How do allergies to nail products occur?

How do allergies to nail products actually occur and how can you reduce the risk of it? Below we explain the most common reasons why allergies occur when handling nail products:

1. Choose the right products:

Choosing the right nail products is crucial to minimizing the risk of allergic reactions.

• Read the ingredient list : Avoid products that contain known allergens, carcinogens or endocrine disruptors such as HEMA, Di-HEMA, Diphenyl (2,4,6-trimethylbenxoyl)phosphine oxide (TPO), Trimethylpropane Triacrylate (TMPTA), Benzophenone, Formaldehyde, Toluene, Dibutyl Phthalate (DBT), Camphor, Formaldehyde Resin, Xylene, Parabens, Phthalates, Ethyl Tosylamide, Triphenyl Phosphate (TPHP), etc.

• Choose hypoallergenic options : Choose nail products that are labeled as hypoallergenic or "3-free", "5-free", "7-free", or "12-free", which means they are free of the most allergenic substances commonly found in nail products. Nagelexpert's gels are 12-free for exactly that reason.

Please note that even if the product is free of the most allergenic substances, there may still be other substances that you may be allergic to. You should always handle thermosetting plastics with caution.

• Don't buy cheap products: Buying cheap products can of course be tempting and kind to your wallet. But buying thermosets and similar products from non-European sites is very risky. In Europe we have an incredible amount of laws and regulations that apply to cosmetic products that all companies must follow, however, these regulations do not apply outside Europe and therefore there are often substances in these products that are not approved here.

2. Prepare your nails properly

Preparing your nails properly can also reduce the risk of allergic reactions:

• Use a base coat : Applying a base coat to create a barrier between the nail and the gel/poly gel/gel polish can help reduce contact with potential allergens.
• Avoid damage to the cuticles : Be careful when removing cuticles, as damaged skin can make it easier for dirt and chemicals to penetrate.
• Use products from the same brand: Mixing products from different brands is not always a good idea because you never know if they are compatible with each other. Mixing different chemicals that are not designed to work together can cause chemical reactions and cause your nails to not fit properly, and in the worst case, it can also lead to allergies and nail loss. Using products from the same brand is always the safest option because they are designed to work optimally with each other.
• Uncured product: Incompletely cured product can lead to allergies. Make sure you follow the recommended curing time, use a sufficiently strong lamp that is not older than 1-1.5 years to ensure that the products cure properly. Products with higher viscosity and more pigment often need longer to cure properly. Wipe off immediately if product accidentally gets on your skin.

3. Apply the products carefully

How you apply nail products plays a big role in avoiding allergies:

• Avoid contact with skin : Nail products should never come into contact with the skin around the nails. If you are a beginner, you should never practice on anything other than a mannequin until you master this. Use a precision brush and take your time when applying.
• Ventilation : Use nail products in a well-ventilated room to avoid inhaling sanding dust and chemicals that can cause irritation to your respiratory tract.
• Wear gloves : Always wear plastic gloves when working with nail products. If you are doing your own nails, cut off the tips of the plastic glove on the hand you are working on to avoid getting nail dust on your skin.
• Wear a face mask: Always wear a face mask when using nail products to avoid getting nail dust and fumes into your respiratory tract.
• Take a solid training course: Make sure to take a good course where you learn how to handle the products safely to avoid exposing yourself or someone else to incorrect handling.

4. Dispose of products correctly

Removing nail products safely is just as important as applying them:

• Don't dip your fingers in the remover: When doing a soak off, don't dip your hands in a bowl of remover. Instead, use foil with a built-in pad to avoid getting product on your skin as much as possible.

• Avoid excessive filing : When removing gel or acrylic nails, avoid excessive filing which can damage the nail plate and surrounding skin. Never tear off nails that are in the process of coming off.

5. Know the symptoms of allergies

It is important to recognize the symptoms of allergic reactions so that you can act quickly if they occur:

• Redness and swelling : The skin around the nails may become red and swollen.
• Itching and burning : An intense itching or burning sensation may occur.
• Blisters and rashes : Small blisters or rashes may form on the skin.
• Nail changes : Nails may become discolored, brittle, or begin to loosen.

If you notice any of these symptoms, remove the nail products immediately and consult a doctor if symptoms persist.

Other important things to know:

When handling and using products with harmful substances incorrectly, it is important to keep the following in mind: It may sound harsh, but once you have a contact allergy, there is no going back, you will unfortunately have to live with an allergy. There is a high risk that you will not be able to come into contact with nail products again and another thing that is good to know is that some of these substances are also used in products at the dentist and, for example, hip prostheses, etc., which means that in the worst case scenario you will also be allergic to them. Therefore, it is super important to use the right products from the start, learn all the basic knowledge and work on a mannequin until you master this.