Posted by Fiona Saiter on May.22, 2010

ⓒ iStockPhoto - silberkorn

It’s that time of year again when we get to enjoy the beach, pool, flip flops and open-toed shoes.  Our feet get to breathe again and everyone gets to see what’s been hiding all winter in cute boots.  Well it’s time to whip those babies into shape with an at-home green pedicure.

Before you get started you’ll want to make sure you have everything gathered around you so you don’t have to keep getting up.  Get something to soak your feet in, a few favorite essential oils for the foot bath or even a few lemon slices, nail files, nail brush, pumice stone, a cuticle stick, lotion and oil for your cuticles (you can even grab your olive oil).

You’ll also want to use some eco-friendly nail polish and remover. The FDA doesn’t regulate personal care products including nail polish and remover, so you have to be aware of dangerous products that manufacturers use.

Pedicure Products to Avoid:

You want to avoid nail polish ingredients such as: Phthalates, Formaldehyde, and Toluene.  These three ingredients have also been named the, “toxic trio,” according to The National Healthy Nail Salon Alliance.

Phthalate or (DBP) which add shine can damage male sex organs or cause infertility and pregnant women should not use this ingredient.  Companies are able to hide DBP under the general label, “fragrance,” according to the Cosmeticdatabase.com.

Formaldehyde is used in nail hardener as well as other nail products.  According to safecosmetics.org, this product is a carcinogen.  It causes all kinds of problems in humans, even cancer.

Toluene is the little helper that gives a smooth finish, but according to safecosmetics.org it also affects the central nervous system and may cause reproductive and other problems.

Healthy Alternative Pedicure Products

Now that you know what to avoid you can grab some safer nail polish or remover from companies like: Zoya, Priti Nails, and Polished Mama, just to name a few.

Zoya

Zoya doesn’t contain the, “Toxic Trio:” Phthalates, Formaldehyde, and Toluene and the chemical camphor.  They offer over 300 colors and were awarded the longest wearing natural nail polish by Women’s Health Magazine, according to Zoya.com.

Priti

This nail polish doesn’t contain Toluene, DBP and Formaldehyde, or, according to Priti, all known carcinogens including petroleum.  Their polish remover is biodegradable and contains soy.  They are USDA Organic, vegan and cruelty free and they also will give a 15% off coupon to customers who send back their old bottles to be recycled.

Polished Mama

This nail polish was designed for pregnant women but can be used by any eco-conscious person.  They are non toxic, have no odor, and are long wearing.  They contain no toluene, xylene, formaldehyde, ethyl acetate, acetone or DBP.  They also offer a safer polish remover.

Giving Yourself a Green Pedicure

First remove old polish, trim your nails and file straight cross in one direction (or you will damage the nail).  Next, fill the bowl with warm water. You can add your favorite essential oil or even put some lemon juice or lemon slices in the bowl.  The acidity of the lemon will help soften the skin and may also lighten stains on nails.

Now is the hard part: sit back and relax for about 10 minutes.  Once you have soaked, use the pumice stone to lightly scrub off any dead skin and clean under the nails with the nail brush if needed.  Next lightly dry off your feet and rub oil into your cuticles.  Then massage a thick lotion into your feet giving and massage.

After your massage gently push back your cuticles with a cuticle stick.  If you want to apply polish you will need to get the oil off your nails with water or an environmentally friendly polish remover.

When you’re ready for polish use a base coat first, and then a few coats of your favorite color.  Finish with a top coat.  Wait until each application is dry before adding another coat.  Apply color to the middle of the nail first and then do the sides leaving a little of the edges unpolished.

Finally leave enough time for your nails to dry completely before trying to fix any smudges around the nail.  The last thing you want to do is ruin all the polish work you’ve just done.

Now you can step out in any fabulous shoe and feel great that you have done it in the best possible green way for everyone’s health.

Here is a clip out shopping Guide to help you pick out the right safe nail polish.

Some Health and Eco-Friendly Polishes to try:

Zoya
Priti NYC
Polished Mama

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Posted under Beauty, Spa Living.