cuticles) some much-needed TLC.

Step 1.

Apply Pro Spa Micro- exfoliating Polish on damp skin and gently massage in.

Step 2.

Apply Pro Spa Nail and Cuticle Oil on cuticles and a thin layer of Pro Spa Protective Hand Serum on the rest of your hands.

Step 3.

Massage in Nail and Cuticle Cream.

Step 4.

Apply Ceramide Bonding Spray to lock in moisture.

Can nail slugging lead to healthier nails / better nail growth?

Exfoliation and hydration will make a huge difference to the appearance and feel of hands and nails, fine lines will be plumped, dry skin gently buffed away and nails left hydrated and healthy looking. What’s more applying the right type of creams and oils can actually make your nail colour or enhancements last longer so apply ProSpa Nail and Cuticle Oil twice a day, everyday for a longer lasting mani and super healthy nails, cuticles and skin.

Can nail slugging help your manicure last longer?

Hydrating the nail and allowing it to absorb that oil will make your colour or enhancements last longer.

When is the best time to do nail slugging?

A slugging treatment will be most advantageous to the nail when it is bare, or just before they are ready for doing again. If you paint your own nails at home, slug the day before as the oils will need to be thoroughly removed before you paint. Source

Make Your Pedicure Last Longer – Tips & Tricks From The Pros!

PICK A CHILL DAY

Contrary to popular misconception, nail polish doesn’t completely harden shortly after application, in fact it actually takes 12-24 hours! During this time polish is especially fragile and prone to damage! So schedule your pedicure on a day that won’t require much from your feet, a chill kind of day where you can kick your freshly pedicured toes up and relax.

BRING SANDALS

Go to your pedicure appointment in or with sandals in hand, otherwise be ready to walk out in those funny single use flip flops, because putting your feet inside close-toed shoes after your service is a pedicure crime! The polish, even though it might appear dry, simply isn’t ready to experience any friction. At best you will have affected its shine and structure, at worst…well let’s not think about that, it’s just too sad!

NO HEAT & MOISTURE FOR 12 HOURS!

During that precarious first 12-24 hours after your pedicure service heat and moisture are the enemy, as they reverse the hardening process. So skip the warm bath/shower, the jacuzzi, the hot yoga class, the sweaty spin class, the steam room and sauna, and let your pedicure breathe and rest. You will not only avoid the bitter disappointment of messing it up, but it will also go on to fight that much harder to stay on your toes for the remainder of its beautiful lifespan!

NO CHLORINE

I know this is a hard one, because summers and pool-fun are practically synonymous! So, let’s just call what follows a strong suggestion with a warning sprinkled on top. Chlorine’s job is basically to wreak havoc on everything, in this capacity it has many useful applications but what it will do to your pretty pedi is not one of them. Chlorine will compromise the integrity of your polish, causing it to fade and crack! It will also dry out your skin and cuticles. If you can’t resist the pool’s lure this summer, it’s ok, jump in, but please as soon as you are done, thoroughly rinse off your feet with fresh water and apply unscented lotion! Aftercare goes a long way here!

NO SCENTED LOTIONS

Moisturize your feet daily but only with unscented lotion! It is important that you use fragrance-free moisturizers on your pedicured feet (and manicured hands). Like chlorine, the chemicals in synthetic smells will affect the integrity of your polish, potentially weakening it and causing it to chip, crack and warp.

COVER UP THOSE TOES 

Your pedicure is so beautiful you want to show it off all day, unfortunately overexposure to the elements will actually shorten its lifespan. So, whenever you aren’t showing off your lovely feet, cover up those toes to prolong the lifespan of your pedi! Additionally, most of us don’t realize how often we actually bang and scuff our feet even while just hanging out at home! The simplest solution and a perfect barrier of protection is socks! This is a great pedicure saving habit to form, so grab a pair and slip them on, your feet will be cozy and your polish protected!

APPLY TOP COAT

During your service top coat is applied to protect your polish. Unfortunately it starts rubbing off within just a few days of service! So it’s a great idea to get your own bottle of top coat and reapply every couple of days to help keep your polish shiny and free from chips, scuffs and scratches!

APPLY CUTICLE OIL

Cuticles and nails drying out will affect the integrity and longevity of your polish, causing it to crack and peel. Applying cuticle oil to your toe nails daily is a great way to promote the health of your nails and the longevity of your pedicure. Rub a few drops of oil into your cuticles and nails to keep them moisturized and your polish will not only shine but last!  Source

What Is a Cuticle and How Can You Safely Care for It?

