If your self-care ritual has been spoiled by battling sore, irritated skin around your fingernails after applying your favourite gel polishes then now’s the time to listen up.
We get it. Sometimes money is tighter than we’d like and sometimes those super cheap gel polishes from the dark corners of the interest look REALLY appealing. Less than $1 for a long lasting gel polish sounds a bit too good to be true, right?! Correct. Did you know that some nail products (particularly those cheaper ones) contain high levels of irritation inducing HEMA?
We know what you’re thinking: “Surely there can’t be harmful substances deliberately included in gel polish formulations, right?! It’s 2022!”
Well sadly, it’s true.
In fact, HEMA has been prohibited from sale to the general public since September 2021 after a new European regulation was passed (more on that later). The problem is that these products continue to circulate and jeopardise the health of at-home mani-enthusiasts!
So, what is it?!
Back in 2018, the British Association of Dermatologists published research naming HEMA as a major allergen within nail products. Why are they there in the first place? Sadly these substances are used as an adhesive in some nail products, responsible for giving your favourite mani that hard, shiny finish under UV or LED light. Unfortunately, these molecules can be easily absorbed into the skin and can cause problems…
What are the risks?
These molecules are extremely small, reactive, and volatile - a combination known as ‘sensitising’. Upon penetrating the skin through the epidermis they have the potential to cause severe allergic and inflammatory skin reactions. It sadly doesn't stop there, because they’re a volatile substance there is also a risk of inhaling them which could cause respiratory issues too. Far from ideal.
What’s the solution?
The answer, reassuringly, is pretty simple - be careful about which products you use on your nails! Here at Candy Coat we are proud to say our innovative formula is 100% HEMA free without compromising on performance.
We pride ourselves on being fully ahead of the curve and leading the way with a new generation of non-sensitising gel polish. Our formula delivers a durable, long-lasting 3 weeks (and longer!) of wear with colours that never fade or distort. If you think you have to compromise on that amplified gloss effect to be safe you’re wrong! We’ve done the work so you don’t have to! Think: a smooth flawless finish from nail bed to tip each and every time.
Removing this epic formulation couldn't be easier. Simply lightly puff the top coat and give your nail a good soak using one of our gel removers in cotton candy wool. Wrap the ends of your fingers (or use clips if you have them) to secure the acetone soaked cotton candy wool in place and chill for up to 10 minutes. If you’re pushed for time then reach for Popping Candy to remove in 1-3 minutes. Whichever you choose, when time’s up the Candy Coat gel polish will simply flake off! You can always use the pink gel polish scraper to give it a helping hand, then wipe clean.
Don’t say we never give you anything ;).
Until next time, stay sweet!
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