The summer heat has become challenging to bear, especially the sun beating down with force right over our heads. Here, I am stuck with a dark color nail polish that is crying to be replaced with a light-colored gel polish to suit the season. So, removing the existing polish is foremost on my mind. Should I use the acetone nail polish remover supplied with the gel nail polish kits, or should I try an alternative method without using acetone?
But first, let us understand how gel polishes removers work.
Different Types of Nail Polish Removers
Nail polish removers work by dissolving the gel polish layer left on the nail. Gel polishes contain various ingredients like film formers, color pigments, plasticizers, resins, etc., that work together to give your nails the sheen they need. While these ingredients add to the glamor quotient, they are challenging to remove. However, the natural nail growth keeps pushing these layers towards the edges. So, a time arrives when removing the gel polish layer becomes essential.
Usually, two types of gel polish are available, acetone-based and non-acetone-based. Generally, all gel nail polish kits include both types.
Acetone-based gel polish remover
Acetone is a powerful nail polish removing solvent. Its chemical combination is such that it dissolves all the resins and gel applied to your nails. However, acetone is a harsh chemical because it dries out the nails and skin. Acetone removes water and natural oils from your skin and makes it look pale.
As the nail dries out, it becomes brittle and prone to breaking. The nail polish removal procedure involves soaking your nails in acetone solution for more than 20 minutes. Dipping your fingers into acetone exposes your skin to acetone. Thus, it harms your skin.
Here is a tip that can help you expose your skin to minimum acetone. You can use cotton swabs dipped in acetone and place them on your nails. Cover the swabs with aluminum foils to hold them in place. Thus, your entire fingertip does not come in contact with acetone. Though this method is effective, it still exposes your nails to acetone.
Pros of using acetone
Acetone-based nail polish remover is the most effective way to remove nail polish. It is ideal for eliminating dark-colored gel polishes, including shellac manicures.
Cons of using acetone
Though acetone is renowned for its nail polish removal qualities, it has disadvantages. Acetone dehydrates the nails and skin. It also dries out the cuticles and makes them sore. Therefore, women possessing naturally dry nails and skin should avoid using acetone-based nail polish removers.
The alternative to acetone nail polish removal solution
Today, all the gel nail polish kits include acetone and non-acetone-based nail polish removers. The non-acetone-based removers use less aggressive methods to remove nail polish from nails.
These removers include chemicals like propylene carbonate, ethyl acetate, and isopropyl alcohol. These are good chemicals but are not as effective as acetone in removing nail polish.
Today, gel nail polish kits market nail polish removers as natural and organic. These nail polish removers use solvents but not acetone. Instead, they have moisturizing agents like soy, glycerin, and panthenol. These moisturizing agents minimize the drying effect.
Pros of using non-acetone-based nail polish removers
The primary benefit of non-acetone-based polish removers is that they do not use acetone. So, they do not dry the nails and skin as much as acetone does.
The cons of using non-acetone-based nail polish removers
Acetone is the most efficient nail polish removal solution. Though these alternatives are effective, they are not as good as acetone. Secondly, the non-acetone-based nail polish removal solutions do not work well on dark colors and shellac manicures. However, they are good on light gel polishes.
The non-acetone-based nail polish removers are ideal for women who do not have gel manicures frequently. Women wearing light-colored polishes also benefit from using these organic brands.
Which is the better of the two?
While all gel nail polish kits contain acetone and non-acetone-based removers, the acetone-based removers are still the most efficient ways to remove gel polish. However, acetone is harsh on the skin and has significant demerits. The non-acetone-based gel polish removers are also effective but not as good as acetone.
While these nail polish removers are effective, they can dry the nails and skin. Therefore, you should use moisturizers on your nails and hands after removing the gel polish. Cuticle oil is one of the best moisturizers because it is gentle on your nails. In addition, they can counteract the dehydrating effects of the nail polish removal solution.
Final Thoughts
Nail polish removers are essential components of gel polish kits. While these kits offer both acetone-based and non-acetone-based removers, acetone is the better of the two.