by Dr. Elizabeth Rostan, M.D., Charlotte Skin & Laser
Nail polish was originally marketed by Charles Revson, the founder of Revlon, in 1932. Baked, shiny automobile paint finishes had just become popular, and the same technology was applied to nail polish – yes, nail polish is automobile paint. The main ingredient is nitrocellulose which is highly explosive and dangerous, and to this day there are just a few manufacturing plants due to safety concerns.
I love a pretty nail polish as much as any other woman, but I just cannot use nail polish with my job and lifestyle. I wash my hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer probably over 40 times a day – so nail polish does not last more than a day and a half. Now there are new nail shellacs that are very long lasting, and chip and peel resistant.
Nail shellacs are a recent development in nail cosmetics. Nail shellac is a polymer that is hardened on exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light (sunlight). These polymers are similar to those used in dental bonding. They create a very hard coat that is resistant to chipping, thus you have a very long lasting nail polish. As soon as the shellac is dried or cured, you have a hard nail coat that can withstand digging in your purse for money to pay the salon and for your car keys to leave – amazing! No more scratches from just simply unlocking the car. This coating is very long lasting and needs to be replaced usually only because of nail growth – not because of chipping or damage.
Shellacs require 3 coats with light curing after each coat. The original light used is UV light. There has been some concern about increasing the risk of skin cancer with exposure to this light but the reality is that the exposure is so minimal and infrequent, that the risk is close to zero. These are the rays however that causes macular degeneration of the eyes – a leading cause of vision loss with aging. This is a concern mainly for nail technicians that are exposed to this light very frequently. Newer shellacs use an LED light for curing are considered safer.
The main problem with these shellacs is that they require harsh chemicals for removal. The nails must be soaked in harsh acetone for removal and this damages and dries the nail plate which can lead to weak and brittle nails. Also because the shellac is such a tight barrier, no oxygen gets to the nail which is needed for healthy nails. A week or two break from shellac nails is recommended periodically – at least every other month.
A new technique that is not yet widely available is called “Vinylux” by the company who invented shellacs – CND. This is a shellac polish that requires only 2 coats and then it hardens with exposure to ambient light. Importantly for nail health, Vinylux is removed with regular nail polish remover so is less damaging to the nails.
Dr. Elizabeth Rostan is a cosmetic dermatologist trained in both laser and cosmetic surgery, and began her practice in Charlotte in 2001. She continues to stay current on the latest rejuvenation techniques and procedures in order to help women achieve their cosmetic goals comfortably and confidently. At Charlotte Skin & Laser, the experienced, caring staff focuses on a patient-centered approach to promote healthy skin and healthy lifestyles. Outside the office Dr. Rostan enjoys wine, shoes, golf, horse riding, exercise and relaxing with her husband and 2 dogs Scooter and Lucy (sign up for our newsletter to see their crazy pictures). Enjoy her skin tips at www.scoopcharlotte.com & www.charlotteskinandlaser.com.
