Gel Manicures and Your Health
This week, the European Union officially banned gel nail polishesthat contain certain chemicals linked to hormonal disruption, allergic reactions, and even cancer risk.
The decision is raising eyebrows worldwide because gel nails are such a common practice, especially here in the US.
It is easy to think of a manicure as harmless self-care, but our skin and nails absorb more than we realize.
When you pair these exposures with UV curing lamps and long-term use, the body quietly carries the load.
Before leaving for my Wyoming trip, I decided to go for a gel manicure for its "staying power and chip resistance". I don't go often, so I thought, "What the heck, one time won't be bad for my nails". Fast forward 3 weeks later and after removing the polish, my nails kept chipping and breaking and fingers felt swollen. Coincidence, maybe but in my gut, I never feel good getting polish that suffocates my breathable nail beds.
I'm not here to fear monger....and this news is not about giving up your favorite beauty rituals.
It is about understanding that what goes on the body is just as important as what goes in the body.
That is where the N.E.S.T. framework comes in.
N: Nutrition — Reducing the Load from the Inside Out
The liver is your frontline defense against chemicals, whether they come from nail polish, food packaging, or processed ingredients.
Every time you choose whole, clean foods, you make the detox process easier.
Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables give your cells extra support, while fiber helps bind and remove toxins through the gut.
When you hear about something like gel polish being banned, remember that diet is not just about calories.
It is about giving your body the tools it needs to process and release what it is exposed to every day.
Actionable Tip
Aim to fill half your plate with colorful vegetables at least once a day.
Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and leafy greens give your liver the compounds it needs to do its job.
E: Exercise – Movement as Daily Detox
Sweat is one of the most overlooked detox tools. When you move, your circulation and lymphatic system ramp up, which helps filter and eliminate compounds your body does not need.
A brisk walk, a good strength session, or even a gentle yoga practice all support this natural process.
Dry brushing is another simple way to stimulate circulation and support detox. The brushing motion increases blood flow to the skin’s surface, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to tissues.
At the same time, the upward strokes help stimulate lymphatic movement.
Unlike blood, which is pumped by the heart, lymph fluid moves only when the body does. When lymph becomes stagnant, waste products and environmental toxins can build up in tissues.
By brushing toward the heart, you encourage lymph to flow back into circulation where it can be filtered and cleared by the lymph nodes and liver.
Actionable Tip
Before your shower, take five minutes to dry brush.
Start at your feet and brush upward toward your torso with light, sweeping motions.
From your hands, brush toward your shoulders and chest. Always move the brush toward your heart.
Follow with a warm shower and a nourishing moisturizer for best results.
S: Stress – Redefining Self-Care
A manicure, a face mask, a new lotion can feel like ways to nurture yourself.
But true self-care is not just about how things look on the outside, it is about how your body feels on the inside. When products contain harsh chemicals, your nervous system and detox pathways quietly carry the extra burden.
Hidden stress can manifest as fatigue, restless sleep, skin irritation, or increased anxiety, as your body works overtime in the background.
When you lighten your exposure to toxins, you also lighten the load on your nervous system. That shift frees up more energy for your body to regulate digestion, hormones, and mood.
Choosing cleaner products is not about perfection.
It is about reducing hidden stress so your body can focus its resources where you need them most.
Actionable Tip
Take five minutes to scan the labels of the top three personal care products you use daily.
Watch for these ingredients, many of which have been restricted or banned in Europe because of their links to hormone disruption, allergies, or cancer risk:
Acrylates (often in gels and nail products)
Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (like DMDM Hydantoin, Quaternium-15)
Parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben)
Phthalates (often hidden under “fragrance”)
Triclosan (antibacterial ingredient in soaps and toothpaste)
Toluene (common in nail polish, linked to neurological effects)
BHA and BHT (synthetic antioxidants in moisturizers and makeup)
If you see one of these, replace the product with a cleaner option the next time you restock.
Even swapping one item reduces the hidden chemical stress your body manages day after day.
Here's an easy swap-out list for you to try a non-toxic-based polish if you are looking to move away from gel for now.
T: Targeted Supplementation – Nutrients for Extra Support
You cannot supplement your way out of every exposure, but certain nutrients make a real difference in how your body handles toxins. The liver is your main detox organ, and it relies on specific nutrients to process and neutralize chemicals before they build up.
Glutathione, NAC, and milk thistle all support these pathways, making the detox process more efficient.
Omega-3 fatty acids reduce the oxidative stress that comes when cells are exposed to environmental toxins.
Vitamin C strengthens the skin barrier, which is your first line of defense against anything you put on it.
The WHY here is about resilience. Supplements give your system extra tools so it does not have to struggle as hard when exposures happen.
Think of them as reinforcement for the organs already working for you around the clock.
They are not a replacement for clean food and lifestyle choices, but they help your body stay steady when life brings in unavoidable stressors.
When I got my 80Hdg test back and it showed elevated levels, I knew I had to work on my oxidative stress, so I began taking the Antioxidant formula from Pure Encapsulations.
Actionable Tip
If supplements feel overwhelming, start with one.
Add a high-quality omega-3 or vitamin C, and notice how your energy and recovery improve. Build from there only if needed.
The goal is not a long list of pills but the right support at the right time.
Disclaimer:
The supplement recommendations shared in this newsletter are for general informational and educational purposes only. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace personalized medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
Final Thoughts: Lightening the Hidden Load
The ban on gel polish in Europe is a reminder that our bodies are always keeping score, even when we are not aware of it.
Every product we use and every choice we make either adds to or lightens the invisible load our systems carry.
Wellness does not come from avoiding everything that could be harmful. It comes from creating balance and giving your body the space to recover, repair, and regulate. That might look like eating more whole foods to support detox, moving in ways that keep your lymph flowing, swapping one product for a cleaner option, or adding a supplement that strengthens your defenses.
The real takeaway is that small, consistent changes add up.
You don't need to live in fear of chemicals, nor do you need to overhaul your life overnight. You simply need to listen, notice, and choose the options that free your body from unnecessary stress.
That is what NEST is about. Nutrition, exercise, stress reduction, and targeted supplementation are not separate boxes to check.
Together, they are a reset button that helps you live with more energy, clarity, and resilience.