The cuticle is a layer of clear skin located along the bottom edge of your finger or toe, which is called the nail bed. The cuticle protects new nails from bacteria when they grow out from the nail root.

The area around the cuticle is delicate. It can get dry, damaged, and infected. It’s important to care for the entire nail area and keep it clean so that your nails stay healthy.

How do you take care of your cuticles?

It’s important to keep your cuticles clean at home. This prevents infection.

The easiest way to care for them is to soak your hand or foot in soapy, warm water for around 10 minutes every few days. This helps soften the cuticle and keeps your nails clean.

You can also apply cuticle oil and a massage cream. Moisturize your cuticles regularly to prevent dryness and cracking.

Is it safe to cut them?

Research about the safety of cutting cuticles is mixed. Both the Mayo Clinic and American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) advise against cutting cuticles. This includes cutting them at home or in a nail salon.

Cuticles protect both your nails and the skin surrounding them from infection. After cutting the cuticle, it’s easier for bacteria and germs to get inside. This can lead to an infection.

Most nail salons continue to cut cuticles, despite these guidelines. They argue that it helps polish go on better and stay on longer.

Instead of having them cut at your next manicure, ask your technician to just push back the cuticle and trim loose skin and hangnails.

How can you safely remove or trim them?

If you still want to trim your cuticles, it’s important to soften them first. You can do this by soaking your nails in warm water. Taking a bath or shower can also help soften them.

Next, apply cuticle remover. If your cuticles are dry, apply a moisturizer, too.

Using a cuticle pusher, carefully push back the cuticle along the nail bed. Trim excess skin and hangnails but never cut off the entire cuticle. The idea is to remove excess skin and hangnails only.

Cuticle pushers are made from various materials. You can purchase them at most beauty supply stores or online.

How can you prevent cuticle damage?

Avoid picking at your cuticle. If you have a hangnail, carefully remove it with tweezers or clippers, instead of ripping it out or biting it off.

Also limit your use of harsh nail polishes and removers. Use an acetone-free formula for a nail polish remover. Source

Tips To Care For An Injured Nail

 

It’s far too easy to injure a nail. Between common traumas caused by car doors, kitchen accidents, sports injuries, stubbing a toe, or wearing the wrong shoes, you might not even remember how you hurt your nail.

Fortunately, you can treat an injured nail at home. Keep in mind that if you can’t bend your finger or toe; if blood covers more than half your nail; if your nail is black or purple; or if your injury is particularly painful, the best first step is to see your dermatologist or get emergency medical care.

If you have a mild nail injury, board-certified dermatologists recommend following these tips.

Treat your wound. If any part of your nail is hanging off, gently trim away the part not connected to your skin. Then, gently clean the wound using soap and water. If the wound is bleeding, don’t put a dry bandage or gauze on top — once the bleeding stops, this will stick. Instead, apply petroleum jelly to keep your wound moist and then cover with gauze or a bandage. Repeat these steps every day while your wound heals.

Do not put sticky products on your nail. Make sure to only apply sticky products, such as an adhesive bandage or medical tape, to the skin around your nail so you don’t irritate the injury further. Wrapping your wound with an elastic bandage is another good option, however, do not wrap the bandage too tightly.

Get relief. Apply a cool, damp washcloth to your wound to reduce swelling. Prop the arm or leg with an injured nail on pillows so the nail is higher than your heart. This helps reduce swelling. Taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help relieve pain and reduce swelling when your nail injury is new.

Protect your nail while it heals. A nail injury can take several weeks to feel completely better. Even after your wound stops bleeding, keeping a light dressing on the nail, such as an adhesive bandage or a small piece of gauze, provides padding and protection.

To prevent another nail injury, keep your nails short so they do not bend or catch on objects. Make sure your shoes fit well and have a wide toe box to prevent rubbing, and wear the proper gear to protect your nails while playing sports. Source

 

The Little Toe: Is the Smallest Toe on Your Foot Necessary?

The human body is a marvel of evolutionary design, with each part serving a purpose. Even our smallest and seemingly less significant body parts have their own roles to play. The little toe, also known as the pinky toe, is no exception. In this blog post, we will explore the functions of the smallest toe on your foot and whether it is truly necessary.

The Anatomy of the Little Toe

The little toe, or fifth toe, is the smallest of the five toes on each of your feet. It is connected to the metatarsal bone, forming a joint, just like the other toes. While the little toe is smaller and shorter than the rest, it shares common anatomical features and characteristics.

