In recent years, we have seen how the world of nails has taken a giant leap, with nail arts incredible as the encapsulated nails that are a real blast or the nails jelly nails that everything is cool, although these are just a few examples. just like we found lots of different techniques that can do real wonders with our nails, as is the case with Gel nails or semi-permanent nails, which have the advantage that the enamels are more durable than the classic onesand they need an LED or UV lamp for drying.
But along with this boomsome dermatological problems have also been added due to acrylatesan ingredient found especially in semi-permanent nail polishes. For this reason we wanted to clarify all the questions and doubts that this ingredient generates.
What does acrylates mean
acrylates are substances derived from petroleumwhich are formed from small molecules called monomers and have a low molecular weight. What these molecules do is chain one behind the other (like the balls of a necklace) and give way to polymers thus forming larger molecules. And for this to happen, there has to be a chemical reaction known as polymerization and it can be caused by ultra violet radiation.
What contains acrylates
Currently, there are many products that we find made from acrylates. Their great versatility has made them so effective and widely used, since we can find them hard, soft, light, flexible… For this reason, they cover materials of different types, from dental restorative materialshousehold utensils, orthopedic prostheses, paints, glues or in nail materials such as semi-permanent enamels among many others.
What harm do acrylates do?
In recent years, it has been seen how the cases of contact dermatitis due to the use of semi-permanent enamels or permanent manicures. This is clearly due to the products used to perform this type of manicure, enamels being the ones that are most under the spotlight.
The problem with acrylates arises in its monomer state or when the bonds between the monomers are not well formed, since being a very Small Molecule, is when it can penetrate through the skin and trigger an allergy. For this reason, it is of great importance to dry the semi-permanent enamels well under the UV lamp so that the monomers become polymers, a larger molecule that can no longer penetrate the skin.
The Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venerology (AEDV), indicates that the acrylates that are present in permanent enamels do not cause problems once they are dry (well polymerized). The problem happens when this polish touches the skin, either in the application or because the product is not perfectly cured. What can happen is that the skin recognizes this substance as an allergen and leads to a allergic contact dermatitis.
But beyond suffering from finger dermatitis, the Dr. Gatica it also explains that: “A person who develops an allergy due to exposure in a purely aesthetic procedure, such as the application of permanent enamels or other manicure techniques such as gel nails or acrylic nails, has a specific problem in his fingers, when presenting dermatitis, which will go away with time, but his allergy will not, that stays for life. If in the future this person has to receive, for example, a hip prosthesis, he may suffer a rejection if it contains an acrylate in its composition”.
For this reason, GEIDAC (Spanish Research Group on Contact Dermatitis and Skin Allergy) emphasizes the importance of good regulations: “There should be a regulation that obliges the manufacturers of health products and medical devices to declare each of the components they contain and to collaborate in the study of the health problems that they cause. In this way we will stop assuming that dermatitis is only irritative and we will begin to recognize that there is a real problem”.
Why do my fingers itch with acrylic nails?
As we were saying, in recent years, dermatologists have seen how much the cases of allergic contact dermatitis due to the use of semi-permanent or permanent enamels, and even with the use of acrylic, gel or false nails. “Permanent enamels are precisely the main responsible for the large number of cases of sensitization that we have observed in recent years in an increasing way”ensures Maria Elena Gatica-Ortegadermatologist member of the GEIDAC.
Dermatitis is usually limited to the contact area, so if your fingers feel itchy after having acrylic nails done or using permanent nail polish, it is probably due to an allergy to the acrylates present in these products. The feeling you can have is burning, itching, peeling, hives, and even blistersIn addition, it can even cause pain and become chronic. And although dermatitis usually occurs in the areas where the product has been applied, it can also occur in other areas. if we transport the monomers by touching other parts of the bodysuch as the face, eyes, or neck.
Acrylics on semi-permanent nails
The enamels used to perform semi-permanent or permanent manicures are mostly formulated with acrylates. Hence both professionals and clients of these services, are among those who suffer most from allergic contact dermatitis. For this reason, it is very important professionals wear gloves, to avoid contact with the product. Just as it is very important that the enamel itself does not come into contact with the skin.
You also have to pay a lot of attention when it comes to drying. Nails should be thoroughly dry to avoid any risk caused by the monomers and use the appropriate lamps. As advice, it is recommended use a barrier cream on the skin to act as a shield barrier, without forgetting never to touch the enamel without ensuring that it dries.
Shopping enamels without acrylates
So, if you are one of those who prefer to use glazes without acrylates or other harmful ingredientshere we leave you a selection both classic enamels as semi-permanent that are formulated without acrylates. Therefore, they are a great option to avoid all the problems that, as we have seen, they cause.
–Vernis Green Nail Polish Manucurist, are bio-sourced, non-toxic and made with 84% bio-based and are enriched with coconut oil and bamboo extract for strong and nourished nails. Price 13.99 euros.
Vernis Green Nail Polish Manucurist
–The Nail Polish by 3INA Makeup, these polishes are light but durable and highly pigmented. They are vegan and do not test on animals. Price 5.95 euros.
3INA Makeup The Nail Polish
–Enamels ‘8 free’ Lola, free of eight of the usual toxins in other brands such as acetone, camphor, phthalates, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, silicone, toluene and xylene. Its formula has diamond powder that provides vitality and hardness to the nails. Price 13 euros.
Lola Barcelona Nail Polish Ibiza Pink Fluorine Vegan 8-free
–Nails. Inc Plant Power Nail Polish, the formulation of these nail polishes is a 73% formula of vegetable origin and 21 free (free of formaldehyde, acetone, parabens and 18 other ingredients). All shades are vegan friendly and cruelty free. Price 8.95 euros.
nail inc Plant Power Nail Polish
–Mia Cosmetics nail polish, its formulation is 9-Free that is formulated without harmful chemicals and against animal testing, in addition its manufacturing processes minimize the impact on the environment. Its finish is bright and highly pigmented. Price 6.60 euros.
MIA Cosmetics-Paris, Nail Polish (0481) Coral Blush
–OPI Nature Strong, these nail polishes are vegan with ingredients of natural origin based on plants that respect the skin and the environment. A line of 30 nail polishes designed to inspire and improve the planet. Its durability is up to seven days of use. Price 13.50 euros.
OPI Nature Strong, Vegan Lacquer, Natural Origin Nail Polish, Cruelty Free
–Benecos Happy Nails 20-Free, the formulation of these enamels is based on up to 90% ingredients of natural origin obtained from renewable natural raw materials. Plus, they’re 8-free, meaning they’re free from triphenyl phosphates, toluene, rosin, camphor, phthalates, parabens, silicones, and organic halogen compounds, among other ingredients. Price 4.65 euros.
–Semi-permanent Enamel Kit 36+3, that is a super set with 39 semi-permanent nail polishes formulated with natural resin and ingredients that are safe for health so they do not damage the skin and have little odor. The effect lasts for up to three weeks and its finish is ultra-shiny.
Price 33.99 euros.
Semi-Permanent Nail Polish – 39 Pcs
–Rosalind Gel Polish Set, this set contains a base, top coat and matte finish. Both products are made with natural materials, which do not harm the skin or have strong odours. Their durability is at least 14 days and they are easily removed. Price 9.99 euros.
ROSALIND Base and Top Coat and Matte Top Coat Semi-permanent
–Set 10 Gelfavor Semi-permanent Enamels, this kit contains enamels formulated with natural materials that do not harm the skin. They also promise a durability of up to 20 days. Price 12.99 euros.
10 Colors Gelfavor Semi-Permanent Enamel
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Photo | @amyle.nails, @cndworld, @betina_goldstein