A chemist from the University of Lodz examined the effect of hybrid nail polishes on the nail plate.

Research by Dr. Kamila Borowczyk from the University of Lodz has shown that prolonged use of hybrid nail polishes has a negative impact on the nail plate. This phenomenon may be caused by a significant reduction in the number of amino acids that make up the nail plate.

The idea for research related to the assessment of the content of the most important compounds that constitute the nail plate arose from the personal observations of a researcher from the Department of Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Lodz.

As she explained in the material provided to PAP by the university, she initially appreciated the convenience of using popular "hybrids," but when, after two months of regular styling, she removed another layer of polish, she noticed that her nails were paper-thin and very dry. She decided to investigate the chemical effects of regularly applying UV-cured polish to nails.

Nails are made of keratin, which is responsible for, among other things, their hardness, and the two basic components necessary for the proper synthesis of this building material are cysteine and methionine - which is why Dr. Borowczyk based her research on determining these components in collected nail plate samples.

The scientist used high-performance liquid chromatography – an analytical technique that is one of the most commonly used in the analysis of plant, animal, and human samples; it is used, among other things, to test food, medicines, and even car paints.

The chemist conducted initial experiments on her own samples, then expanded her study to include 14 volunteers who had never used gel polish, tips, or gel extensions before. They were regularly treated with gel polish and samples were collected.

The study's author ensured that the steps of measuring nail thickness (using calipers), applying base coat, color coat, and top coat, and removing the old coat of polish were performed sterilely, in the same manner, and by the same person who had completed appropriate training. The procedure was repeated for each subject every two weeks for six months.

Observations and measurements conducted over a period of 6 months have proven that the use of hybrid varnishes has a negative impact on the nail plate, the symptoms of which include: increased brittleness, splitting and crumbling.

Analytical tests, in turn, revealed the possible cause of the weakening, which was visible to the naked eye: a significant reduction in the amount of building amino acids in the nail plate. After six months of using the "hybrids," cysteine levels decreased by 22 percent, and methionine by over 30 percent.

"Hybrid nail polishes are certainly a decoration for our nails, but it's worth remembering that chemical processes are taking place beneath this beautiful layer. Regular use is a good way to give your nails time to rest and regenerate," says Dr. Kamila Borowczyk. (PAP)

Science in Poland

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