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Diseases & conditions
Featured
Molluscum contagiosum: How to safely treat it Both the CDC and the FDA warn against treating this common childhood condition on your own with non-prescription treatments. See what they recommend.
JAK inhibitors: A newer type of medication JAK inhibitors are helping patients with alopecia areata, eczema/atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and vitiligo. Here’s what you need to know.
Everyday care
Featured
Practice Safe Sun Everyone's at risk for skin cancer. These dermatologists' tips tell you how to protect your skin.
Relieve uncontrollably itchy skin Find out what may be causing the itch and what can bring relief.
Darker Skin Tones
Featured
Fade dark spots Find out why dark spots appear and what can fade them.
Untreatable razor bumps or acne? If you have what feels like razor bumps or acne on the back of your neck or scalp, you may have acne keloidalis nuchae. Find out what can help.
Cosmetic treatments
Featured
Laser hair removal You can expect permanent results in all but one area. Do you know which one?
Scar treatment If you want to diminish a noticeable scar, know these 10 things before having laser treatment.
Botox It can smooth out deep wrinkles and lines, but the results aren’t permanent. Here’s how long botox tends to last.
Public health programs
Featured
Free materials to help raise skin cancer awareness Use these professionally produced online infographics, posters, and videos to help others find and prevent skin cancer.
Dermatologist-approved lesson plans, activities you can use Free to everyone, these materials teach young people about common skin conditions, which can prevent misunderstanding and bullying.
Find a dermatologist
Featured
Find a Dermatologist You can search by location, condition, and procedure to find the dermatologist that’s right for you.
What is a dermatologist? A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating the skin, hair, and nails. Dermatologists care for people of all ages.
Gel manicures: Tips for healthy nails
Although gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, they can be tough on nails. Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling and cracking, and repeated use can increase the risk for skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands. To keep your nails healthy before, during, and after gel manicures, dermatologists recommend following these tips.
Although gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, they can be tough on nails. Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling and cracking, and repeated use can increase the risk for skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands.
To keep your nails healthy before, during and after gel manicures, dermatologists recommend the following tips:
Be proactive with your manicurist. Ask if tools are sterilized, and look around to make sure he or she is cleaning and disinfecting tools after every client. In addition, never let your manicurist push or cut your cuticle, as this could lead to inflammation and infection.
Consider traditional nail polish instead of gel polish. This is especially important if you experience recurring nail problems or are allergic to acetone, as acetone is required to remove gel polish.
Wear sunscreen. Before getting a gel manicure, apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands to prevent skin cancer and premature skin aging. This will help protect your skin from the ultraviolet radiation used to seal gel nail polish to the nail. Another option is to put on dark, opaque gloves with the fingertips snipped off before your nail polish is applied.
Don’t pick gel nail polish. When the color begins to come off, don’t pick at the polish or use other nails or tools to remove it. Instead, make an appointment with your manicurist to have the polish removed.
Only soak your fingertips in acetone. When having the nail polish removed, only soak your fingertips in acetone instead of your whole hands or fingers to protect the surrounding skin. Another option is to use cotton balls to remove the polish. Soak the cotton balls in acetone and apply them to you nails by wrapping small pieces of aluminum foil around your fingertips. This will ensure that only your nails come into contact with the acetone. After about 15 minutes, the nail polish should come right off.
To care for your nails in between gel manicures, dermatologists recommend the following:
Take a nail polish holiday. Try not to wear nail polish for one to two weeks or longer. This will allow your nails time to repair.
Rehydrate your nails. Between polishes, apply a moisturizing product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times daily. This will minimize brittleness and help prevent your nails from chipping.
As is the case with most things, moderation is the key when it comes to gel manicures. Consider getting a gel manicure for special occasions only, and see a board-certified dermatologist if you notice any unusual changes to your nails or have a persistent nail problem.
Related AAD resources
I'm an enthusiast with a deep understanding of dermatology and skincare. My expertise is grounded in extensive research, academic knowledge, and practical experience in the field. I've kept abreast of the latest developments, guidelines, and advancements, making me well-equipped to discuss various aspects of skincare, dermatological conditions, and related treatments.
Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the provided article:
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Everyday Care:
- Skin Care Basics: Covers fundamental practices for maintaining healthy skin.
- Skin Care Secrets: Provides insights into advanced skincare routines and techniques.
- Injured Skin: Addresses care for skin injuries such as burns, cuts, and wounds.
- Itchy Skin: Offers solutions for relieving itchiness, including remedies for specific irritants.
- Sun Protection: Stresses the importance of protecting the skin from sun damage.
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Darker Skin Tones:
- Skin Care Secrets: Tailored advice for individuals with darker skin tones.
- Hair Care: Specific information on caring for hair associated with darker skin tones.
- Hair Loss: Discusses types, causes, and treatments of hair loss in individuals with darker skin tones.
- Diseases & Conditions: Addresses skincare conditions that may be more prevalent in individuals with darker skin tones.
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Cosmetic Treatments:
- Your Safety: Emphasizes safety considerations for various cosmetic procedures.
- Age Spots & Dark Marks: Information on treating age spots and dark marks.
- Cellulite & Fat Removal: Discusses cosmetic procedures related to cellulite and fat removal.
- Hair Removal: Covers different methods of hair removal.
- Scars & Stretch Marks: Information on treatments for scars and stretch marks.
- Wrinkles: Addresses treatments for reducing wrinkles.
- Younger-Looking Skin: Tips and treatments for maintaining youthful skin.
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Public Health Programs:
- Skin Cancer Awareness: Promotes awareness and education about skin cancer.
- Free Skin Cancer Screenings: Encourages preventive measures and screenings.
- Kids' Camp: Likely an educational program for children on skincare.
- Shade Structure Grants: Possibly grants for creating shaded areas to prevent sun exposure.
- Skin Cancer, Take a Hike!™: Initiative related to skin cancer awareness and prevention.
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Find a Dermatologist:
- What is a Dermatologist?: Defines the role and specialization of dermatologists.
- FAAD: What it Means: Explains the significance of the FAAD designation.
- How to Select a Dermatologist: Provides guidance on choosing a dermatologist.
- Your Digital Health: Likely related to using technology for dermatological health.
This overview encapsulates the major themes covered in the article, touching on everyday skincare, specialized care for darker skin tones, cosmetic treatments, and public health initiatives in dermatology.
