Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Your Nail Polish

A while ago I read a book called "You Being Beautiful" by Dr. Oz and when he talked about nails I got a bit spooked. In this book he explains how harmful nail polish can be and that it is the most toxic cosmetic on the market {all of this while I looked at my pinkish nail polish}.


The problem with nail polish is the chemicals it is made with, like chemical solvents {toluene}, formaldehyde, phtalates {a plasticizer}, and acetone {helps to keep it liquid}. Also, the color can come from iron oxides that can get absorbed by the nail and skin. All these ingredients are toxic to the nervous and endocrine systems, fill the air with toxins that can affect your respiratory system, and are known to be carcinogens.


So, what a does one do? The best thing is that when you get your nails done look for a place that is well ventilated, try to change your nail polish the least amount of times possible, schedule a time when you can let them be unpolished so the skin under the nail and cuticle can breath, if possible touch up instead of going for a new pedicure, and finally... moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!


As for those nail polishes that say they are non-toxic or natural... well, not all of them are because they might contain formaldehyde or something like it with another name {check this ARTICLE or this ARTICLE for more chemical info}. So, if you buy those pretty expensive bottles make sure you are really getting your money's worth.

Have a great Thursday and stay healthy my dears!

54 comments:

  1. Wow! That is really disturbing.

    I love having pretty nails but I have actually only had mine done professionally a few times. I've heard that Butter is a good natural alternative but they might have icky stuff in them also. I'll have to do more research.

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  2. oh wow. this is so informative! i love nail polish but don't wear it too frequently--it's so good to read this though, thank you!
    j.

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  3. this is such great advice, thank you for the reminder! i don't think that many people stop to think about this ~ love the photos!!
    xx ~ k

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  4. Well, that is rather depressing! Maybe I should go take mine off...

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  5. So great post ! And the pictures are fabulous !
    http://www.demoiselleaparis.com/

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  6. great information, I can honestly say that I have never thought about the toxins or potential damage.

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  7. That's useful to know! I paint my nails but I'm careful to take them off after a few days and I totally agree about the moisturizing, it helps if you store small tubes of hand cream by the bed, on your desk, in the lounge etc then you're reminded to keep moisturizing...great post :)

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  8. I am huge fan of constructive posts as this one and I thank you for posting this! Everyone should be aware of harm that frquent polishing can fo.
    Personally I do give my nails time-off and I suggest to girls to get a good nail file and polish your nails to shine naturally! :)

    K.
    http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/3008424/poshkay

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  9. I´ve never thought about that... Things that make you go "hmmmm"!

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  10. oooops, not such good news... well, at least i am very bad at changing them often... but that also means mine is long between looking perfect!

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  11. I try to buy non-toxic nail polish, and this is a good reminder of why I do!! :D

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  12. good advice!!!^^
    i have no idea... ;)

    xoxo

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  13. eep! I am a nail polish junkie, I never thought of it as harmful

    http://chicgeekery.blogspot.com/

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  14. WOW, how sad. I really like a pretty nail polish. I try to buy non-toxid every time I can, but I always wondered if they were really non-toxic...


    Camila Faria

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  15. thanks for the tips, I agree about moisturize especially when the weather is getting more dry these days!!

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  16. aaah, nail polish is a bit of a weakness of mine. I mostly buy OPI, which is free of some baddies ut still contains others (though less than many other more expensive brands), but as a compromise I don't wear it too often. I wear it all the time on my toenails, but that's because I don't need to change it as often - on my hands, I wear it as little as possible - mostly during the holidays, on dates or for events.

    I try to give my nails time to recover in between polishes - for instance right now I haven't been wearing any for almost 2 months, but I am definitely going to be wearing some this weekend, since I am attending Zurich Fashion Days :-)

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  17. Great information here! Thanks sweetie!

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  18. i didn't know any of this. and i was just thinking i needed to get my nails done...

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  19. I agree this is disturbing... but thanks for all the knowledge! I am about to email you:)

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  20. Yuck-I love nail polish, but I can always tell it's terrible when you have to open up a window to ventilate your bathroom!

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  21. So glad you wrote about this Elie! I think you will like my new nail polish line: it's 4FREE, no formaldehyde, Toulane, Camphor (stinky), and DBP. Also, thanks so much for the chick peas info-they're building one right behind the area I live and I can't wait, it's been like living in the boondocks without one!

    xo Mary Jo
    http://On-PCH.com

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  22. I saw him talk about nail polish on his show one day when I was home from work, and I have to admit he slightly freaked me out. Thanks for the additional information that helps me worry a little less.

