The Truth About Top-To-Bottom Base Coats: Why Your Nails Are Turning Yellow

It's a common problem: you remove your nail polish to find your nails have taken on a yellowish tinge. There are several reasons why this might happen, from the type of nail polish used to underlying health conditions.

The most common cause of yellow nails is the use of dark-pigmented nail polishes. This is due to a chemical reaction between the colourant and the nail plate. Formaldehyde, a common polish ingredient, can also cause yellowing as it reacts with the keratin protein in your nails.

However, in rare cases, yellow nails can indicate a more serious health issue such as diabetes, severe thyroid disease, lung disease, or psoriasis.

So, what can you do to prevent yellow nails? Firstly, it's recommended to stick to lighter-coloured polishes as they are less likely to stain. Always use a base coat, which acts as a barrier to protect your nails from the dyes and pigments in nail polish. Look for nail polishes that don't contain formaldehyde, and avoid leaving dark polish on for too long.

If you're concerned about yellowing, it's best to consult a doctor or a nail professional for personalised advice.

Base coats can prevent nail discolouration

Base coats are an essential step in any manicure as they smooth the nail, provide nourishment, and protect against staining. They act as a foundation for nail polish, helping it to adhere better and last longer.

Adhesion

The primary function of a base coat is to provide a strong adhesive bond between your natural nails and the nail polish. Without it, the nail polish may not adhere properly, leading to chipping and peeling. Base coats typically contain special polymers and adhesive agents that create a chemical bond with the keratin in your nails.

Protection

Base coats also act as a protective barrier between your nails and the pigments and chemicals present in nail polish. This prevents direct contact and shields your natural nails from staining. They often contain film-forming ingredients, like nitrocellulose or acrylic polymers, which create a protective layer that blocks the absorption of colour pigments.

Smoothing

Base coats are designed to create a smooth surface on your nails, masking imperfections and ridges. This provides a consistent base for your nail polish, resulting in a polished appearance. Some base coats contain ingredients like silica or other fillers that help fill in tiny imperfections and create an even canvas for the polish.

Preventing Yellowing

Frequent nail polish use, especially with dark or heavily pigmented colours, can lead to yellowing of the nails over time. A base coat can help minimise this issue by including UV filters or optical brighteners that protect your nails and prevent discolouration.

Flexibility and Durability

Base coats are formulated to be flexible and durable, moving with your natural nails without cracking while also providing a strong surface for the nail polish. The chemistry of their formulation involves selecting specific resins and plasticizers to achieve the right balance.

Product Recommendations

When shopping for a base coat, look for products that improve the longevity of your manicure and help strengthen and nourish your nails. Some recommended base coats include:

• Orly Bonder
• OPI Base Coat
• Sally Hansen Double Duty Base and Top Coat
• Essie First Base Coat
• Butter London Priming Base Coat
• Londontown Nail Hardener & Base Coat

The use of dark-coloured nail polishes can cause yellow nails

While there are many causes of yellow nails, the use of dark-coloured nail polishes is a common culprit. This is due to a chemical reaction between the dye in the nail polish and the keratin in the nail plate, causing a yellow discolouration. This reaction does not occur with every nail and dark polish, and it can take a few days to a few weeks to occur.

The yellowing typically affects the upper part of the nail, and the best way to restore your nails to their natural colour is to take a break from polish and allow the stained portions to grow out. To prevent yellow nails, a clear base coat can be applied before polish, and switching up colours can help to reduce the frequency of using dark polishes.

It is also worth noting that acetone nail polish remover can worsen the yellowing, as it gives the dissolved nail polish a chance to bond to your nails. Therefore, investing in a non-acetone polish remover can be helpful in keeping yellow stains at bay.

In addition to dark nail polish, there are several other causes of yellow nails. These include fungal infections, vitamin deficiencies, smoking, self-tanner, hereditary factors, and underlying health issues such as thyroid disease or diabetes.

Formaldehyde in nail polish can cause yellow nails

While nail polish is a fun way to express yourself, it can also be a cause of concern for your nail health. One common issue that people face after wearing nail polish is nail discolouration, specifically yellow nails. This can be caused by the use of dark-coloured nail polishes, but it can also be an indication of other unhealthy causes. In rare cases, yellow nails can be a sign of a more serious health issue such as diabetes, severe thyroid disease, lung disease, or psoriasis. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the health of your nails and consult a doctor if you notice any discolouration or other changes.

