Why did I stop using nail polish?

My nails have always been really sensitive to nail polish. They would peel, break, and even fall off if I used nail polish too much, so I decided to do a little research about why this could be happening. Thinking it was going to be an easy fix or a product I could get, but the more I researched about nail polish, the less I wanted to use it.

 

 

 

 

Nail Polish and Health

Yes, having the perfect manicure makes us feel more confident for a weird reason, but have you ever wonder what chemicals your nail polish has and what do they do to your body?

Most nail polish contain what is known now as the “toxic trio”.

• Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), known to cause reproductive problems, organ problems and endocrine disruption.
• Formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen.
• Toulene, known to cause reproductive harm and dizziness.

Another chemical dangerous found in many nail polish is trisphenyl phosphate (TPHP) a potential endocrine disruptor.  A study led by Duke University and the Environmental Working Group reveals that all of the women involved in the study had this chemical in their blood 10-14 hours after applying nail polish.
These are only four examples of all the toxic chemicals found in your nail polish.

 

Nail Polish and the Environment

 

Have you ever wondered where all the shine from your nail polish comes from? Well.. It comes from “Mica”, and it is a natural mineral used to brighten the tone of colored pigments. However, just because it is natural doesn’t mean it is good for the environment.
Its production relies heavily on the dangerous labor of the women and children who mine it, causing them asthma and bronchitis. Also, as we all know, mining contaminates water reserves and it releases toxic compounds into the air.

 

 

 

 

 

Better Options

Personally, I picked not to use nail polish anymore about a year ago. I would use it just for special occasions like weddings, but now I decided I really should not put chemicals in my body when not using nail polish is completely NATURAL.
However, if you would like to look for some better options, a good resource to use can be the Environmental Working Group‘s database. Which is a nonprofit corporation that specializes in research and advocacy in the areas of agricultural subsidies, toxic chemicals, drinking water pollutants and corporate accountability.

 

Sources: The Environmental Working Group | Huffpost | WellnessMama | OneGreenPlanet.Org | Wikipedia | Pinterest