Q: I keep my nails near-constantly polished, but I worry that it’s damaging them. Do nails need breaks or time to “breathe”?
The idea that your nails need to “breathe” is actually a myth, said Dr. Chris Adigun, a dermatologist in Chapel Hill, N.C., who specializes in nail disorders.
“Your nails don’t have lungs,” she said.
However, there are some signs that your nail polish, or the way you remove it, may be causing changes to your nails that should prompt a break, experts said. And it’s important to inspect your nails between polishes so you can spot any potentially worrisome shifts that might be occurring underneath the color, Dr. Adigun said.
Here’s what to watch out for.
Is nail polish bad for your nails?
In short, no, said Dr. Adam Rubin, a dermatologist and nail specialist at N.Y.U. Langone Health.
There’s nothing in traditional nail polish that will directly harm your fingernails or toenails, he said. But, he added, there are some cosmetic issues that may crop up if you keep your nails painted for too long, such as for several weeks at a time.
Some nail polishes — dark or red colors, in particular — can stain the surface of your nails, Dr. Rubin said. This isn’t harmful, but you might not like the way it looks, he added.