Manicure and pedicure products can contain potentially harmful ingredients, but they are allowed on the market because they are safe when used as directed. Nail products for both home and salon use are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) . Cosmetics sold on a retail basis to consumers must bear a list of ingredients, with the names of the ingredients listed in descending order of predominance. Some common nail product ingredients include dibutyl phthalate (DBP), which has been used most commonly in nail polishes and some other products, such as nail hardeners, while dimethyl phthalate (DMP) and diethyl phthalate (DEP) are used occasionally.
Manicures and pedicures are important to maintain nail hygiene and prevent infection. They help keep nails clean and tidy, which prevents fungal infections, and grooming nails prevents them from breaking or painful chipping. It also prevents dry cuticles, hangnails, and broken skin. The massage done during manicures and pedicures helps boost blood circulation, which prevents the development of wrinkles on hands through the years besides eliminating any kind of swelling, numbness, or pain.
Nail polish can contain toxic ingredients, and manufacturers are not required to list their ingredients anywhere on their products or marketing materials. Some harmful ingredients include parabens, hydroquinone monomethyl ether (MEHQ/HQ), and methylisothiazolinone (MIT) / methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT) . Generally speaking, the best bet for a safe manicure will be a polish that lists its ingredients or that is described as “10-free+” .
Here are some common manicure and pedicure tools:
- Nail cutter
- Cuticle pusher
- Cuticle nipper
- Nail buffer
- Nail file
- Pumice stone/foot file
- Nail brush
- Toe separator
It is advisable to not share your tools with others, just like you wouldn’t share your personal hygiene items.
