And unfortunately, some toxic components are camouflaged with the famous “manufacturing secret” and do not appear in their INCI.
Below are the names of some of the dangerous ingredients that you should avoid.
- Formaldehyde is a carcinogen, used in hardeners and preservatives. It can cause irritation to the skin, eyes and respiratory tract, as well as cancer of the nasopharynx and nasal cavities.
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Touleno , considered a possible carcinogen and neurotoxin, is used as a resin to facilitate the application of nail polish and is also found as a nail solvent.
Its toxic gases can damage the central nervous system and the brain, as well as cause irritation to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. - Phthalates , an endocrine disruptor, are used to make enamels more flexible and durable.
- Synthetic Camphor, potentially carcinogenic, irritating to eyes and respiratory tract, if inhaled can cause decreased breathing and slow heart rate.
- Xylenes and styrenes, neurotoxic ingredients, cause irritation to the eyes, throat, nose and skin, as well as causing headaches.
In addition, in acrylic nails we find formaldehyde, it is a carcinogenic chemical compound with a risk of developing nasopharyngeal cancer and leukemia and Methacrylate (EMA ), which can cause contact dermatitis, asthma and eye allergies.
On the other hand, we find that not only can we be affected by the toxicity of nail polishes, but also by the radiation emitted by UV light drying lamps . It is cytotoxic, genotoxic and mutagenic for skin cells, i.e. premature aging and spots on the hands. There is an even greater risk for people who take medications that cause photosensitivity.
And we are not only talking about the composition of these, but you are also exposed to the gases emitted by these products and the dust particles when filing your nails can travel through the air and penetrate through the respiratory tract, causing problems in the respiratory system such as:
- Rhinitis : inflammation of the nasal mucosa that manifests with sneezing, nasal itching, congestion, mucus.
- Asthma : reversible bronchial obstruction; during attacks, air flows with difficulty through the bronchi, causing a sensation of fatigue or suffocation and wheezing.
- Others : non-specific irritating conditions, alveolitis, lung disease or sensitization by inhalation.
The mist from nail polish can even affect the eye area , causing inflammation of the ocular conjunctiva, which causes symptoms such as itching, red eyes, tearing or a sensation of a foreign body in the eye.
Constant contact with these products, in this case we are talking about professionals in this sector, can cause problems in the skin of the hands, causing dermatitis, and a hypersensitivity reaction of the immune system, causing allergic reactions and symptoms such as itching, redness, dryness, cracks, blisters.
Other health damages
- Skin depigmentation due to hydroquinone.
- Central Nervous System disorders (headaches, drowsiness, dizziness), especially during the application of products containing solvents.
- Some components may negatively affect the health of pregnant or breastfeeding workers, the fetus or the child during the breastfeeding period, such as toluene and cyclomethicone.
As much as you want to look for a healthy manicure, there is no 100% natural and toxic-free option, since it is very difficult to create a composition where the ingredients are natural and ecological.
But if you find “four free”, it is the absence of the 4 most dangerous toxins: Formaldehyde, Phthalates, Toluene and Synthetic Camphor, but BE CAREFUL! that does not mean it is good for your health.
That is why I do not recommend them, but if you cannot live without enamelling your nails, there are brands like Zao Make Up , which are ecological and although their enamels are not eco, their composition is less aggressive and “four free”.
