Doctor explained why you shouldn't constantly wear gel polish on your nails

Dermatology specialists recommend taking periodic breaks from using gel nail polish. According to a statement by Russian dermatovenerologist Olesya Dubenko, such pauses are necessary for the restoration of the nail plate after prolonged wear of the coating and to assess the condition of the nails.

"If you have started to notice frequent chips and peeling during wear and after removing the coating, thinning of the nail plate, formation of thickening in the area of the nail bed, color changes or deformation of the nail surface - be sure to consult a dermatologist to assess the condition of your nails.

To maintain the health of nails and cuticles, it is necessary to regularly use moisturizers, specialized therapeutic polishes and cuticle oils. This will help maintain nail health," the doctor explained.

According to the specialist, gel polish components containing methyl methacrylate pose a particular danger.

"If the strength of the gel polish is stronger than the natural nail, then in case of impact, the force will go into the natural nail. The processing is also very important: for better adhesion of the nail plate to the coating, it is 'ruffled,' the scales are lifted. And during the removal of the coating, a thin surface layer of the natural nail is also removed, which weakens it. With prolonged use, methyl methacrylate can cause allergic contact dermatitis, as well as lead to chemical burns in combination with the use of UV lamps for drying the coating," the doctor explained.

Medical experts also warn that wearing the coating longer than the recommended period can form so-called "detachments" - voids between the natural nail and the coating. These voids create a favorable environment for the development of infections, including fungal diseases and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.