Dr Oz: Manicures Gone Wrong
Whether you ask for gel or acrylic nails, manicures these days seem to be an art form all their own. Thanks to new technology, he was able to go “where no manicure or nail has gone before.” He was going to look beyond the surface to find out what really happens to your nails when you get a manicure.
Dr Oz welcomed Shanika and Katie, who both claim they’ve had their nails ruined by manicures. Shanika used acrylic nails for about ten years. At first, she loved them but then she started to notice pain in her nail beds so she stopped using them all-together. Katie likes the gel manicure and even though she knows that it damages her nails, she likes that it lasts longer than traditional nail polish which can chip easily.
Dr Oz: Damage From Acrylic Nails
Before you head to the salon for another manicure, find out what Dr Oz discovered when talking about beauty treatments gone wrong. (ashleymackinnon / Flickr)
Dr Whitney Bowe was able to look closely at their nails and analyze them. She found Shanika, who used to wear acrylic nails, who had nail plates that were thin, dry, brittle, and dehydrated. She also didn’t have any cuticles which are important for protecting against infections. Shanika also had hyper-pigmentation on the area directly below her nails. That darker-colored skin was a sign of ongoing inflammation and damage. It was revealed that 44% of her nails were damaged or not healthy!
Dr Bowe shared another picture of nails that were severely damaged from acrylic nails. She explained that there’s space between the acrylic nail and your natural nail where bacteria can get trapped, leading to bacterial infections.
Dr Oz: Damage From Acrylic Nails
For Katie, she also had dry and brittle nail beds from the gel nails, but she had also developed eczema on the skin around her nails. It was revealed that 28% of her nails were damaged. When you get a gel manicure, in order to set the polish, you have to place your hands into a lamp that emits UV rays. It’s a low level and it’s only for a short period of time, but it’s still UV light which can cause premature aging and skin cancer.
Plus, to remove the nails you have to soak them in acetone, which is incredibly drying and irritating for your nails and the skin around them.
Dr Oz: How To Take Better Care Of Your Nails
Although not exactly ideal, gel nails are certainly better than acrylic nails. But when you go to get gel nails, wear UV-protective gloves to protect your skin when your nails are under the drying lamp, as well as sunscreen.
To take care of damaged nails, try hydrating with apricot oil and then apply a pair of gloves to help let the moisture soak in. Be sure to eat omega-3 fatty acids, avocado, chia seeds, and walnuts to help grow healthy nails. For a much healthier way to decorate your nails, apply instant manicure nail wraps for a lovely, fashionable look!
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