This is what happens to your body when you apply nail polish on your nails

Nail polish gives that touch of color and character to the nails on our hands and feet and the variety of colors and textures seems almost infinite.

Of course, those who use nail polish usually have a keen desire to try them all, so much so that they often take off one and then immediately apply another one. 

Yet, an abusive use of nail polish, in the long run, cannot only damage your nails, by yellowing and making them dry and brittle, but nail polish can also be harmful to our health. How does it happen and how to avoid it?

via USA Today

 Toxic components

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Nail polish is toxic due to some of its components, such as: 

1. Toluene. It is a solvent that gives nails a smooth finish while preserving the color. However, it can cause disturbances in the central nervous system and the reproductive system. When the nail polish is of poor quality, toluene can cause headaches, weakness, fainting, and nausea. 

2. Formaldehyde. It is a colorless gas that helps increase the duration of the nail polish. However, it is nevertheless, a toxic and carcinogenic substance, which in individuals that are allergic can lead to the onset of dermatitis and even chemical burns; in severe cases, it is responsible for heart problems and convulsions. 

3. Dibutyl Рhthalate (DBP). Used as a fragrance, this oily, clear and colorless product can cause endocrine disorders, gynecological inflammations, and respiratory tract. 

4. Camphor. In large quantities, camphor is poisonous if ingested and may cause seizures, confusion, irritability, neuromuscular hyperactivity, hallucinations, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.

 How to choose a nail polish

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Therefore, given the toxicity of these substances, today there are nail polish products on the market that are free of these harmful components and, therefore, do not present any risk. All you need to do is pay attention to the labels on the nail polish bottle; in particular: 

• "5-Free" means that the product does not contain formaldehyde, its derived resins, toluene, DBP or camphor. 
• "3-Free" means that the nail polish is free of the three following components, namely formaldehyde, DBP, and toluene. 

If you can choose products that are not toxic, why not do it?