In the quest for firm and long claws, surely you have heard about the use of formaldehyde base coat to strengthen your nails.

Base coat with formaldehyde is bad for your nails

First of all, it is good to know that formaldehyde is a toxic substance. Therefore, it should not be used in nail strengthening bases without medical advice. But, then, why do so many people use it?

Formaldehyde is a chemical compound widely used in the manufacture of plastics, resins, fabrics, construction materials, cosmetics, medicines, solvents, antiseptics, etc. "In the case of nail cosmetics, it has been used as a preservative and as a nail hardening agent, depending on the concentration in the product (which varies between 0.2% and 5%, according to what is allowed by ANVISA)," says thedermatologist Miguel Ceccarelli, from Rio de Janeiro.

As a hardening agent, it increases the binding of the proteins that form the nails (called keratin): "It hardens the nails by means of water loss, in other words, by dehydrating the nails," explains dermatologist Lívia Maria Camargo, also from Rio de Janeiro.

The effects take time to wear off, since fingernails and toenails grow slowly.

Other harmful effects of formaldehyde

The substance has a high irritative power, which can cause allergies: "This is a common complaint in the doctor's office," notes Miguel, "The bed under the nail and the skin around it can absorb substances from the nail polish, resulting in itching, pain, swelling, redness, and peeling of the nails and fingers in some people," adds the doctor.

For those who are not yet convinced not to use formaldehyde, it is good to know that it is considered a carcinogenic substance by the WHO (World Health Organization).

Read also: Dermatologist explains why you should not remove your cuticles

How to strengthen your nails?

You don't need to use formaldehyde base. There are healthier ways to get strong claws. Start with nutrition: It is essential to maintain a diet rich in vitamins and nutrients. The most important ones for this purpose are omega-3, B vitamins, vitamin C, iron and zinc.

The most important thing is to keep your hands away from chemical products - for this I highly recommend wearing gloves when handling them at work and at home - and not only when washing the dishes", recommends Miguel. With this care, combined with moisturizing the hands and nails, it is already possible to observe theIn addition, other types of protective bases and nail polishes without formaldehyde in the formula, widely available on the market or in compounding pharmacies, can also be used.

Sources: Lívia Maria Camargo, dermatologist specialized in dermatology, esthetics, trichology, laser and dermatologic surgery, and Miguel Ceccarelli, dermatologist preceptor of the Nail Disease Outpatient Clinic of the Dermatology Department of the Pedro Ernesto University Hospital - UERJ