Nail cosmeticsLike hair, nails have become items of cosmetic and sexual significance. Nails must be long and strong to be attractive. To be fashionable, their colour must match that of the lipstick or of the clothes. It is also desirable for the lunula to be visible, and so the cuticle is pushed back. Consequently, there are a multitude of commercial preparations available to help achieve these artificial aims. Large amounts of gelatin and calcium are consumed throughout the world in the mistaken belief that the nails will become harder, longer and healthier. Unfortunately, as we have seen, calcium is present in only insignificant amounts in nails. Certainly bones and teeth may benefit from the calcium, but not the nails. Gelatin is certainly a protein but it is an extremely poor quality one which has no effect on keratin, a high-grade protein. Severe protein deficiencies may result in brittle nails, but as such cases are extremely rare in our society -individuals with this condition would also exhibit thin, brittle hair and body wasting—this deficiency may be virtually dismissed as a likely reason. Another popular misconception is that vitamin deficiencies may be a cause of brittle nails—this is not so. Nail hardeners, developed to prevent nails from chipping, breaking and peeling, are very popular products. They contain formaldehyde, or ingredients that gradually release formaldehyde. Reactions to formaldehyde are unfortunately quite common, and because more and more people are being exposed to this chemical in permanent press fabrics, allergies are becoming more frequent. With nails, these reactions may be manifested as discolouration or bleeding under the nail, pain, dryness and, most commonly, as lifting and loosening of the nail. Over-zealous manicuring, particularly pushing back the cuticle, may cause damage to the cuticle in the lunula area. This may result in ridges appearing along or across the nail, which will take months to grow out. Alternatively, infections of the nail surrounds—paronychia—may occur. The use of nail polishes and, in particular, of polish removers, are thought to contribute significantly to the frequency of nail disorders in women. Brittle and flaking nails especially appear to be at least aggravated by the frequent use of polish removers, which are strong solvents. It is better to patch up the chipped polish than to regularly remove and reapply it. Lifting of the nails has also occurred due to the use of nail polishes or base coats containing certain synthetic resins. There are two types of artificial nails currently in vogue. Either may cause significant problems. Pre-formed artificial nails are made from synthetic materials similar to those used in the manufacture of dentures. They are attached to the natural nails with an adhesive, or simply pressed on, and then filed to shape. The adhesive used to attach the nails may cause an allergic reaction to the skin surrounding the nail. The artificial nail itself may cause damage if left on for more than a few days: for instance the natural nail may soften and lift off because of moisture accumulating under the impermeable plastic Artificial nails may also be formed as extensions of the natural nails, using plastic acrylic material. Here a liquid acrylic is mixed with a powder, which thickens, and is then moulded around the natural nail. This hardens rapidly, to form an artificial nail which is firmly attached to the natural nail which ‘grows with it’, lasting for about a month. This product may cause severe - and painful - nail damage. If such damage occurs, the nails will not return to normal for many months, if at all. *19\44\4* «Online Pharmacy - Soma» |
|
Total 1153 articles Articles © www.ipeerx.com 2012 |