Sun's Rays Affecting Nail Polish? Experts Reveal Ways to Prevent Polished Fingertips from Turning Yellow During Vacations
In the sunny days of summer holidays, it's not just our skin that needs protection - our nail polish can also be susceptible to discolouration. Here's a guide on how to keep your manicure looking fresh and vibrant.
Lighter shades of nail polish, such as whites, pastels, and sheer tones, are particularly vulnerable to yellowing or fading when exposed to sunlight and chlorinated water. This is due to the breakdown of ingredients in traditional polish formulas caused by UV rays and the chemical oxidizing properties of chlorine.
The UV rays from sunlight can degrade the pigments in the nail polish, causing a chemical alteration that leads to fading or yellowing. This process, known as photodegradation or photobleaching, affects lighter colours more noticeably.
Chlorinated water, on the other hand, reacts with the polish, breaking down pigments and causing discolouration. Prolonged exposure deepens this chemical effect, resulting in yellowing or fading.
To combat this issue, experts recommend using a UV-protective top coat. Products like Nailberry's UV Gloss Top Coat use 3D reactive technology to cure themselves in natural sunlight, extending the wear time of nail polish. Other options include Mylee's MyGel Top Coat, which protects nail polish from chipping and peeling when used with an LED or UV curing lamp, and Mavala's Gel Finish Top Coat, which prioritizes the health of natural nails and has a thicker texture that mimics the appearance of gel nails without requiring a UV lamp.
In addition to using a protective top coat, it's also advisable to rinse off chlorinated water promptly, care for nails with cuticle oil, and avoid exposing nail polish to chlorinated water and sunscreen as much as possible. Reapplying the top coat every few days can help maintain the colour and shine of nail polish throughout the holiday.
It's also worth noting that sunscreen can contribute to discoloured manicures. Applying sunscreen with hands and allowing it to dry around the nails can lead to staining. To prevent this, it's best to apply sunscreen before painting your nails or to use gloves while applying sunscreen.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your summer holidays with a vibrant and long-lasting manicure. Happy holidays!
[1] UV rays and their impact on nail polish: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6066142/ [2] Chlorinated water and its effect on nail polish: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6066142/ [3] Expert advice on maintaining nail polish during holidays: https://www.mavala.com/en-gb/beauty-tips/how-to-protect-your-nails-from-the-sun-and-chlorine [4] Tinu Bello's insights on UV protection for nail polish: https://mylee.co.uk/blogs/news/mylee-senior-ambassador-tinu-bello-talks-about-the-importance-of-using-a-uv-protective-top-coat-for-your-nails
- To maintain a vibrant manicure during summer holidays, consider using a UV-protective top coat like Nailberry's UV Gloss Top Coat, which employs 3D reactive technology to improve wear time.
- Chlorinated water can react with nail polish, causing discolouration. Prompt rinsing, cuticle oil application, and minimizing exposure to chlorinated water and sunscreen can help preserve your manicure's colour and shine.
- Mylee's MyGel Top Coat protects nail polish from chipping and peeling, especially when used with an LED or UV curing lamp. Alternatively, Mavala's Gel Finish Top Coat prioritizes natural nail health and mimics the appearance of gel nails without requiring a UV lamp.
- Sunscreen application can lead to stained nails. To prevent this, either apply sunscreen before painting your nails or use gloves while applying sunscreen.
