Would you use household paint for your nails? We’re going to guess the answer is no. We require a product designed specifically for nails, one made for people rather than wood or drywall. So, why are we still using a nail polish removal product that was designed to strip household paint?
Once in a while, you may need to use acetone to get rid of something designed to last for decades in your home. When doing so, you should wear gloves and have plenty of ventilation because it is a harsh chemical.
Knowing all of this, why is acetone still recommended for routine use in nail care?
If acetone can strip paint, what is it doing to your cuticles and nails?
Acetone Damages Your Nails and Skin
Acetone nail polish remover is very effective in removing polish — but it’s also effective in eliminating natural, healthy oils from your nails and skin.
Acetone nail polish remover dehydrates the skin around your nails, causing your cuticles to crack, bleed, and become susceptible to infection. It also dehydrates the nail itself, leading to brittle nails that break, crack, and peel easily.
Non-acetone Nail Polish Remover Is the Key to Clean, Safe Nail Care
As Our Everyday Life states in an article: “The best way to avoid acetone damage is simply not to use a product that contains it.”
If you’re still using traditional acetone nail polish remover, it’s time for a change.
Non-acetone nail polish remover feels better, smells better, and is better for you. Liberation Nails offers a nail polish remover option that contains Abyssinian oil to nourish and moisturize nails, as well as Frankincense oil, which promotes nail growth and antimicrobial protection. Our product (aptly named Time for a Change) is 21-free and vegan and comes in a reusable dispenser.
It is possible to care for your nails, overall health, and the environment by making one small change. Refills come carefully shipped in a recyclable glass bottle.
Does non-acetone nail polish remover work as well as acetone?
Our non-acetone nail polish remover may require a bit of extra soaking in a skin-friendly solution. Still, it is just as effective as acetone nail polish remover when removing regular nail polish. With traditional acetone nail polish, you can soak a cotton ball and immediately remove the old polish.
A gentler nail polish remover requires a gentler process.
We recommend dipping a cotton ball in our non-acetone nail polish remover and soaking each nail for approximately twenty seconds. Then, gently wipe the polish away.
What about gel, acrylic, and shellac manicures?
Non-acetone nail polish remover won’t work for these types of manicures, but if you’re looking to commit to non-toxic nail care, you may want to rethink those treatments.
Allure details the hour-long process of removing acrylic nails at home:
- Open a window and make sure there is adequate ventilation so you don’t breathe the harsh chemicals.
- File down gel polish and acrylic nails, leaving a thin layer to protect your natural nail.
- Using 70% acetone or higher, place the soaked cotton ball on your nail and wrap it, letting it soak for at least ten minutes. Alternatively, dip your fingertips in a bowl of acetone for 20-30 minutes.
- Wait until the nails look “gooey,” then gently use a cuticle pusher to remove the fake nail without damaging the natural nail.
- Finally, smooth the nails with a file and buffer, and wash your hands.
Multiple sources recommend taking breaks between these kinds of manicures and pedicures because the removal process is so harsh. One dermatologist recommends two-to-three weeks between treatments. Consequences of these treatments include fungal infection, keratin granulation, and nail discoloration.
You don’t have these risks when using non-toxic nail polish and non-acetone nail polish remover.
Choosing a Non-acetone Nail Polish Remover Can Help You Go Green and Go Clean
Like most people, you’re probably looking for ways to help the environment and live a healthier lifestyle. Commitment to clean nail care is an easy choice that enables you to achieve both goals.
Be sure to try our cuticle recovery oil to boost cuticle recovery and hydration. We call it In Good Hands because, with Liberation Nails, you are.
Liberation Nails is a woman-owned company dedicated to inclusive, non-toxic, sustainable, and cruelty-free nail care. Shop our products and polishes, including our new holiday line, and start your journey to healthy nail care.
