Sofia Esperanza is an influencer who has gained a lot of attention in a very short time. Today, she has over 2.9 million followers on Instagram, and she has only made 228 posts. One of her main reasons for fame is her focus on “mindful living,” where she discusses the lifestyle changes she has made to live a more mindful life.

In one of her videos, which has over 3.4 million views, she revealed that it has been “years since she wore nail polish.” The Reason? According to Sofia, she stopped using nail polish a few years ago after learning about its ingredients.

“I’ve spent years researching nail polish, gel polish, fake nails, nail products — the realities of the ingredients. And I have to say, I’m not too excited about it. Cosmetics in general, as we know, is a ridiculously under-regulated sector. To be aware, to really know what’s going on in this field — we have to do some digging on our own,” she says in the video’s caption.

“With all the extras that come with nail products, I wonder if it’s really worth it,” she adds.

Watch the video here:

Sofia’s video created quite a buzz with some people agreeing that this is the reason they too avoid wearing nail paint, while others pointed out the irony that Sofia has ‘tattoos’.

See some comments:

Do experts agree?

There is no doubt that the beauty industry, even in India, needs strict regulations for cosmetic products. india today I spoke to various experts, all of whom agreed that toxins can be found in nail polish.

Dr Nishtha Patel, a dermatologist at Cosmoderma in Surat, Gujarat, explains that nail polish contains several toxic chemicals. For her, ‘toluene’ is a big threat, as it can cause headaches and dizziness. Another concern is formaldehyde, which is ‘a powerful carcinogen’, and dibutyl phthalate, which is linked to reproductive problems.

New Delhi-based dermatologist Dr Deepali Bhardwaj agrees and says that the more ‘shiny or metallic’ the polish is, the more likely it is to contain harmful chemicals. Dr Bhardwaj advises that people who do not care about hygiene should not apply nail polish at all.

“If you eat with your hands or don’t wash them regularly, you should avoid wearing nail polish altogether,” she adds.

Red flags to look out for

Now, this doesn’t mean that you should stop using nail polish altogether. Dr. Patel advises that no one can stop you from using nail polish; rather, you should be careful while choosing nail polish.

Dr Gunjan Verma, dermatologist at Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, New Delhi, says, “One should read the product description before buying something that is vegan and cruelty-free, and also has some kind of certificate on their carton. Read the ingredients as well, and then according to your skin needs, you can choose your nail polish.”

So, the next time you buy nail polish, make sure it is free from harsh chemicals, such as:

• Toluene: Toluene, commonly added to nail polish to make it smooth, can cause headaches, fainting and even nerve damage.
• Formaldehyde: This substance, added as a hardening agent in nail polish, has carcinogenic properties and can lead to severe allergic reactions.
• dibutyl phthalate“It is a potent agent that damages the reproductive system and causes hormonal disruption,” says Dr. Patel.
• Camphor: Smelling camphor for a long time can cause problems like nausea and fainting
• Xylene: This solvent is responsible for frequent dizziness, fainting as well as irritation to the eyes and skin.

Tips:

• Always read the nail polish label to detect the presence of harsh chemicals.
• Look for nail polish that claims to be ‘free from’.
• Don’t use nail polish with a strong smell as it is more likely to contain formaldehyde or toluene.
• Use nail polish that contains safe and environmentally friendly ingredients.

How to protect your nails?

We asked the experts how to care for your nails, and here are some tips.

Moisturize regularly

Your nails need moisture just like your skin. Use hand cream or cuticle oil to keep your nails and cuticles hydrated.

Trim and File

Keep your nails neat and filed to prevent them from breaking or cracking. Cut them straight across and slightly round the ends for strength.

Don’t bite your nails

Biting your nails can weaken and damage them. To break this habit, try keeping your hands busy or use bitter-tasting nail polish.

Wear gloves while working

Exposure to water, cleaning products, and detergents can weaken nails. Wear gloves when doing household chores to protect them.

Use a base coat

Use a base coat before applying nail polish to protect your nails from discoloration and to strengthen them.

Eat a balanced diet

Experts say that we should consume nutrients like biotin, vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for strong and healthy nails.

“Continuous use of nail paint without any breaks can damage nails in the long run. Give your nails a break from polish occasionally, so they can breathe and avoid stains or damage,” says Dr Patel.