Artificial nails: Dermatologists' tips for reducing nail damage (2024)

FAQs

Artificial nails: Dermatologists' tips for reducing nail damage? ›

Unlike traditional techniques like acrylic or gel, dip powder nails do not require any UV light exposure. This eliminates the potential harm caused by UV lights, making dip powder a healthier choice. Moreover, dip powder nails are known to be highly resistant to chipping and peeling, ensuring longer-lasting manicures.

Unlike traditional techniques like acrylic or gel, dip powder nails do not require any UV light exposure. This eliminates the potential harm caused by UV lights, making dip powder a healthier choice. Moreover, dip powder nails are known to be highly resistant to chipping and peeling, ensuring longer-lasting manicures.

A good soak in acetone, plus lots of hand cream, should do the trick to get them off and keep your hands soft in the process. And never, ever, ever bite, chew, or peel them off, unless you want serious damage to your nails.

Use natural oils such as jojoba or coconut or a speciall y formulated cuticle balm and your favourite hand cream. Apply hand cream at least three times a day (or when you remember it) and massage oils or specially formulated cuticle balm nightly.

Dr. Dana recommends applying a protective coat to the nail prior to applying the nail glue. This can be a base coat or another polish. Polish can absolutely be protective and it is generally the removal process that leads to the dehydration and potential damage.

Dip powder isn't necessarily “good” for your nails (because no nail technique—other than having bare nails—truly is), but they shouldn't create any long-term damage either, so long as your technician is taking safety measures into account (more on this below...).

Pour acetone into a small bowl and submerge your fingers. It will take about 20 to 30 minutes to break down your acrylics. "While your fingers are submerged, use your thumbs to rub the other four fingers — it helps break down the product faster," says Johnson.

What is the healthiest option for fake nails? ›

Unlike acrylic nails that use liquid monomer and polymer powder, gel nails cure under UV or LED light for 30-60 seconds. One of the main reasons gel nails are considered a healthier option is their flexibility. The gel formula allows the nails to bend and move more naturally, reducing the risk of breakage and chipping.

Your damaged nail needs to grow out completely so that it can be replaced with a healthy nail. While you wait, stick to regular nail polish, get regimented about moisturizing, and stay away from acrylics. When in doubt, go see a pro for their advice.

Vaseline was used for diaper rash and to sooth chapped lips. However, the cure-all salve can reduce dry and brittle nails plus relieve dry cuticles.

Acrylics shouldn't ruin nails. But, a poor application and removal process of nail acrylics – or any type of nail enhancement- can seriously damage nails. When properly applied by a trained technician, with the right aftercare advice and regular upkeep, acrylics nails shouldn't cause any serious damage.

In short, artificial nails can leave your nails thin, brittle, and parched. Still, some people love the look of artificial nails. If you're one of them, these tips from dermatologists can help you reduce the damage: Choose soak-off gel nails instead of acrylic nails.

What Causes Discoloration After Removing Acrylic Nails? Nails can often be a barometer of general health, according to Green. "Discoloration of the natural nail can mean that there is an infection or nail fungus," she says.