Nurturing Nails: A Modern Approach to Healthy Nail Care

The art of adorning nails has been practiced for thousands of years, but nail polish as we know it is a relatively modern invention. The first nail polish came onto the scene in the early 1900s, inspired by car paint. Unfortunately, the ingredient profile wasn’t much different.

We’ve come a long way since then. The clean beauty movement has successfully inspired several nail polish brands and salons dedicated to putting consumers in touch with cleaner formulations and healthier nail care. While clean polish is not 100% chemical-free, 3- 5- 8- and 10+ toxin-free formulas dominate the modern nail polish scene, offering consumers an array of options free from the most common chemical offenders found in conventional polish. This list includes formaldehyde (an irritant and potential carcinogen), camphor (a highly toxic skin irritant), toluene (a skin/respiratory irritant) and DBP (which can cause reproductive harm), among others.

The elimination of harmful chemicals is critical, but industry leaders are going a step further to consider, which ingredients actually nurture nails and skin? What products improve hydration and support healthy nail growth?

Some brands infuse their polish formulations with botanical oils like primrose, sunflower and argan for increased hydration. Therapeutic base coats may feature antioxidant extracts like acai and chamomile or aloe for its soothing properties. Acetone- free polish removers are typically plant oil-based and free from the headache-inducing fumes of their conventional counterparts.

Seek out polish that is ranked 8 toxin-free or better, vegan and cruelty-free and make cuticle oil a regular part of your evening routine. Your nails will thank you.

Tips for a Clean DIY Mani-Pedi

Begin by indulging in a luxurious exfoliation with Malibu Made Body Scrub, leaving your hands and feet feeling soft and refreshed. Take extra care to target calluses and gently exfoliate the cuticle area, as this will help to prepare your nails for smooth polish application. Wipe or gently wash off any remaining scrub before moving to the next step.

Indulge hands and feet in a nourishing massage using Malibu Made Glow Oil, which deeply hydrates and revitalizes skin, leaving it with a radiant glow.

Dehydrate your nailbeds using a lint-free wipe soaked in alcohol or clean polish remover. Then apply a therapeutic basecoat to nails, followed by 2-3 thin coats of your favorite non-toxic polish. Allow the nails to dry for 3-5 minutes before applying a glossy fast-dry top coat.

Maintain your manicure or pedicure by reapplying top coat every 2-3 days and using cuticle oil daily. We recommend applying a few drops of The Malibu Made Glow Oil to cuticles each night before bedtime for lasting hydration. Regular daily use will help to strengthen your nails, prevent breakage and peeling, and can extend the life of your manicures and pedicures.

By incorporating Malibu Made Glow Oil and Malibu Made Body Scrub into your nail care ritual, along with clean nail polish formulations, you can create a holistic nail care experience that not only enhances the beauty of your nails but also nourishes their overall health and well-being.

Heather Greene is the founder and president of Springtide, a non-toxic nail salon & nail care brand in Santa Barbara CA.