Nail polish remover is a staple product in any beauty cabinet, but it’s not always the best choice for your nails. Every woman who is in love with manicures and pedicures will always have nail polish remover in their manicure bag. In as much as it is a necessity, a lot of women have asked, is nail remover bad for your nails?
Yes, nail polish remover is bad for your nails. While it may seem like a harmless option to remove nail polish, acetone and other ingredients in nail polish remover can be damaging to your nails. When used too often or excessively, acetone can dry out your nails and cause them to peel or crack.
But don’t worry. There are ways you can prevent damage from acetone exposure and treat damaged nails so they look healthy again.
Why Nail Polish Remover Damage Nails
1. They dry and weaken the nails
When you remove your nail polish with a chemical remover, it can’t be denied that there’s some damage done to your nails. Nail polish remover uses acetone as a solvent to dissolve the lacquer, which in turn causes damage to the outermost layer of your nail, the cuticle.
When acetone evaporates from your nails, it leaves behind a dehydrated and weakened nail plate that’s more susceptible to peeling and breakage.
2. Acetone can also cause peeling and splitting of nails
It might seem like a good idea to use acetone all the time because it helps you get rid of your nail polish quickly, but if you do this too much, your nails may become fragile or brittle. The longer you expose your nails to this chemical, the more likely they are to break or peel away from their beds.
3. Excessive use of nail polish remover can cause damage to the nail bed
If you use nail polish remover excessively, it can cause damage to the nail bed. The acetone in the remover is what causes this damage. Acetone is a solvent that dries out the skin, which can lead to cracking or peeling of the skin on your hands and feet. The same thing happens with your nails when they are exposed to excessive amounts of acetone.
In addition to damaging your nails, using excessive amounts of nail polish removers can also cause skin irritation around the cuticles and fingertips. This condition is known as paronychia and should be treated immediately by a dermatologist or podiatrist in order to prevent further damage from happening.
What Ingredients Are in Nail Polish Remover?
It’s important to know that nail polish remover contains acetone, which is a solvent. Acetone strips away the polish from your nails and can damage them in different ways. Nails are made of keratin, which is also present in hair and skin. When acetone comes into contact with your nails, it removes some of this substance from them and weakens them.
In addition to weakening your nails, exposure to acetone may cause dryness on the surface of your nail bed. This could lead to brittle nails or even peeling if you continue using too much product over time.
How Often Should You Use Nail Polish Remover?
You’ll want to use nail polish remover no more than once a week. If you use it too much, it can weaken your nails and cause them to become brittle.
If you have weak nails, we recommend using a nail polish remover only when absolutely necessary. Otherwise, you might be better off skipping the remover altogether and just painting over your old polish with new colors every few days.
Does Using a Lot of Nail Polish Remover at Once Weaken Your Nails?
Nail polish remover can be pretty harsh on your nails. That’s because it’s designed to strip off the top layer of your nail, which may make them appear weak and brittle. Overusing it can also cause damage to the nail bed itself, which is bad for its overall health and also makes you more susceptible to infections.
The best way to avoid this damage? Use only as much nail polish remover as necessary for each removal session.
Are Acetone-Free Nail Polish Removers Better for Your Nails?
Acetone-free nail polish removers are gentler on your nails and won’t dry them out, which means they help keep your nails healthy and strong. The chemicals in regular nail polish remover can be damaging to the cuticle and skin around the nail, causing it to peel or crack.
Acetone-free removers contain other ingredients that eliminate the need for acetone while still getting rid of the paint. These include mineral oil, Cyclomethicone (a type of silicone), and lanolin (an oily moisturizer).
Is It Better to Use Peel-off Nail Polish or Use Remover?
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to remove your nail polish, it’s best to opt for peel-off nail polish. There are different types of peel-off nail polish on the market, but they all work in a similar fashion: You apply it like any other type of nail polish and then wait until they are old before peeling off the top layer.
Peel-away polishes should be used sparingly since they can be damaging if used too much or without care. However, they do offer an alternative if you don’t want to deal with messy cotton balls with traditional removers
Natural Ways to Remove Nail Polish
1. Use vodka
There are a few natural ways you can remove nail polish if you don’t want to use commercial products. If you’re trying to remove a dark color from your nails, try coating them in vodka and letting them sit for 5-10 minutes. This will help loosen the nail polish before wiping it off with cotton balls or a soft cloth. If this doesn’t work, try again after another 5-10 minute wait period.
2. Baking soda
Alternatively, baking soda can also be used as an alternative method of removing nail polish without chemicals or acetone. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with enough water until it forms a paste that can be spread onto clean nails. Leave it on for around 10 minutes and then rinse off with warm water and pat dry with a towel.
3. Use toothpaste
If you’re looking for a natural (and easily accessible) alternative, try using toothpaste.
