Skin care
Funky Nail Problems SolvedYou can beat out ridges, fungus, white spots and other skin problems with these tools |
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Cause: Dark or intense colors are more to blame here, Schoon says, so be aware of which polish you choose. Also, the nicotine in cigarettes can leave a yellow tinge.
Fix: "Some less expensive brands use dyes instead of pricier pigments in their polishes, which can seep into nails and stain them just like an Easter egg," Schoon says. So when it comes to deep tones like black, blue or plum, it's worth it to splurge. To attack the discoloration, Schoon suggests using a whitening product that's formulated especially for nails, like Orly Nail Whitener, $7.50, and most importantly, applying a protective layer of thick base coat, like Essie Protein Base Coat, $8, to help ward off future yellowing. And of course, quit smoking (but you already knew that).
Photo: "Nail Structure & Product Chemistry", Second Edition Doug Schoon M.S., Thomson/Delmar Learning
SEE NEXT PAGE: Symptom: Fungal/bacterial infection
Older comments
Wow those photos of nail problems are quite disgusting. Ugh. But it's good to know what exactly it is the article is describing. Good tips too. Thanks!
by venenumletalis Sunday, January 20, 2013 at 03:37PM Report as inappropriate
I am hugely appreciative of not only this story but all the info here on the Total Beauty website. Thanks so much for taking the time to keep us up to speed.
by bksc Monday, January 14, 2013 at 11:32PM Report as inappropriate
I have peeling nails at the very ends but I already know it's comes from having my hands in cleaning products everyday. I need to wear cleaning gloves more often.
by EricaC123 Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 12:10PM Report as inappropriate
yuck thanks for the info!
by LittleBunny Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 09:48PM Report as inappropriate
I didn't know nails could get so bad...Thanks for scaring me to keep up on my nails! ;-)
by raquel_raygoza Wednesday, August 22, 2012 at 02:16PM Report as inappropriate
Thanks. I've gotta work on keeping my nail moisturized.
by asiagirl4ever Thursday, July 19, 2012 at 08:16AM Report as inappropriate
Totally great tips, I want to do my nails again!
by MissXu Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at 09:02PM Report as inappropriate
I thought my nails were bad until I saw some of these pictures. I'm so glad I've never gotten a nail infection.
by VV001 Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at 08:07PM Report as inappropriate
Sally Hansen has a cuticle pen? Such a great idea!
by VV001 Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at 08:03PM Report as inappropriate
I have really cuticles and just started using an oil on them.
by beautybody Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 11:45AM Report as inappropriate