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!
Categories ,

54 comments:

  1. Tiffany KadaniNovember 10, 2011 at 1:07 AM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jennifer YoungNovember 10, 2011 at 2:20 AM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousNovember 10, 2011 at 2:47 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  4. ChuckNovember 10, 2011 at 3:27 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousNovember 10, 2011 at 3:58 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  6. Caitlin @ Candyfloss & PersieNovember 10, 2011 at 4:03 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  7. A Life Un-StyledNovember 10, 2011 at 6:36 AM

    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 :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Posh.KayNovember 10, 2011 at 7:26 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  9. tinajoNovember 10, 2011 at 8:37 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  10. Kristin HNovember 10, 2011 at 8:43 AM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
  11. MeganNovember 10, 2011 at 9:04 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  12. AnonymousNovember 10, 2011 at 9:12 AM

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

    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  13. MalNovember 10, 2011 at 10:11 AM

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

    http://chicgeekery.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  14. AnonymousNovember 10, 2011 at 10:30 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  15. nooneNovember 10, 2011 at 11:43 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  16. Elisa @ Crazy, Amazing LifeNovember 10, 2011 at 12:19 PM

    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 :-)

    ReplyDelete
  17. StephanieNovember 10, 2011 at 12:22 PM

    Great information here! Thanks sweetie!

    ReplyDelete
  18. amy b.s.November 10, 2011 at 12:45 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  19. MollieeNovember 10, 2011 at 1:29 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  20. A Crimson KissNovember 10, 2011 at 1:44 PM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
  21. UnknownNovember 10, 2011 at 2:07 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  22. JessicaNovember 10, 2011 at 3:17 PM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  23. AkikoNovember 10, 2011 at 5:20 PM

    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/

    ReplyDelete
  24. Courtney ErinNovember 10, 2011 at 8:02 PM

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

    xoxo ~ Courtney
    http://sartorialsidelines.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. MNovember 10, 2011 at 8:03 PM

    you always have beautiful photos!!!

    xx.M

    www.bellesandrebelles.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. Colleen / Inspired to ShareNovember 10, 2011 at 9:21 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  27. honey my heartNovember 10, 2011 at 10:35 PM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  28. JosieNovember 11, 2011 at 1:52 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  29. A BRIT GREEKNovember 11, 2011 at 2:41 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  30. ClaireNovember 11, 2011 at 3:08 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  31. Erin LianNovember 11, 2011 at 4:55 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  32. UnknownNovember 11, 2011 at 5:13 AM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Kellie CollisNovember 11, 2011 at 6:12 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  34. Cara KuhlNovember 11, 2011 at 7:59 AM

    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! :)

    ReplyDelete
  35. JillianNovember 11, 2011 at 8:11 AM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  36. UnknownNovember 11, 2011 at 9:25 AM

    beautiful pics!!!amazing blog!!!

    ReplyDelete
  37. jeanette from everton terraceNovember 11, 2011 at 9:35 AM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  38. UnknownNovember 11, 2011 at 9:42 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  39. AllisonNovember 11, 2011 at 9:43 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  40. Elle SeesNovember 11, 2011 at 10:07 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  41. HiFashionNovember 11, 2011 at 3:08 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  42. Aubrey {All Things Bright and Beautiful}November 11, 2011 at 3:46 PM

    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:

    ReplyDelete
  43. Priscilla JoyNovember 11, 2011 at 8:57 PM

    Have a great weekend.

    Smile loads.

    Love visiting your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  44. margaret cruzemarkNovember 12, 2011 at 10:12 AM

    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/

    ReplyDelete
  45. MoniqueNovember 12, 2011 at 10:39 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  46. StephanieNovember 12, 2011 at 6:51 PM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Yara SimónNovember 13, 2011 at 12:41 AM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Poppies and SunshineNovember 13, 2011 at 3:04 AM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Kathy November 13, 2011 at 4:03 AM

    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/

    ReplyDelete
  50. JohannaNovember 13, 2011 at 12:42 PM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
  51. KashayaNovember 13, 2011 at 4:23 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  52. LizzieNovember 13, 2011 at 9:11 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  53. roothNovember 13, 2011 at 10:36 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  54. Fashion-BridgeNovember 16, 2011 at 3:19 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)