Introduction
Pregnancy can bring about a number of changes in your body and for many women this includes changes to their nails. Common concerns include whether certain nail polishes, such as shellac nail polish, are safe to use during pregnancy. Understanding the ingredients used in shellac polish and if any of them are known endocrine disruptors can help you decide if it is a suitable choice during pregnancy. Additionally, alternative options to consider while pregnant will be discussed.
What is Shellac Nail Polish?
Shellac nail polish is a type of gel-based nail polish that is applied to nails like traditional polish. Unlike traditional lacquers, shellac requires curing under a UV or LED light. This helps it adhere to the surface of your nails and last significantly longer than typical polishes (usually up to 4 weeks!). Shellac is often referred to as a “hybrid” since it provides the longevity of a gel but can be readily removed with traditional acetone-based products.
When it comes to pregnancy, shellac may be safer than some other types of polishes as no fumes are generated when applying with minimal contact between the skin and the product itself during application. However, there is still debate about whether shellac nail products are safe for pregnant women due to possible exposure during removal and due to trace amounts of chemicals like formaldehyde present in some formulas that could potentially be harmful.
Therefore, if you’re pregnant and considering getting your nails done with shellac, it’s best to consult your doctor first as they can provide more personalized advice on your individual circumstances.
Safety Concerns
Shellac nail polish is a popular choice for a chip-free manicure. It is a hybrid of nail polish and gel polish, which can last up to several weeks. While this might sound great, many people wonder if it is safe to use shellac nail polish during pregnancy. In this article, we will look at the safety concerns around shellac nail polish for pregnant women.
Chemical Ingredients
When evaluating the safety of shellac nail polish, it’s important to understand the ingredients and what effects they may have on pregnant women. Shellac is a type of professional-grade nail polish developed by Creative Nail Design (CND) that consists of a hybrid formula composed of nail lacquer and urethane resins. This formula gives the polish its high durability and mirror-like shine. It is free from toxic chemical compounds like formaldehyde, toluene, camphor, and other compounds usually found in conventional nail polishes that are deemed potentially hazardous during pregnancy.
Despite this, all types of shellac contain one or more chemicals which could affect pregnant women. These include:
- Ethyl Acetate
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Triphenyl Phosphate (TPHP)
- Tert –Butyl Hydroperoxide (TBHP)
- Ethyl Toluene Sulfonamide Formaldehyde Resin (ETSFR)
- Collodial Imidazolidinyl Urea Dibutyl Phthalate (DIBP)
- Stearalkonium Bentonite
While none of these compounds are considered a health hazard at low levels when used as an ingredient in cosmetic products it’s best to use caution if you’re pregnant or trying to conceive.
A number of studies suggest that exposure to certain chemical ingredients found in cosmetic products may be linked with an increased risk for birth defects as well as long-term health risks for both mother and child. Therefore many medical professionals recommend limiting your exposure where possible and if you choose to use shellac nail products during pregnancy only do so sparingly after discussing it with your physician or midwife first.
UV Light Exposure
Shellac nail polish has become a popular choice for adding a glossy finish to manicures, particularly among pregnant women. Shellac nail polish is advertised as being long-lasting and resistant to chipping or smudging, and can be much easier to remove than other traditional polishes. It also has less odor than regular lacquers that use harsh chemical ingredients such as formaldehyde and others that are toxic or potentially hazardous during pregnancy.
One of the concerns about using shellac nail polish during pregnancy is UV light exposure. To set the Shellac nail polish, your nails need to be placed under a UV lamp for several minutes before applying a top coat of gel-like resin finish which gives mani/pedis their glossy look. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can cause skin aging, skin burns, and in some cases skin cancer.
If you decide to use Shellac during your pregnancy, it’s advisable to limit Shellaing by:
- Minimizing exposure time to the UV lamps
- Wearing SPF 30+ sunscreen on your hands after the manicure session is complete.
Alternatives to Shellac Nail Polish
Shellac nail polish is not recommended during pregnancy due to the amount of chemicals it contains. In order to stay away from any potential risks, it is important to choose safer alternatives. There are a lot of options available for pregnant women who still want to keep their nails looking good, from natural nail polish to breathable manicures.
This article will discuss the best alternatives to shellac nail polish for pregnant women:
Regular Nail Polish
Regular nail polish is any lacquer-based formula that does not contain shellac. It is commonly found in a wide range of colors, finishes, and brands at any local drug store or beauty supply store. Common types of regular nail polish include:
- Creams: opaque colors with subtle shimmer finishes.
- Glitters: sheer to opaque colors with lots of glitter particles for powerful impact.
- Metallics: metallic shades with a shiny effect.
- Satin Sheers: sheer colors with a subtle shimmer finish.
- Matte Shades: special matte top coats designed to transform any color into a flat, non-shiny finish.
Each type of regular nail polish comes in shades varying from light nudes to bright blues, or deep neutrals to hot pinks—whatever your aesthetic may be! Regular nail polishes are also usually easier to apply and remove compared to shellac options and require less time on maintenance due to their shorter wear time and tendency towards chipping or smudging.
Gel Nail Polish
Gel nail polish is a great alternative to traditional shellac nail polishes. Gel polishes are long-lasting, require very little drying time, and are available in many colors and shades. They also require the use of a UV or LED light for curing the polish on the nails, so no application should be done without this equipment.
The application process is similar to a regular nail polish – base coat, color coat and top coat but with gel nail polish you must cure each layer using a UV or LED light before applying the next one; otherwise you will smudge the wet layer of polish. Also an important factor is that even after curing each layer with a UV or LED light your nails should still not be exposed directly to water for at least 24 hours if you want them to last longer. After this time passes, the nail can get wet but avoid prolonged contact with water as this can cause air bubbles on top of your glossy nails.
One benefit of gel nail polishes over shellac is that they are highly durable and can last up to two weeks without any damaged layers or chips appearing in the color – an excellent choice for busy women who don’t have enough time to visit salons as often as they would like.
Conclusion
Overall, it is best to be as cautious as possible when it comes to nail treatments when pregnant. Shellac manicures have become a popular choice for many looking to enhance their nails with a glossy, durable finish. Research into the safety of using shellac nail polish during pregnancy is limited and the potential risks unclear; therefore, it is recommended that pregnant women avoid using this product and seek alternative options when styling their nails.
It may also be beneficial for pregnant women to discuss any concerns about manicures and/or pedicures with their doctor or midwife before undergoing treatment. Additionally, care should be taken by those carrying out manicure/pedicure treatments on pregnant women who choose to go ahead with the procedure to minimise any potential risks by only using certified nail products and hygienic tools that have been properly sterilised.