If you have highly reactive skin, you know firsthand how uncomfortable the typical consequences of manicures are. These include itchy, red cuticles, irritated nails, chemical irritation, and even difficult-to-get rid-of allergies. Although gel polish is something I have always enjoyed, my sensitive skin was a definite deterrent to me. Chemical compositions that irritate and brittle nails and inflamed skin were results I got every time I tried any kind of gel polish. Sound too familiar? You are far from alone in this situation. Let’s take a look at all there is to know about gel polish for sensitive skin. This includes basic information about gel polish, common skin irritants, ways to lower your risk, and my recommendations for hypoallergenic gel polishes.
Difference Between Gel Polish and Hybrid Gel Polish
In order to be able to purchase a proper and quality nail polish for your skin, there should be an understanding of the differences between the two types of nail varnishes. The first thing to be asked here would be what is gel polish? Gel polish is a special kind of nail polish that is set by UV light and is applied to the nails. It makes the nails hard and shiny but not as hard as in the case of acrylic nails.
Hybrid gel polish is another great choice for those whose skin easily reacts to various nail treatments. Known under the names such as “gel hybrid” or “gel-like polish”, it brings the advantages of ordinary nail polish and gel together. This formula isn’t pure lacquer and it is not completely cured gel, which means that it is easier to apply compared to traditional gel polish.
Why Does Traditional Gel Polish Irritate Sensitive Skin & Nails?
Being an advocate of safe beauty and toxic-free necessities in daily life, I have invested a substantial amount of time and money into experimenting with gel polish products for myself. For a long period of time, I was confined to using only non-toxic traditional nail polish. Why? Well, skin-friendly gel polish systems were rare to come across, and all commercially available gel polishes damaged my delicate nails and skin.
Let me explain why exactly conventional salongel polish is so abrasive. First of all, the professionals rub your natural nail plate using a drill machine, making the barrier of your nails less effective. Next, under the effect of UV rays your hands get exposed to, harsh chemicals inside uncured gel polish produce a powerful smell and even some burning sensation on your nail beds. After two weeks, when you want to remove gel polish, you need to soak your nails in acetone for 20 minutes and scrape or drill off polish after that. This procedure causes extreme dryness of your cuticles, causing redness and allergic reactions in most cases.
5 Easy Tips to Avoid Irritation When Using Gel Polish
However, there is nothing to worry about since there are ways to use these products and still keep away from having any issues with skin and nail irritation. Here are my five important safety precautions to take when applying gel polishes to your fingernails:
- Conduct a patch test first: When trying out different brands of gel polish, apply the gel polish on just one nail. Determine if there will be an allergic reaction after 24-48 hours. This will enable you to determine if there will be any allergic reactions before applying the polish on all nails.
- Follow the curing instructions carefully: Curing for too little time causes a lot of allergies. You need to adhere to the curing time required by your brand of gel polish.
- Avoid the use of irritants: Do not use any gel polish that contains irritants like formaldehyde, toluene, and HEMA.
- Only buy hypoallergenic gel polish: The hypoallergenic gel polish is especially formulated for those with sensitive nails.
- Turn to a professional technician for help: Appoint yourself to visit a highly skilled nail technician who knows how to apply gel polishes without irritating the skin. You can receive a recommendation on the best gel polish for you.
Six Best Gentle Gel Polish Brands for Sensitive Skin
Following a lot of personal experimentation and expert analysis, here are my top six gel polish brands that wonโt cause any problems for your sensitive skin. Theyโre safe, clean, and will suit every taste and budget.
1. Chromรฉclair
For people with extremely sensitive skin, Chromรฉclair is certainly one of the most reliable brands for gel polish. The priority of the company is the safety of consumers, who receive products that are free from any allergens and do not harm nature. The main difference is in the absence of hazardous substances such as HEMA and TPO in the composition of the products. It makes possible to avoid the development of allergic reactions when using products from this company. In addition, Chromรฉclair has numerous shades, making it ideal for experiments on nails.
2. OPI IntelliโGel
This gel polish product of OPI Intelli-Gel brand is popular among many people because of its high quality and longevity. Even though this product is quite costly, the attractive color, decent texture, and shiny appearance are definitely worth the price. This product is made from the very gentle formula that will never irritate your skin.
3. Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro
Pro Lippman Gel Collection is produced by utilizing a 10-free formula that includes absolutely no harmful substances such as formaldehyde, camphor, toluene, and DBP. It is considered one of the most advanced gel polishes available on the market today and offers a mirror-like finish for two weeks without causing dehydration of nails and cuticles.
4. Zoya
Zoya can be said to be one of the most favored brands of gel polish as far as safety is concerned. The reason behind this is that Zoya gel polish does not contain some of those toxins, such as formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, camphor, and TPHP.
5. CND Shellac
Another reason why this product is favored by some manicurists is due to the durability of the polish, as it remains intact for about two weeks before chipping. It is not only cruelty-free but also an animal-friendly polish that does not cause any irritation to the skin or nails.
6. Essie Gel Couture
Essie Gel Couture gel polish is an important item for any beauty parlor due to the excellent finish and high quality that it provides. It can easily be applied due to its ergonomic design of the bottle and accurate brush. Its formula has been developed optimally without causing any skin irritation.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining pretty gel polish designs is not that difficult if you have sensitive skin. Learn about the various kinds of gel polish available and avoid the use of harsh components. Be hygienic in applying gel polish and ensure that you purchase only reliable brands of gel polishes like Chromรฉclair and OPI. Look after your skin and nails by using quality gel polish brands.
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