Opi Gel Nail Safety During Pregnancy: What You Need To Know

is opi gel safe during pregnancy

There are many opinions and suggestions about the safety of using OPI gel nail polish during pregnancy. While some people suggest avoiding it due to the presence of certain chemicals, others claim that it is safe to use as long as it is done in a well-ventilated area. It is always advisable to consult a physician to get an expert opinion on the safety of specific products during pregnancy.

Characteristics Values
Safe to use during pregnancy No clear evidence that nail polish is unsafe during pregnancy. However, it is recommended to use polishes that are labelled as 'pregnancy-safe' and 'non-toxic'.
Chemicals to avoid Formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), formaldehyde resin, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, xylene, parabens, phthalates, triphenyl phosphate (TPHP), tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP)
Ventilation Well-ventilated areas are recommended when applying nail polish to avoid nausea and strong fumes.
Application It is best to get gel nails done at a professional nail bar and to avoid gel nail home kits.
Removal Acetone is used to remove gel polish, which should be avoided as much as possible during pregnancy.

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OPI gel does not contain formaldehyde

OPI nail polishes are 3-free and do not contain Dibutyl Phthalate, Formaldehyde, and Toulene. This means that OPI nail polishes are free from toxic chemicals that could be harmful during pregnancy.

In small doses, Formaldehyde can be used in some nail polishes. However, it is generally recommended to look for 3-free formulas or more when pregnant to be completely safe and confident in your nail polish formula.

OPI offers a range of nail polishes that are safe to use during pregnancy. Their Nature Strong line is reportedly cruelty-free and vegan, which means that the nail polishes are not tested on animals and are free of animal-derived ingredients. They are formulated with ingredients derived from sugarcane, manioc, wheat, potatoes, corn, and clay.

OPI also offers a 3-in-1 formaldehyde-free formula for sensitive nails, which can be used as a base coat, top coat, and nail strengthener. This product has received positive reviews from customers, who appreciate its convenience, quick drying time, and ability to keep nails healthy and strong.

Overall, OPI gel nail polishes are a safe and recommended option for pregnant women looking for a manicure option that is free from harmful chemicals.

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OPI gel is safe to use during pregnancy

While there is limited data on the safety of nail polish during pregnancy, OPI gel nail polish can be considered safe to use when expecting. Here's why:

The Safety of Nail Polish During Pregnancy

Nail polish is known to contain an array of chemicals, and certain formulas are considered safer than others for pregnant women. According to experts, nail polish may contain formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), which are potentially harmful chemicals that should be avoided during pregnancy. These three chemicals are known as the "toxic trio" and can cause various health issues. Formaldehyde can cause irritation or allergic reactions, toluene can lead to irritation, dizziness, and reproductive issues, and DBP has been linked to hormone-production problems in a foetus.

However, many nail polish brands, including OPI, have taken steps to remove these toxic chemicals from their formulas. OPI's Nature Strong Nail Polish, for example, is promoted as a vegan and cruelty-free option that is free of these harmful substances. It is labelled as "9-free," meaning it is free from the toxic trio as well as formaldehyde resin, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, xylene, parabens, phthalates, triphenyl phosphate (TPHP), and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP).

Risks and Precautions

While OPI gel nail polish itself may be safe to use during pregnancy, there are some risks and precautions to consider:

  • Gel Nail Risks: It is important to note that gel nails, in general, have been associated with an increased risk of allergic reactions, leading to eczema or contact dermatitis. Some people have also reported more severe symptoms, such as nails falling off, swelling, or breathing difficulties. Therefore, it is recommended to use gel nails sparingly during pregnancy and opt for professional application at reputable salons instead of DIY kits.
  • Ventilation: Regardless of the nail polish brand, it is crucial to ensure proper ventilation when applying or removing nail polish to minimise the inhalation of strong fumes, which can cause nausea, headaches, and dizziness.
  • Acetone: While acetone is commonly used to remove gel nail polish, there is limited research on its risks during pregnancy. However, experts recommend avoiding prolonged exposure to acetone as much as possible.
  • Skin and Nail Sensitivity: Pregnancy can make your skin and nails more sensitive and prone to irritation. Your nails may grow faster but also become more fragile and brittle. Therefore, it is important to be cautious and follow safety procedures, such as protecting your skin with petroleum jelly during gel nail removal.

