You were happy to get your nails gel polished, but a few hours later or after several days you found your fingers itching. You suspect it may be the UV light that burned your fingers or that you’re allergic to the gel polish.
Let’s see why it happens and how to stop in your next gel nails polish.
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The Process of Getting Gel Nails Polish
As you have experienced, when you decide to enhance the beauty of your nails with gel polish, the process involves a few steps.
First, your nails are cleaned and filed to the desired shape. A base coat is then applied to protect your nail. The magic begins once the gel polish is layered on.
Each coat of gel polish is cured under a UV or LED lamp to harden it, making your nails shiny and durable. This process, while remarkable in achieving long-lasting nail beauty, may come with unintended itchy consequences.
Why Gel Nails Can Make Your Fingers Itch?
The main reason for the itchiness you might feel after getting gel nails could be due to certain chemicals in the polish called acrylates and methacrylates. They can irritate the skin for some people.
You may question why Acrylates and methacrylates exist in gel nail polishes. They are chemical compounds widely used in the beauty industry, particularly in gel nail polishes, due to their ability to form a hard, durable finish under a UV or LED lamp that lasts longer than traditional nail polish.
Allergic Reaction Symptoms
The science behind the irritation and allergies caused by acrylates and methacrylates lies in their nature as skin sensitizers.
When skin sensitizers come into contact with the skin, they can cause an allergic reaction in some people because the immune system recognizes these chemicals as potential threats and reacts defensively.
The severity of the reaction can vary greatly among individuals, influenced by factors such as the amount of exposure, previous sensitization, and the person’s overall immune response.
When these chemicals touch the skin, they can penetrate the outer layers, leading to a localized immune response. This response can cause symptoms ranging from mild irritation to severe dermatitis.
Symptoms can include redness, itching, swelling, and in some cases, blisters or rashes not just on the fingers but potentially spreading to other parts of the body, and causing discomfort on your face, neck, or chest.
For those with existing breathing issues, these reactions could even make it harder to breathe or worsen asthma symptoms.
Additionally, with repeated exposure, the body’s sensitivity to these chemicals can increase, leading to more severe allergic reactions over time.
Such process, known as sensitization, means that even a small amount of exposure to acrylates and methacrylates can trigger a significant allergic response in sensitized individuals.
Another aspect to consider is that once an allergy to acrylates or methacrylates develops, it can become a lifelong condition.
How to Stop Your Fingers From Itching After Gel Nails
If you love the look of gel nails but hate the itch, there are methods to minimize or prevent this uncomfortable side effect.
Be Aware of the Risks Before Getting Gel Nails
Before getting gel nails, knowing that certain chemicals in gel polish can cause reactions is the first step. Especially for nail technicians, who are the high exposed to gel polish, should use nitrile gloves when applying these products and change them regularly.
Ask an Expert to Do it for You
Getting your nails done by a highly trained and experienced nail technician can significantly reduce the risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions. Professionals who are well-versed in the latest nail care techniques and products are more likely to be aware of the potential risks associated with acrylates and methacrylates.
They can take precautions, such as applying the gel polish carefully to avoid skin contact and ensuring the use of the correct curing lamp and time.
A seasoned nail technician will also be knowledgeable about alternative products for clients with sensitive skin or allergies. They can offer valuable advice on maintaining healthy, beautiful nails without compromising your comfort and safety.
Moreover, a professional can spot early signs of a reaction and advise on the best course of action, whether it be removing the polish or suggesting a different nail care regimen.
Use a Non-Acrylate Nail Polish Formula
Given that acrylates and methacrylates are the main culprits behind allergic reactions and skin irritation, seeking out alternative nail polish formulas without these chemicals could be a game-changer.
Nowadays, there are nail polish brands that offer non-acrylate gel options, which could significantly reduce or eliminate the risk of irritation. These alternative formulas provide the durability and shine of traditional gel polishes without the associated risks of acrylates and methacrylates.
Choose the Right UV Lamp
You’d better use the lamp recommended for curing your gel polish, not mix and match lamps and polish brands at will. Each gel polish formula is designed to cure correctly under specific types of lamps, be they UV or LED.
Using the wrong type of lamp could lead to under-curing, which means the polish doesn’t harden as it should. This not only compromises the durability of your manicure but also increases the risk of uncured polish coming into contact with your skin, potentially causing irritation or an allergic reaction.
Ensure Your Nails Are Fully Cured
One reason for post-gel nail irritation could be that the gel polish wasn’t fully cured under the UV or LED lamp. If the polish is not completely hardened, uncured particles could come into contact with your skin, leading to irritation or an allergic response.
To avoid this, always make sure that each layer of gel polish is cured for the recommended amount of time. Different brands and colors may require different curing times, so pay close attention to the product’s instructions.
Moisturize Your Skin
After getting your nails done, moisturizing the skin around your nails can help soothe any irritation. Choose a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to reduce the chance of further irritation.
Try Anti-inflammatory Creams
If the itching persists, you might find relief using over-the-counter anti-inflammatory creams or ointments. These can help calm the skin irritation. However, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider before applying anything new, especially if your symptoms are severe.
Take a Break from Gel Polish
If you’ve had a reaction, giving your nails and skin time to recover before your next gel polish application might be a good idea. Switching to regular polish for a while can help you identify if the gel polish was the cause of your irritation.
Gel Polish or Regular Polish?
Now, you might be wondering whether to stick with gel polish or go back to regular nail polish. Gel polish is known for its durability, lasting up to two weeks without chipping. It also has a glossy finish that many find appealing. However, the downside is the potential for allergic reactions due to the chemicals it contains, as discussed.
Regular nail polish, on the other hand, is easier to apply and remove at home, and generally does not involve the use of UV light, reducing the risk of skin irritation related to UV exposure.
It’s also less likely to cause allergic reactions since it typically doesn’t contain the same harsh chemicals found in gel polish. However, regular polish may not last as long and can chip more easily, meaning more frequent touch-ups or reapplications may be necessary.
Choosing between gel and regular nail polish boils down to weighing the pros and cons based on your preferences, lifestyle, and how your skin reacts to different products.
If you love the durability and shine of gel polish but are concerned about allergic reactions, it might be worth experimenting with different brands, as some may use formulations less likely to cause irritation.
Alternatively, opting for regular polish can be safe if you have sensitive skin or are looking to avoid potential allergens.
Conclusion
Experiencing itching or discomfort after getting gel nails should not be taken lightly, as it’s your body signaling a reaction to something it doesn’t agree with.
You need to pay attention to these signs and take preventative measures to reduce the risk of allergic reactions. Therefore you can enjoy your beautiful nails without discomfort next time.
