TECH TIPS - Could your client's skincare routine be contributing to lifting?

 In recent years the use of retinoids and topical exfoliants such as AHA’s and BHA’s (Alpha Hydroxy Acids and Beta Hydroxy Acids) have become commonplace in many a skincare routine. Both retinoids and topical acids are fantastic for our skin, promoting the turnover of new cells and giving us that youthful glow we’re all striving for.

However, such products, along with topical acne medications can be very drying to the skin and stronger prescription products such as Tretinoin and Clindamycin Phosphate must often be used with a barrier cream to prevent significant skin irritation and drying.

Therefore, it’s important to thoroughly wash hands, paying particular attention to underneath the nail where product could remain after application. Any product left around the nail can cause significant drying to the skin and the nail itself, which can contribute to the lifting of gel over time.

If your clients are reporting the lifting of only one of two nails, particularly the index and middle finger of one hand, ask them about their skincare routine and whether they are washing their hands thoroughly after application. If they’re not, this might be why they’re experiencing isolated service breakdown on one or two nails.

The remedy for this? Of course, it’s cuticle oil! Washing the hands and removing any leftover product from underneath the nail followed by a liberal application of cuticle oil will help to prevent any further drying of the skin and nail.

The most drying skincare products:

Retinol

Granactive Retinoid

Tretinoin (Prescription Retinoid)

Clindamycin Phosphate (Topical acne medication)

Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical acne medication)

AHA’s Alpha Hydroxy Acid’s e.g. Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid

BHA’s Beta Hydroxy Acids e.g. Salicylic Acid

Azelaic Acid