Many times we have been asked by clients and even other nail professionals if switching from one product line or type to another will alleviate skin allergy symptoms for those who opted for artificial nail enhancements.  Since we’d been trained and taught at Nails and Beauty Schools that all artificial nail related products ’share’ many of the common chemicals, we always tell them ‘no‘.  Once an allergic, we are allergic for life, sobering but true, so the best way to alleviate the problem of allergic reaction, is to soak off the enhancements in an approved remover, perform a good natural nail manicure, and prescribe a Nail Toughener/Strengthener (such as Toughen Up by Creative Nail Design, Nail Strengthener by OPI or Revitalnails Strengthener) that will help to give the nail plate more strength by revitalising the nail plate until it grows out naturally.

We notice that this is not a very popular answer and not at all pleasing to hear for clients, who insist that they had always wear enhancements in the past without such allergy or symptom. But consider the following technical notes from Doug Schoon, M.S., Vice President of Science and Technology, Creative Nail Design. 

Allergic reactions to many types of cosmetics may occur when the skin is repeatedly exposed to small amounts of allergy causing ingredients.  Dermatologists have a special name for allergy causing substances; they are called allergens.  For example, pollen is a common allergen.  In fact, most allergens are natural substances, (i.e. poison ivy, ragweed).  Some ingredients used in cosmetics may also be allergens.  Usually these ingredients are beneficial for the vast majority of people.  However, just as there are people sensitive to pollens, some people are sensitive to cosmetic ingredients.  Of course, the great majority never experience any problems.  But, a smaller number of people may develop skin allergies when exposed over a period of time.  Allergic skin reactions usually occur after several months (or years) of exposure to the ingredient’s.  It is important to understand that cosmetic related skin allergies usually don’t happen right away.

Fragrance ingredients are the most common cosmetic allergens.  In fact, sensitivity to preservatives (necessary for proper shelf-life) and fragrances account for most cosmetic-related skin allergies.  Of course, other types of ingredients may also cause sensitive clients to develop symptoms such as redness, itching or other signs of irritation.  Simple irritations usually reverse themselves when exposure is discontinued.  However, symptoms may worsen with repeated exposure or could develop into skin allergies.  Once skin develops an allergic sensitivity to an ingredient, the allergy will be permanent! Continue reading →