Toothpaste is an abrasive that will help remove nail polish from your nails more efficiently than conventional nail polish remover. It’s also much gentler on your nails and won’t dry them out as much as nail polish remover can. To use toothpaste to remove nail polish:
Brush one finger with a toothbrush until the entire surface of the finger has been scrubbed clean of any remaining residue. Apply some plain white toothpaste to the area where there was still some color left behind by rubbing it in gently with very light circular motions around that area until all the polish is removed, rinse with water, and pat dry.
4. Use Hydrogen peroxide
If you want to try a quick, home remedy for removing nail polish, use hydrogen peroxide. You can purchase this at any drugstore or supermarket and it’s usually located with first aid products.
If you’re going to try this method of removal, make sure you have a cotton ball dipped in hydrogen peroxide ready before starting. The way it works best is by applying a small amount directly onto your nails and letting them sit for a few minutes until the color disappears. Then rinse off with warm water and repeat if necessary.
5. Use Lemon and vinegar
The best way to remove nail polish is by using lemon and vinegar. To do this, take your nails and dip them in a bowl of lemon juice for 10 minutes. Wash it off with warm water and then apply a moisturizer. Repeat this process once a week to keep your nails healthy.
6. Use Hot water and soap
The best way to remove nail polish is by using hot water and soap. First, mix a little bit of water with a few drops of gentle dishwashing liquid in a bowl. Then soak your nails in the mixture for 5 minutes or so. Next, use a cotton ball to rub off any remaining pieces of nail polish until all traces are gone.
While you should be able to easily remove most kinds of nail polish this way, some types are harder to get rid of than others and certain ingredients can cause damage if not properly removed from your nails.
How to Treat Nails Damaged by Nail Polish Remover
Nail polish remover has the ability to damage your nails, but that doesn’t mean you can’t reverse the damage. If your nails have been damaged by nail polish remover, there are several steps you can take to restore them to their former state.
1. Use a nail strengthener
Nail strengtheners give your nails additional protection and help ensure they’re not as susceptible to being damaged again in the future. They also make it more difficult for your nails to split or chip when you use them as a base coat under other polishes so that you don’t have to worry about using an acetone-containing remover all of the time. You’ll find some at any beauty supply store or drugstore.
2. Use a moisturizer
In addition to avoiding nail polish remover, you can also try applying hand lotion right after washing your hands. The natural oil in the lotion will help moisturize your nails and cuticles, which prevents chipping and peeling.
If you feel like you need more than just a little bit of moisture, try using a hand-and-body lotion that contains shea butter or olive oil (or both). Shea butter is an especially good choice because it helps prevent cracking and flaking, while olive oil has been proven to strengthen weak nails by providing more flexibility.
3. Use a cuticle oil
When it comes to treating damaged, dry and brittle nails, cuticle oil is the way to go. The oil can penetrate deep into the nail bed and repair any damage done by polish remover. It also provides moisture that will help prevent peeling or cracking in your nails.
Nail polish remover can be harsh on your hands and may cause dryness if you’re not careful about how you use it. If you’re experiencing peeling and cracking after removing your polish each week, try switching over to an acetone-free formula instead.
4. Use a base coat
To reduce skin and nail damage, use a base coat before you apply your favorite polish. Base coats are thinner than regular nail polishes, and they contain ingredients that help strengthen and protect the nails.
If you’re looking for an even more fortifying base coat, try one with added vitamins A and E. These vitamins provide extra hydration to the nail bed, preventing it from becoming dehydrated after prolonged exposure to acetone-based removers.
5. Use a top coat
After a fresh manicure, you’ll have to keep your nails protected. This is where top coats come in handy. They can ensure that the color on your nails won’t chip and fade as quickly, especially if you have a more stubborn nail polish shade (like glitter) or if you’re prone to peeling.
Top coats are also great for making bright hues look even brighter by reflecting light back onto them. They will make your nails look good.
6. Use a nail polish remover without acetone
You can also find nail polish remover that has no acetone, but no alcohol. These are usually marketed as “natural” or “gentle” removers because they’re supposedly more gentle on your nails and skin than traditional ones. If you do use one of these products, make sure to follow the directions carefully.
7. Eat a balanced diet
The first step to restoring your nails is to eat a balanced diet. This means eating a lot of fruits and vegetables, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough sleep. You can also help your nails in other ways by keeping your hands moisturized and wearing gloves when you’re cleaning or gardening.
Conclusion
It’s important to remember that nail polish remover is an ingredient in many products and can be found in many places. It’s important to keep your nails healthy and strong, but it doesn’t mean you have to stop using nail polish or other products.
Just make sure that if you do use nail polish remover, only use it as little as possible and always try out different methods of removing your polish like peeling off instead of using a chemical solvent like acetone.