Our nails are living tissue that is constantly renewing. However, months and years under gel polish gradually thin the nail plate, making it weak and brittle. To restore the strength and well-groomed appearance of the nails, the body needs time and gentle care.
How Gel Polish Can Be Harmful
The chemical composition of gel polishes is far from harmless. Bases and topcoats often contain formaldehyde, toluene, and camphor. These substances ensure the durability of the coating, but with regular use, they worsen the condition of the nails: the plate loses elasticity, becomes brittle, and microcracks appear.
During the application and removal of the coating, vapors are easily inhaled, which can cause headaches and allergic reactions.
Special attention should be paid to the ultraviolet lamps used for curing gel polish. Regular exposure to UV radiation dries out the skin, accelerates aging, and contributes to the appearance of age spots. The skin around the nails thins over time and retains moisture poorly, causing the hands to look older.
Before applying the coating, the nails are necessarily filed. With frequent repetition of this procedure, the plate noticeably thins. Removing gel polish is also traumatic — it is either filed off or softened with special liquids that dry out the nails. As a result, they lose their shine, become thin, and break easily.
Some women develop longitudinal cracks with prolonged use of gel polish, which take a long time to heal. Moreover, gel polishes are not hypoallergenic and can cause itching, redness, and rashes. Weakened nails also become vulnerable to fungal and bacterial infections that can develop under the dense layer of coating.
Why Restore Nails
Many believe that without gel polish, nails look unkempt, but a neat shape, healthy color of the plate, and well-groomed cuticle look much more attractive than grown-out or damaged coating.
Restoring nails is not only about caring for the appearance of hands but also part of overall self-care. Oils, creams, and baths turn care into a pleasant ritual that helps relax and feel confident.
How to Restore Nails After Gel Polish
Sometimes the best solution is to give your nails a complete rest. Even strengthening polishes create a film that hinders recovery. Try to go at least a month with completely "naked" nails — over time, the plate will become denser and the color healthier.
Avoid harsh filing and extensions. Use soft files with fine grit, do not cut the cuticle, but gently push it back. It is also important to give up the habit of using nails as tools, for example, when opening packages.
Daily moisturizing is a mandatory step in care. Jojoba, almond, or coconut oils nourish the nail plate and prevent brittleness. Apply oil before bed and give a light massage — this improves blood circulation and stimulates the growth of healthy nails.
The condition of the nails is directly related to nutrition. Include foods rich in magnesium, calcium, zinc, and biotin in your diet: nuts, fish, eggs, green vegetables. As an additional care, you can do baths with sea salt and essential oils every couple of weeks.
If it is difficult to completely give up shine, use therapeutic polishes and strengthening agents. They create a light protection, nourish the nails, and can serve as a transitional stage instead of gel polish, without damaging the plate.
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