Nail Cosmetics

Nail Cosmetics and Adornment

Nail polish is a nitrocellulose-based film that is modified to create a plastic shiny colored film that can be painted on the nail plate. The desire to develop a long-lasting pigmented film has resulted in the development of nail shellacs based on polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) designed to polymerize on the nail plate. These films are chip resistant and long wearing, designed to last 3 to 4 weeks. Further polymer use has resulted in the ability to sculpt an elongated nail on the nail plate to create the appearance of long nails.

Local Side Effects Caused by Hair Dye Use in Females: Cross-sectional Survey

Background:

Despite its association with a number of side effects, hair dye use is common worldwide.

Objective:

To explore the local side effects of hair dye use and to relate these effects to features of hair dyeing.

Methods:

A questionnaire about hair dye use was distributed to a random sample of 650 female patients at various outpatient clinics in 2008.

Results:

A total of 567 females returned the questionnaire (87.2% response rate). Of these respondents, 82.6% (464 of 562) had used hair dye products in the past. The mean age at first use was 22.23 ± 7.05 years, and the median time between two consecutive dyes was 6 months. Of these respondents, 76.8% (354 of 461) used permanent dyes. Participants reported that they suffered skin redness caused by hair dyes (15.1%, 65 of 431), had scaling (14.4%, 60 of 417), or had itchiness (31.3%, 134 of 428). In addition, 74% (262 of 354) of the participants reported that they had issues with the texture or condition of hair following hair dye use; 77.7% (314 of 404) reported split ends, whereas 69.6% (273 of 392) reported hair dryness, 69.4% (256 of 369) lusterless hair, 77.2% (308 of 399) excessive hair loss, and 53.6% (210 of 392) excessive hair graying. Furthermore, 55.1% (196 of 356) of the participants reported a slowing of hair growth. The total number of hair dyeing events was associated with increased hair loss (p = .04) and excessive graying (p < .001) after controlling for all relevant variables.

Conclusion:

Hair dye is associated with local side effects to the skin and hair. Increased public awareness of these risks could help inform consumer choices and reduce excessive use.

Elderly skin and its rejuvenation: products and procedures for the aging skin

In the last few decades, there has been a substantial increase in the population of people over 60 years of age. Most of them maintain a good general health and physical activity and fitness. For these individuals there is a good number of dermatologic procedures, medications, and cosmetics that can be prescribed to improve the aspect of skin aging, providing an improvement in their self-esteem and quality of life as a result of their better look. We will discuss the mechanisms of skin aging, and the procedures and substances used to minimize its deleterious effects, such as sunscreens, estrogens, chemical peels, toxin botulinum, fillers and surgical procedures, among others. The use of makeup and the adverse reactions to cosmetics will also be mentioned.

Nail cosmetic issues

Nail cosmetics are a part of good hygiene and self adornment. These cosmetics can provide solutions to problems involving the nail plate and also can create disease. This article provides a diagnosis and treatment-oriented approach to nail cosmetic issues.