Expert Recommendations

Experts from organisations like the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) advise taking extra care when using gel nails, regardless of pregnancy status. They recommend professional application over home kits and suggest informing your nail technician about your pregnancy to ensure they follow safety procedures. Additionally, it is recommended to treat yourself to regular nail polish instead of gel nails or go for a natural look between treatments to minimise potential risks.

In summary, while OPI gel nail polish itself is considered safe to use during pregnancy, it is important to be cautious and follow the recommendations provided by experts to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

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Avoid gel nail home kits

While there is no clear evidence that nail polish is unsafe during pregnancy, many people believe that the chemical toxins found in nail polish could be harmful to the unborn baby. The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) advises taking extra care when getting gel nails and avoiding gel nail home kits, whether you are pregnant or not. Here are some reasons why you should avoid gel nail home kits:

Risk of Allergic Reactions

Skin specialists are seeing an increase in allergic reactions to gel nails and acrylic nails. One study found that about one in 50 people were allergic to methacrylates, the main chemicals in UV light-cured gel nails. Experts are concerned that these numbers are on the rise, possibly due to more people using DIY gel nail kits at home. If you develop an allergy, certain medical treatments may not be suitable for you in the future.

Potential Health Hazards

The chemicals in gel nail kits can cause problems if they come into contact with your skin before curing. You may experience an allergic reaction, leading to eczema (contact dermatitis). Some people have reported more severe symptoms, such as nails falling off, swelling, or even breathing difficulties.

Increased Sensitivity During Pregnancy

Pregnancy can make your skin more sensitive and itchy due to changes in your immune system, metabolism, and hormones. You may find that you develop rashes more easily, especially in the second half of your pregnancy. Additionally, pregnancy can affect your nails, making them more fragile and prone to breaking.

Hospital Recommendations

Your hospital may advise against wearing any kind of nail polish during labour, and you will be required to remove it if you need a caesarean section. This is because your oxygen levels are monitored accurately by checking the colour of your nail beds and using a finger probe.

Safe Alternatives

Instead of gel nail home kits, opt for non-toxic, 3-free polishes that are safe to use during pregnancy. These polishes do not contain the three toxic chemicals commonly found in nail polish: DBP (dibutyl phthalate), toluene, and formaldehyde. You can also look for polishes that are free from additional chemicals, such as TPHP (triphenyl phosphate), which is often added to make the polish more flexible and durable.

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Hospitals may ask you to remove gel nails before labour or a C-section

Your oxygen levels are monitored accurately by checking the colour of your nail beds and using a finger probe (pulse oximeter). Your midwife, doctor, or anaesthetist may need to do this if you have interventions during labour, such as an epidural or a drip to speed up your labour, and if you have a C-section.

If you do decide to have gel nails while pregnant, it's best to get them done at a professional nail bar and avoid gel nail home kits. You'll need to be extra careful about having them applied and removed. Make sure the room is well-ventilated so that any fumes are pulled away from you, and ask the manicurist not to get any gel on your skin.

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Skin specialists are seeing an increase in allergic reactions to gel nails

The increase in allergic reactions may be due to several factors. Firstly, the popularity of gel nails has increased in recent years, leading to more people having gel manicures or using at-home kits. Additionally, the closure of nail salons during the pandemic may have contributed to the rise, as more people turned to at-home gel nail kits. These kits can be riskier due to the lack of experience people have with them. Improper use of gel nails can also lead to allergies, as the chemicals may not be cured or set accurately or sufficiently under a UV lamp, leading to skin sensitisation.

To prevent allergic reactions, it is recommended to choose a reputable salon and avoid at-home gel nail kits. When visiting a salon, ensure your nail technician is aware of the potential risks and is following safety procedures. Take care that the manicurist doesn't get any gel on your skin, and if you're having UV light-cured nails, apply sunscreen to your fingers to protect your skin. Additionally, ensure the room is well-ventilated to reduce exposure to potentially harmful fumes.

If you experience an allergic reaction to gel nails, it is important to remove the nails immediately and seek medical advice. Treatment may include medicated creams or tablets, and in some cases, steroid injections or oral antihistamines and steroids may be required. Unfortunately, gel nail allergies are lifelong and cannot be cured, even with taking a break from gel nails. Therefore, it is crucial to be cautious and follow prevention measures to avoid developing an allergy.

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