Nail polish can, in certain cases, have an impact on your nails, but it depends on several factors, including the quality of the nail polish used, the application technique, and the overall health of your nails. So, the short answer is yes, your nails can be damaged by using nail polish. However, if you take precautions and follow the points described in this article, you can greatly minimize your risk of nail damage as a result of nail polish.

Here are some things to keep in mind if you want to minimize your risk of nail damage from nail polish:

Use nail polish without acetone or ethyl acetate

Even though nail polish can provide beautiful colors and a stylish appearance to your nails, some nail polishes can, in certain cases, dry out the nails. This is mainly due to the fact that some nail polishes contain solvents like acetone or ethyl acetate, which can dry out the nails and make them brittle or fragile. These solvents help dissolve and evenly spread pigments on the nail during application, but unfortunately, they can also remove natural oils and moisture from the nail plate, resulting in drying. To avoid or minimize nail drying, choose a nail polish without acetone or use a base coat under the nail polish to protect the nails from direct contact with the solvents.

Nail dryness can lead to the following issues:

1. Brittleness
   Dry nails can become brittle and more prone to breaking or splitting. They can lose their natural flexibility and become more susceptible to damage.
2. Dry cuticles
   Nail polish can also affect the cuticles, the area of skin surrounding the nails. Drying of the cuticles can result in dryness, cracks, or hard skin around the nails.

To reduce nail dryness, you can take the following precautions:

1. Use nail polish without acetone
   Always choose nail polishes that are formulated without acetone or contain a low amount of acetone. This can help reduce nail drying.
2. Apply a base coat
   Apply a base coat before applying nail polish. A base coat acts as a protective barrier between the nail and the nail polish, helping to prevent the solvents in the nail polish from coming into direct contact with the nails.
3. Use moisturizing nail care products
   Regularly apply moisturizing nail oils or nail creams to provide moisture to the nails and cuticles. This can help counteract drying and keep the nails healthier and more flexible.
   Remember that nail drying is not always a problem for everyone. It depends on the individual's nail type, the natural condition of the nails, and the amount and frequency of nail polish application. If you notice that your nails become particularly dry or brittle after using nail polish, it may be a good idea to experiment with different products or consult a nail expert for advice.

Why nails turn yellow from nail polish

When using darker or pigmented nail polish colors, it can, in some cases, cause the nails to yellow over time. Yellowing of the nails is not dangerous. It occurs because the pigments in the nail polish can discolor the nail plate. To prevent this, you can use a base coat under the nail polish, which acts as a barrier between the nail and the pigments in the nail polish.

Causes of yellow nails due to nail polish:

1. Pigment transfer
   The pigments in nail polish can penetrate the nail plate and discolor it. This happens especially with darker colors containing highly pigmented substances.
2. Lack of using a base coat
   Not using a base coat before applying colored nail polish can result in direct contact between the nail and the pigments in the nail polish. This increases the risk of pigment transfer and yellowing of the nails.
3. Build-up of color layers
   If multiple layers of nail polish are applied repeatedly without proper removal and breaks between applications, the pigments in the nail polish can gradually accumulate and result in yellow nails over time.

How to avoid yellow nails from nail polish:

• Use a base coat
  Always apply a base coat before applying colored nail polish. A base coat acts as a barrier between the nail and the nail polish pigments, reducing the risk of yellow nails due to nail polish.
• Choose high-quality nail polish
  The quality of the nail polish can also affect how much color transfers to the nails. Choose high-quality nail polishes from reputable brands, as they are less likely to cause yellowing of the nails.
• Change colors regularly
  Avoid wearing the same colored nail polish for extended periods. Remove the nail polish after a few weeks and let the nails rest for a few days or more before applying a new color. This gives the nails a chance to recover and reduces the risk of yellow nails.
  If your nails have already yellowed from nail polish, you can try to remove the discoloration by gently filing the surface of the nails with a nail file and using a mild nail polish remover to clean the nails. If the yellow nails persist or worsen, consult a nail technician for further advice and treatment.

Avoid damage when removing nail polish

If nail polish is removed by scraping or scrubbing the nails vigorously, it can weaken and peel off the top layers of the nail plate. It's essential to use a mild nail polish remover and avoid being too aggressive when removing nail polish. It's crucial to prevent nail damage by being patient and gentle during the removal process.

Be careful when removing nail polish

Here are some basic tips on how to be careful and avoid damage when removing nail polish:

1. Choose a mild nail polish remover
   Use a nail polish remover that is gentle and mild on the nails. Avoid products that contain high concentrations of acetone, as it can be drying to the nails. There are also alternative nail polish removers on the market that are acetone-free and gentler on the nails.
2. Use nail wipes or a cotton pad
   Make sure to thoroughly moisten a cotton pad or nail polish remover pad with the nail polish remover before applying it to the nails. This helps make the nail polish more soluble and easier to remove.
3. Allow the nail wipe or cotton pad to sit on the nail for a while
   Wet a cotton pad or nail polish remover pad with nail polish remover. Then gently place it on the nail and let it sit there for a few seconds, 30-60 seconds, depending on the type of nail polish. Do not leave it on for too long, as the nail polish remover may dry and, in turn, the underlying nail polish. We recommend using removal clips, which make it easier to keep the nail polish remover pad or cotton pad in place. By following the instructions in this step, you give the nail polish remover time to work and dissolve the nail polish, making it much easier to remove.
4. Avoid scrubbing or scraping the nails
   Avoid scrubbing or scraping the nails harshly to remove nail polish. This can result in damage to the nail plate and cuticles. Instead, use a gentle motion and softly wipe or rub off the nail polish.
5. Avoid using nails or sharp objects
   Do not use your nails or sharp objects as tools to scrape or remove nail polish. This can cause damage to the nails and cuticles. Instead, use a soft cotton pad or a special nail polish remover pad to remove the nail polish.
6. Take care of the nails after removal
   After removing the nail polish, it's a good idea to care for the nails and cuticles with a moisturizing nail oil or moisturizer. This helps to restore the moisture balance and maintain the health of the nails.

By being careful and following these tips, you can minimize the risk of damage when removing nail polish. Also, remember to give your nails a break between nail polish applications so they can recover and regain their natural strength.

Avoid infections under nail polish

If the nails are not properly cleaned and prepared before applying nail polish, bacteria or fungi can enter under the nail and cause infections that harm the nails. It is essential to maintain good nail hygiene and use clean tools and products to avoid nail damage due to infections