Balance and Stability

One of the primary functions of the little toe is contributing to balance and stability. When you stand or walk, your toes help distribute your body weight evenly across your foot. The little toe plays a vital role in maintaining balance, particularly when you shift your weight from side to side. It provides additional points of contact with the ground, enhancing your stability and preventing you from toppling over.

Aiding Gait

Your little toe assists in the gait, or the way you walk. During each step, your toes help with push-off, balance, and propulsion. While the little toe may not bear as much weight as the larger toes, it actively participates in the complex sequence of movements required for walking.

Shoe Fit and Protection

Another important function of the little toe is related to footwear. It helps to maintain the structure and shape of your foot, which is essential when wearing shoes. The little toe prevents excessive pressure and friction on the adjacent toes, especially in shoes that are too narrow or tight. Additionally, it provides a layer of protection, reducing the risk of injury to the foot.

While the little toe is smaller than its counterparts, it is by no means unnecessary. It plays a crucial role in maintaining balance, contributing to your gait, and providing protection for your feet. Removing or losing the little toe could lead to issues with stability, walking, and shoe fit. This small but mighty toe is an integral part of your foot's overall function.

In the grand design of the human body, even the smallest parts have their unique roles and purposes. So, the next time you wonder about the significance of your little toe, remember that it's an essential component of your foot's intricate balance and functionality. Source

OPI's New Metallic Mega Mix

We’re painting music charts with our new hit album Metallic Mega Mix! Y2K meets early 2000s futurism in three poppin’ palettes you’ll wanna play on repeat.

Brush on metallics with jaw-dropping liquid metals in Nail Lacquer and Infinite Shine, and dip into glittery cyber dusts in Powder Perfection. From millennium blues to rich reds that mmmPop, every shade is a metallic mic drop. 

Who doesn't love metallic shades?!

Is Acetone Nail Polish Removers Bad For Your Nails?

You will come across different types of nail polish removers on the market today, namely, acetone as well as non-acetone nail polish removers. The majority of the well-known brands carry both these types of nail polish removers which will be mentioned on the label.

Both these types consist of a solvent (similar to acetone) which helps to dissolve the hard film which is left on the nails by making use of the ingredients present in the nail polishes. These ingredients consist of plasticizers, resins, color pigments, as well as film formers. This aids in providing a uniform coating of nail polish which dries uniformly as well as quickly. However, it is quite difficult to remove these ingredients once you apply them on your nails.

Acetone Nail Polish Removers 

Being an extremely powerful solvent, acetone happens to be the best option when it comes to removing nail polish. However, it is likewise quite harsh given that a lot of natural oils will be removed from the skin and nails. And, in case an excessive amount of acetone is applied on the skin, your epidermis will appear to be white in color. This implies that your skin is dried out.

Why is Acetone nail polish remover effective? 

• This type of nail polish remover will aid in taking out nail paint shades which are quite dark such as black, maroon, and also deep blue.
• Not much rubbing will be needed and the color can be wiped out from the nails with a single sweep only.
• The stuff is going to last longer given that you are using only a small amount.
• You can use it on artificial or acrylic nails without dissolving them whatsoever.

Why is Acetone bad for your nails? 

• Being somewhat strong in nature, Acetone nail polish removers will likewise wipe away the moisture as well as natural oil from the cuticles and the nail bed.
• On most occasions, a white residue is left on the nails which is not pleasant to look at in case your nails are not coated with a fresh coat of nail polish.
• This solution might prove to be harsh for those folks whose nails happen to be dry and brittle.

Are non-acetone nail polish removers effective? 

The Pros:

• Non-acetone removers are not very strong, unlike acetone. But not much residue is left on your nails following the cleaning.
• Non-acetone nail polish removers will more effective in getting rid of light shades such as whites and pinks.
• Your nails will not appear to be excessively dry and if it spills on your skin is not likely to cause any harm to your skin.

The Cons: 

• Being not that strong, these are not much effective in removing dark-shaded nail paints.
• Unlike acetone, they get over quicker since more solution will be needed for every removal.
• It will not be feasible to take off the paint by only one sweep and you need to rub the solution on the nails over and over again to get the job done.

Final Verdict: Thus, it is evident from the above discussion that acetone is the most effective method for removing nail polishes. But it is quite harsh and your nails and the skin can be dried out after you apply it. Other solvents might get the job done, but they will not be as effective as acetone in removing nail polishes. This will imply that you need to invest more time removing the polish from your nails if non-acetone remover is used.