One of the main causes of yellow nails is the use of nail polishes and base coats that contain formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and has been linked to asthma, neurotoxicity, and developmental toxicity. It is often found in nail hardeners and can also be present in nail polishes, although it is usually in the form of formaldehyde resin. While the resin is not carcinogenic like free formaldehyde, it can still cause contact allergies, resulting in redness, swelling, and itching. Therefore, it is important to read the ingredient labels on your nail products and choose those that do not contain formaldehyde or related ingredients such as formalin, methylene glycol, or tolunesulfonamide/formaldehyde resin.

To prevent yellow nails, it is recommended to use a base coat before applying nail polish. However, even with a base coat, nails can still turn yellow. This is because the true culprit is not the pigments in the nail polish but rather the presence of nitrocellulose, which is a common ingredient in both the base coat and colour coat of traditional polishes. Nitrocellulose can decompose and liberate nitric acid, which can then react with the nail plate, resulting in yellowing. To prevent this, you can choose to use a nail polish system that is completely nitrocellulose-free.

Additionally, it is important to practice good nail care and give your nails breaks from polish. Keep your nails and cuticles well-moisturized, and always remove polish before visiting your dermatologist so they can examine your nails properly. By being mindful of the ingredients in your nail products and taking care of your nail health, you can enjoy your manicures without worrying about yellow nails.

Yellow nails could be a sign of a nail infection

Yellow nails can be unsightly, but they could also be a sign of a nail infection or another underlying health condition.

Nail infections, or onychomycosis, are a common condition that can cause nails to turn yellow. This is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as nails that separate from the nail bed, stop growing, or become brittle. Fungal nail infections are more common in people with foot or nail injuries, diabetes, a weakened immune system, poor circulation, or a fungal infection elsewhere on the body. If left untreated, nail fungus can lead to nail thickening, peeling, crumbling, and a foul odour.

Yellow nails can also be indicative of other health issues. For example, in rare cases, it could be a sign of yellow nail syndrome, a rare disorder with an unknown cause that is sometimes associated with autoimmune diseases, lymphatic diseases, and cancers. Additionally, vitamin or mineral deficiencies, thyroid conditions, psoriasis, or diabetes could be the underlying cause of yellow nails.

If you notice that your nails have turned yellow, it is important to consider any other accompanying symptoms and consult a healthcare professional if you are concerned. They will be able to examine your nails, take a detailed medical history, and determine the underlying cause.

Yellow nails could indicate a serious health issue

Yellow nails are a common issue with a variety of causes. In some cases, yellow nails can be a symptom of a bigger health issue.

Yellow Nail Syndrome

Yellow nail syndrome is a rare disorder characterised by thick yellow nails, which usually occur alongside respiratory issues and limb swelling. If you think you might have yellow nail syndrome, it is important to seek medical attention.

Underlying Health Issues

Yellow nails can sometimes indicate a more serious health issue, such as:

• Vitamin or mineral deficiencies
• Thyroid conditions
• Psoriasis
• Diabetes
• Skin cancer
• Chronic lung conditions
• Internal malignancies
• Lymphatic obstructions
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Treatment

If you are concerned about the colour of your nails, it is recommended that you consult a doctor. They will be able to run tests to determine the underlying cause of the discolouration and provide appropriate treatment. In the meantime, there are some home remedies that you can try:

• Tea tree oil mixed with a carrier oil such as olive oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil
• Oregano oil mixed with a carrier oil
• Soaking nails in a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and warm water, with the option of adding baking soda to improve effectiveness
• Vitamin E, which can be applied topically or taken orally

Prevention

To prevent nail discolouration, it is important to maintain good nail hygiene. This includes being mindful of the cleanliness of nail salons and spas, as they can be breeding grounds for fungal infections and other diseases. Additionally, try to limit the use of nail polish remover to once a week and opt for a remover that does not contain acetone. Keeping your nails trimmed and ensuring they are free of dirt will also help to prevent discolouration.

Frequently asked questions