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  23. I should be more careful what I use..Thank you so much for the info! I've heard the brand "Zoya" is less harmful..? The last photo is so perfect for this post :) -akiko

    http://styleimported.blogspot.com/

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  24. That's kind of scary...but I also know I won't stop painting my nails!

    xoxo ~ Courtney
    http://sartorialsidelines.com

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  25. you always have beautiful photos!!!

    xx.M

    www.bellesandrebelles.blogspot.com

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  26. Whoa I did not no this! I've been disappointed that I haven't painted my nails in months but I guess it's a good thing! Thanks for sharing. xo

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  27. i try to keep my nail polish use to a minimum because of this. hoping some natural and safer product comes into the market in the future.

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  28. Oh, no! I'll have to start being more careful for sure.
    xo Josie
    www.winksmilestyle.com

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  29. Holy moly... I know most of this already but it's the whole following through thing... I try to de-polish before bedtime so my nails have the entire night to be naked & breathe! Hate naked nails!
    Sadly I don't have strong nails either, doesn't matter how matter vits you take or how well you eat, sometimes it's in the genes...So nail polish is my saviour.

    Thanks so much for my birthday wishes!
    x.o.x.o

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  30. oh man, that's pretty freaky! i love painting my nails so i'm bummed to hear how bad it is. but good to know!!!

    spinning-threads.blogspot.com

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  31. I know you were talking about toxins but your nails look so pretty! <3

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  32. I can't believe I had no idea nail polish was toxic, I mean I knew it probably wasn't very good for you but wow! I will definitely take more care with it now!

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  33. These are gorgeous! Enjoy the lovely end of the week, Kellie xx

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  34. This is great information and really makes us think about what we will do for beauty. I love a good mani, but this will make me feel better about the weeks I go without one! :)

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  35. Damn, that sucks! I'm such a fiend when it comes to doing my nails, too. I never leave them unpolished (even if it's just clear) - they feel so weird without.

    But I take everything Dr. Oz says as gospel, so I guess I'll have to figure something out here, haha.

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  36. beautiful pics!!!amazing blog!!!

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  37. I stopped wearing nail polish regularly about 2 years ago and now only put it on for special events. At first I thought my feet and hands looked terrible but now that I'm used to it, I kind of like the natural look.

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  38. Omgosh great post and I never knew any of that! Thank you for commenting on my blog. I am now following you and it would be great if you could follow me back if you like my blog.
    If you have any spare time please take a look at my bigwardrobe stylist page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bigwardrobe-Stylist-Aimee/235868013134928
    and maybe like the page and some of my outfits.

    Thanks again and please visit back.
    Aimee,
    www.new-yorkdoll.blogspot.com
    xxx

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  39. Oh dear... haha. I think I change a one a week!

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  40. I wear it more on my toes, which is just as bad. shucks.
    Enter my Giveaway!

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  41. I always like to give my nails a few days break before applying a new colour. It lets them breathe.

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  42. Wow I had no idea! This really is ground breaking for me! I definitely don't let my nails breathe nearly enough, they are *always* painted! Good thing I like visiting your blog, huh? (c:

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  43. Have a great weekend.

    Smile loads.

    Love visiting your blog.

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  44. Well done dear. Such a great post with amazing pics!!!
    Thanks so much for visiting and for your lovely comment.
    Kisses and hugs
    Miss Margaret Cruzemark
    http://margaretcruzemark.blogspot.com/

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  45. wow this is so scary! i had no idea. i'm going to check out that article. thanks for sharing.

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  46. this news is so disturbing. i like to have "down time" for about a week in between painting my nails but i might have to start extending that for a little longer. i had no idea it was so bad for you!

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  47. I've never been too into nail polish. I feel it doesn't complement my skin well, which means I go au naturale regularly. Still, I have to do a better job at taking care of my nails.

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  48. This is all great information to know. I always thought nail polish cannot be good for me in anyway. It is such a shame that it has to be harmful because I love it! I try to put nail polish on in moderation, so my nails can have time to breath sometimes!

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  49. I'm kind of into bare nails right now, but I can't help to love a little spa day. dang. lol. xoxo

    http://hellofridaybypaik.blogspot.com/

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  50. Thankfully a mani is a treat and one I don't get often but maybe I will rethink my pampering choice and get a facial instead!

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  51. I wear nail polish almost all the time but I have to say I'm not that worried even if maybe I should be..

    http://kashaysblogg.blogspot.com

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  52. Thanks for the comment on my Wishful Wednesday post ;)

    Oh my, this is quite informative and scary. I knew a few key points but was unaware of others. I don't wear polish often..and when I do...it's OPI, but honestly I have not looked into what is in there...eeeeiiikkkk!

    xo
    Lizzie
    placeclevertitlehere.blogspot.com

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  53. That's really good to know. My mom always encourages allowing your nails to be "natural" for awhile.

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  54. That's a great tip! I must admit (even confess:)) I'm quite a nail polishers addicted person. But now I can paint my nails at least in a bit more healthier way!

    Xx

    Alexandra

    www.fashion-bridge.blogspot.com

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