Have you ever been in the beauty salon and thought to yourself: "What is that smell?" and "Are they making fun of me?"
While I'm sure that they are not making fun of the fact that its winter and your legs are hairier than a bear's, that chemical smell is a toxic blend of some pretty heinous chemicals that are really harmful.
Some salons go to great lengths to ensure that their employees enjoy fresh, healthy air. But if you can smell chemicals, then you are breathing in the kinds of noxious fumes that contribute to allergies, cancer and respiratory problems.
There has been some awareness over the last five years about the "toxic-trio" of chemicals contained in most nail polishes. These are Toluene, Dibutyl Phthalate, and Formaldehyde.
The Environmental Working Group has a Skin Deep Database which rates chemicals and this terrible trio all score a 10 Hazard rating (the highest and most toxic rating). From their database:
Toluene: A volatile petrochemical solvent and paint thinner which acts as a potent neurotoxicant. Mother's exposure to toluene vapors during pregnancy may experience developmental damage in the fetus. In human epidemiological studies and in animal studies toluene has been also associated with toxicity to the immune system and a possible link to blood cancer such as malignant lymphoma.
Dibutyl Phthalate (DPB): The State of California has classified dibutyl phthalate (DBP) as a reproductive and developmental toxicant and the European Union banned the use of this ingredient in cosmetics and personal care products.
Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is a carcinogenic impurity released by a number of cosmetic preservatives.
More disturbing is that many products which are labelled "three-free" have been found to still contain these chemicals. There are some brands that have taken the plunge and gone greener and have a Skin Deep rating of one or two and these can be found online or at your local pharmacy.
And it's not just the chemicals that are potentially harmful. Podiatrist and author of Death by Pedicure, Dr. Robert Spalding, states that "...annually, an estimated one million unsuspecting clients walk out of their chosen salon with infections -- bacterial, viral and fungal."
He claims that it doesn't really matter which salon you frequent as up to 75 per cent of U.S. stores aren't following their state's disinfection protocols and don't soak tools properly or use cheaper products which are ineffective to save money.
Sephora nail and gel expert Terri Silacci warns that severe trimming of the cuticles can actually lead to permanent damage and wavy nail beds: "Do not let the tech cut living tissue. An educated tech will gently push back the cuticle and then conservatively trim the dead tissue that is hanging. Everything else stays to protect the nail bed."
The best way to ensure your pedicure and manicure are safe is to check that all the tools are new or have been properly sterilized. These include the pumice, nail files and clippers and cuticle cutters.
Opt for salons that are well-ventilated and don't smell like chemicals and take your own nail polish, base and top coats so that you can be sure that all your little piggies are safe and sound.
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