Common Nail Care Myths Debunked!

The self-care market is a big one, and many people like to pamper themselves at home from time to time, and that includes nail care. While our fingernails and toenails can tell us a great deal about our health, not every white spot you see on your nails means that there is something wrong. To separate the truth from fiction, here are 11 nail care myths and facts that will help you sort things out and take better care of your nails.

Nail cosmetic products are bad for you

Using cosmetics, in moderation, is not harmful to your nails, so this one is a myth. Your nail can handle the odd nail polish and artificial nail adhesion, but again – in moderation. Certain nail care products contain chemicals that sip into your nails, which can weaken them and cause certain issues. So, if you like to treat your nails, have at it. Just make sure you do it in moderation, and with products that contain as few chemicals as possible.

Pushing back your cuticles encourages nail growth

Pushing back cuticles is a part of a manicure, but it has no effect on your nail growth. While many believe that pushing back cuticles stimulates nail growth, it is not true. In fact, doing so can actually harm your nails; when you push back your cuticles, you expose your nail beds to bacteria and fungus that may enter your bloodstream. So, if you want to stimulate nail growth, pushing back your cuticles is not the way. If you insist on doing it, push back your cuticles mildly, and not all the way back to keep your nails and skin healthy.

UV based gels are better than acrylics

Gels and acrylics make nails look great, and many people think that gels are better than acrylics. Well, this is unfortunately false; in both cases, chemicals are applied to the nails, and the nails absorb them. So, if you want great looking nails and can't decide between the two, know that gels and acrylics are the same when it comes to nail care.

White spots on nails indicate a vitamin deficiency

Yes, in some cases, white spots that appear on your nails may indicate vitamin and calcium deficiency. However, in other cases, it means that your nails have undergone trauma. Gels, acrylics, chemicals, and other processes that your nails go through cause white spots to appear, so you need to keep an eye on your fingertips and toenails.

Cold water/ice dries nail polish faster

To make your nail polish dry, the solvents in them need to evaporate – meaning your nails need air. So, submerging your nails in cold water or rubbing ice on them will not make your nail polish dry faster.

Adding acetone to nail polish will dissolve clumps

If you want to refresh your nail polish, adding acetone or nail polish remover to it will not do the trick. Doing so can actually ruin the formula of your nail polish, so avoid adding nail polish remover to old nail polish. If you want to refresh your nail polishes and dissolve clumps, nail polish thinner will do the trick.

Consuming gelatin makes for stronger nails

There is actually an explanation to why people think that gelatin can strengthen nails; nails are made up of protein, so people assume that gelatin will make nails stronger. However, the protein that makes up the nail is not gelatin but keratin, so consuming gelatin will not affect nail growth.

Storing nail polish in the fridge will make it last longer

Let's face it, as of today, there are no nail polishes that can last for very long periods of time, which is why some people put them in the refrigerator. While cooling down nail polishes can slow down their thickening, it cannot prevent clumping entirely. If you want to make your nail polish last longer, make sure to tightly seal the lead after each use to prevent air from entering the bottle.

Green spots on nails are mold/fungus

Yes, mold and fungus can form green spots on your nails, especially when your nails are damp. However, not every green spot on your nails in fungus; bacteria called "pseudomonas" can thrive under your nails and create green spots. In either case, you should go to a doctor to find out what caused the green spots to form and get the proper treatment to cure the problem.

There you have it: 9 common nail care myths debunked. If you want to take good care of your nails, separate myth from the facts, and make sure you use quality products with natural ingredients. If you notice abnormal nail growth, spots, and other irregularities on your nails – see a professional and your nails will thank you.