I know that coping with diabetes on a daily basis can not only be stressful but it can also be more time consuming especially in the morning. Sometimes you need a little ‘pick me up’ to get you through the day.
Self-pampering is a great way to reward yourself for being proactive about managing your diabetes and there’s no better way to treat yourself than by giving yourself a safe manicure!
I want to help you ‘Makeover Your Diabetes’ by sharing the best products in beauty/fashion, diabetes self-care and exercise to help you “GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS” with less stress this year!
For people with diabetes, it is vitally important that they learn to care for their nails. Your nails protect your fingers and toes from injury and trauma.
Did you know people with diabetes are prone to developing a fungal infection known as onychomycosis? This fungal infection accounts for approximately 50% of all nail infections.
To avoid infections go ‘natural’ and don’t use artificial nails. Artificial nails trap water under the nails and this moisture will promote fungus growth. The good news is there are still plenty of safe, fun and colorful ways to flex your attitude with natural nails!
“Our nails are an expression of who you are, you should have the ability to have nail art that accentuates your personality, says Jennifer Dye, a licensed nail technician at Studio 26 in Santa Cruz, CA.
If you wear nail polish, you might be applying more than glossy color to your fingertips.
A study led by Duke University and the public health advocacy organization Environmental Working Group suggests that we absorb at least one potentially hormone-disrupting chemical every time we get a polish. While the impact of this chemical on our health is still unclear, the fact that our body can absorb chemicals through nail polish is cause for concern.
The chemical in question is triphenyl phosphate, or TPP. Companies add it to nail polishes to make the product stick more strongly to the nail.
The good news is that there are plenty of nontoxic nail polishes to choose from!
A few years ago, the ‘three-free’ polishes (meaning formulas that contain no formaldehyde, toluene, or dibutyl phthalate) used to be the gold standard. But then companies began offering polishes that free of other potentially harmful ingredients, like formaldehyde resin, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, and xylene.
Here’s a breakdown of what the terms ‘five -, seven-, eight- and nine-free’ mean and clarification on what toxic ingredients they’re missing:
Five- free (Free of: Formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, formaldehyde resin, and camphor.)
Seven-free (Free of: Formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, formaldehyde resin, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, and xylene.)
Eight-free (Free of: Formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, formaldehyde resin, camphor, xylene, ethyl tosylamide, and triphenyl phosphate)
Nine-free (Free of: Formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, formaldehyde resin, camphor, xylene, ethyl tosylamide, parabens, and acetone.
Our pick for the best Nail Polish for Diabetes is Acquarella Nail Polish (shown in Hot Chocolate shade above). Acquarella is water-based and doesn’t contain: Formaldehyde, formaldehyde-like derivatives, toluene, ketones, petrochemical solvents, DBP, phthalates, polyurethane, polyurethane film-formers, parabens, camphor, mercury, lead, FD&C, coal tar, gluten, wheat by-products, aromatic hydrocarbons. Retails: $18.
Keep in mind, water-based nail polishes have some drawbacks beside their steep price tags. According to the Fig + Sage blog, “water-based (nail polishes) don’t perform like regular nail polish; meaning they chip, flake & disappear.”
Why go natural?
“Your natural nails are easier, and more cost effective to maintain on a regular basis than artificial nail enhancements. No regular fills needed,” says Jennifer. “By focusing on enhancing your natural nails you minimize your exposure to the abrasive or harsh chemicals necessary in artificial nail treatments.”
If you choose to stick with your current brand and/or buy a nail polish without at least five- free then make sure to avoid products that contain toluene, formaldehyde or dibutyl phthalate. And don’t inhale! That strong, recognizable nail polish smell can be a sign of airborne toxic chemicals. Apply polish in a well-ventilated room.
Research provided by Allure magazine
Enjoy Diabetes Late Nite inspired by George Michael featuring our first-ever Valentine’s Day Party with guests Chef Ward Alper aka ‘The Decadent Diabetic’, ‘Rich In Love‘ fashion blogger Doris Hobbs, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie This podcast is part of Diabetes Podcast Week in support of the ‘Spare A Rose, Save A Child’ campaign. Please join us! #Dpodcastweek