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9 Best Non-Toxic Nail Polishes of 2024

If you gravitate toward clean beauty, traditional nail polish may not be for you, as it typically contains potentially irritating ingredients and a can have a harsh odor. Besides irritating your senses with a pungent scent, "nail polishes contain solvents and some ingredients that can potentially cause health issues and irritation if inhaled in large quantities," says Sabina Wizemann, Director of the Health, Beauty & Environmental Sciences Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute.

Chemicals in common nail lacquer formulas could potentially enter the body through your nail beds. A 2015 study by researchers at Duke University detected evidence of a common nail polish chemical called triphenyl phosphate, or TPHP, in the bodies of every woman who volunteered to paint her nails for the study.

The good news: There are now options without that particular chemical and other potentially dangerous ingredients. These non-toxic or natural nail lacquers are typically at least 3-free, meaning they do not contain formaldehyde, toluene or dibutyl phthalate, three known disrupters, but more often lack even more (now up to 16) potentially harmful ingredients. Learn more about all of these buzzwords below and our picks for the best natural nail polishes reviewed by our Beauty Lab. Wizemann ensured that the below picks, selected by our editors, are formulated without potentially harmful ingredients.

Just one thing to keep in mind: "natural," much like "clean beauty," is a marketing term that is unregulated by the FDA for consumer products, so the term itself doesn't have a solid definition when it comes to beauty products.

1.) Zoya Professional Nail Lacquer

Zoya has been a pioneer for nontoxic nail lacquers, starting with a 3-free formula, followed by a 5-free formula. Now it's officially 10-free. Looking for a super specific shade? There's a good chance Zoya has it with 649 colors to choose from (according to their website). Beauty editors and reviewers alike gush over the brand and its incredible color options.

"Zoya has been my go-to polish for years; I love the wide shade range and long-lasting formula," says Beauty Assistant Catharine Malzahn. "I’ve even had pedicures using Zoya that have stayed chip-free for up to three weeks. As an added bonus, I barely need a second coat of this polish." One thing to look out for: a few reviewers found that the polish stained their nails and cuticles.

2.) Olive and June Bold & Unshaken

Marisa Garshick, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, is a big fan of Olive & June's products that are 15-free, vegan and cruelty-free. "The new long-lasting polish can last up to 10 days and removes easily with nail polish remover," she says. Plus they are under $10, which is one of the least expensive options for non-toxic nail polishes and have a shade range of over 100 colors. While most reviewers loved the longevity of the polish, a few felt that it chipped quickly.

3.) Pacifica Plant Magic Polish

Pacifica's polish is void of 16 toxins, long-lasting and is 100-percent vegan. Its flat brush is super easy to use and gives great coverage in just a couple of swipes. "The vegan, plant-based formula is free of toxic additives, but still glides onto nails easily, without clumping, bubbles or streaking," said one Ulta reviewer. "The polish lasted almost a week without needing a touch-up." A few reviewers did find the formula to be thin and runny.

4.) SUNDAYS Nail Polish

Besides being vegan and cruelty-free, Sundays' 10-free polish makes your at-home manicure a breeze thanks to its easy-to-use brush for a fuss-free application. "I love that the nail polish glides on easily and you only need two coats," shared one Sundays reviewer. "I found it to dry quickly and didn't chip as easily." While some shades glide on evenly and glossy, a few reviewers found some of the polishes to go on streaky.

5.) JINsoon Nail Polish

Founded by iconic nail artist Jin Soon Choi, these nail lacquers are pro-approved. She believes "nail polish should be as healthful and eco-friendly yet enduring as possible." And she has brought that to life with her chip-proof, fast-drying, vegan-friendly and 10-free formula. GH Beauty Director April Franzino is a big fan and "loves that this line, albeit pricier than some other polishes, includes of-the-moment trending nail polish colors with vibrant, saturated finishes and fun effects like chunky glitter you don’t see often from other brands."

6.) CÔTE Nail Polish

You get all the long-lasting shine without a long list of harsh ingredients. "Not only is this polish 10-free, it's the glossiest, longest-lasting formula I've ever tried," says GH Deputy Editor Jessica Teich. "DIY manis go on streak-free, dry quickly, last up to two weeks and have a gel-like sheen that always get tons of compliments." Reviewers on Côte's website agree and rave that the polish "goes on smoothly, evenly and with minimal coats, and lasts a long time." Their only complaint: sometimes the color description isn't exactly accurate.

7.) AILA Nail Lacquer

Founded by a podiatric surgeon, Aila has a strong focus on maintaining the health of your nails. The vegan, cruelty-free and gluten-free lacquers come in a rainbow of vibrant shades as well as neutrals. "It is very long lasting," said one reviewer on Aila's website (of this shade). "Usually with light colored nail polishes I have to apply many coats to my nails, but not with Aila’s nail polish — it's a very vibrant color!" Reviewers rave over their products but they have a limited availability; you can only purchase on their website.

8.) TENOVERTEN Nail Polish

These chic bottles house a nail polish that substitutes undesirable substances like acetone, parabens, and eight controversial ingredients with generally considered safer solvents such as butyl and/or ethyl acetate. The formula also includes beneficial essential oils, vitamin E, and aloe to keep nails healthy and strong. Fun fact: Each shade of tenoverten nail lacquer is named after the streets of New York, home to the two founders of the brand. "I managed to get a professional look at home with this polish," shared one reviewer, while another said, "this is the only nail polish that stays on my nails for a really long time." FYI: a few noted a strong smell, so it may not be for you if you are sensitive to fragrance.

9.) Piggy Paint Nail Paint

The bottle says it all: "natural as mud." This kid-friendly polish is hypoallergenic, water-based and cruelty-free. Sensitive to the smell of nail lacquers? This formula claims to be "virtually odorless," so you can breathe easy when it comes time to touch up your (or your kiddos') tips. "I was looking for a safe nail polish for my daughter and this is exactly what I wanted," said one reviewer. "No smell and no chemicals!" Make sure you give yourself (or your kid) plenty of wait time; this one can take longer to dry.

What does "non-toxic" nail polish mean?

"Products are crossing off 'toxic' ingredients from formulas at rapid speed, and some brands offer vegan and gluten-free options," says Wizemann. Many "non-toxic" polishes are 3-free, which means they're formulated without formaldehyde, toluene and Dibutyl phthalate. Here's why:

• Formaldehyde, an intense smelling and colorless gas, typically used as a nail hardener in nail polishes, has been linked to some types of cancer, including leukemia, in humans when exposed in high amounts, according to the American Cancer Society. Though formaldehyde does occur naturally in the environment and is present in small amounts in most living organisms, it is recognized as a carcinogen by International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as well as by the Department of Health and Human Services.

• Toluene is a colorless, sweet-smelling industrial solvent that temporarily affects the nervous system and can cause strong eye and nose irritation as well as dizziness and fatigue when inhaled, according to the EPA. It is not characterized as a carcinogen, but is a teratogen, an agent that can disturb the development of the embryo or fetus after prolonged exposure.

• Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is commonly used as a plasticizer to promote material flexibility and reduce brittleness, and it can cause irritations, headaches and dizziness when inhaled.

Beyond that, polishes go as far as being 10-, 14- or even 16-free. Here's the breakdown of what's missing (thankfully!) from those formulas:

• 5-free contains no formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, formaldehyde resin, camphor.
• 7-free contains no formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, formaldehyde resin, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, xylene.
• 9-free contains no formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, formaldehyde resin, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, xylene, parabens, acetone.
• 10-free contains no formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, formaldehyde resin, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, xylene, parabens, acetone, TPHP, TBHP and/or gluten.
• 14-free contains no formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, formaldehyde resin, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, xylene, parabens, TPHP, gluten, MEHQ/HQ, MIT, palm oil, animal-derived ingredients.
• 16-free contains no formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, formaldehyde resin, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, xylene, parabens, acetone, TPHP, animal-derived ingredients, bisphenol A (BPA), sulfates, e-series glycol ethers, benzophenone 1, 2, nonylphenol ethoxylate.
• "Water-based formulas incorporate non-synthetic pigments and aqueous acrylic polymers, plus they are also odorless," says Wizemann. Though easy to apply, they are often not as long-lasting.

"The safest and healthiest type of nail polish to use is often referred to as “5-free,” “7-free,” or even “10-free” nail polish," says Dr. Garshick. As mentioned above, "these labels indicate that the polish is free from a certain number of potentially harmful chemicals commonly found in traditional nail polishes."

While there are concerns regarding certain ingredients and chemicals in different nail polishes, she feels that more evidence is needed to fully understand how much of these chemicals get absorbed through routine manicure use and the actual clinical implications of this on your health. "That said, more brands have developed products that range from 3-free to 16-free, eliminating certain chemicals but not compromising on quality," Dr. Garshick says. If you have any worries about safety, there are now plenty of brands that have eliminated potentially concerning ingredients.

Ask us about Zoya Professional Nail Lacquer as this is one of our favorite clean polishes to use at UpKept!

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