Artificial nails are easy to use. That has made them extremely popular in the past several years. They can help you make your nails look polished and sleek. How do you apply them? Well, you simply glue them on top of your natural nails. The problem might arise when you accidentally get some glue on your skin. How to get gel nail glue off skin?
Unless you do it properly and correctly nail glue can be hard to remove. The product contains cyanoacrylate, the same chemical you can find in household super glue products. But they differ in viscosity.
Unlike household glue, nail glue contains specific ingredients designed to support nail growth. With that in mind, how can you remove nail glue properly?
What Is Nail Glue?
Let’s start at the beginning. First things first, you need to understand what nail glue is. Often compared to household super glue, nail adhesive acts differently than regular super glue.
Now, yes, both adhesives are made from cyanoacrylates. It is a family of strong and fast-acting adhesives with industrial, medical, and household usage.
But there is a difference. Nail adhesives are designed to dry fast and clear. They are waterproof, and of course, they bond to the nail. Not all adhesives do that.
Another difference is that nail glue contains beneficial ingredients that help strengthen your nails and prevent fungal infections.
With all that said, you should use the adhesive only for the nail bed. If you end up with glue on your hands, remove it safely.
Will It Come Off The Skin?
Now, a small amount of nail glue shouldn’t be a concern. You can wait for it to dry, and eventually, it will peel off and fall off.
But if you have spilled a larger amount of glue, you should try your best to safely remove it.
How To Get Nail Glue Off Skin?
Now, let’s talk about your options for how to remove nail glue off the skin. There are a couple of options, and it is up to you to choose the most suitable one.
Nail Polish Remover
The first thing that comes to mind is to get a nail polish remover. For this method, you will need a toothbrush, cotton swabs, and any nail polish remover.
Start by using the acetone-based nail polish remover, the most efficient product for dissolving the glue. Dip a cotton swab into the acetone remover, and then press it gently onto the affected area. Let your skin soak the acetone and wait until the glue begins to dissolve.
When you notice the glue dissolving, use your clean toothbrush to rub the glue residue away. Then, apply a moisturizing oil to counteract the drying effects of acetone on your skin.
Petroleum Jelly
This is an alternative that is much safer and gentler for your skin. The tried-and-true product can help you get the glue off your skin.
All you need is soap, water, and petroleum jelly. Apply a generous amount of petroleum jelly to the affected area. Rub it in a circular motion and massage it onto the dried nail glue.
Continue for a few minutes until the glue begins to loosen. After the glue is loose, wash your hands with soap and water to remove any remaining glue residue.
Finish off with a moisturizing oil for your hands.
Soap And Water
The good old soap and water can always help. Now, the difference is this method will take longer. But if you have the time, and lack any useful ingredients, it can save you a trip to the store.
Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and then add soap. Soak your hands for 10 to 15 minutes in soapy water. If the nail glue starts falling, get them off. Sometimes, it might take more than 15 minutes.
When you notice the glue begins to dissolve, gently peel it away from your skin. And then follow up with a hand cream or olive oil to restore moisture to the skin.
Hand Lotion
Here is another option you can try for how to get nail glue off the skin. All you need is hand lotion, soap, and water. It is quite similar to the petroleum jelly method.
Apply the hand lotion to the affected area. Massage the lotion in a circular motion for a few minutes, until the glue begins to flake away.
Once you notice the glue peeling, wash your hands with soap and water to remove any remaining glue residue. When you finish, apply more hand cream to lock in moisture and restore the softness of your skin.
Salt
We know salt is an abrasive product. You can use it to your advantage to remove nail glue from your skin. For this method, you need two teaspoons of salt and some water.
Mix the two ingredients until you get a thick paste. Then, massage the paste on your skin until the glue breaks down. Do not worry, it will take no longer than a minute or two. Salt will dissolve the glue quickly.
Wash your hands with soap and water to remove any traces of glue. Do not use this method if you have sensitive skin, since salt may irritate it.
Rubbing Alcohol
Our last method for removing nail glue is with rubbing alcohol. You will need a toothbrush, cotton ball, soapy water, and rubbing alcohol.
Soak your affected region in warm soapy water to soften the skin. Then, cover the nails with a cotton ball and secure them with strong tape. Soak your fingers in a bowl of rubbing alcohol for 15 minutes.
Dip the toothbrush in alcohol and brush any residual glue off your fingertips. Wash your hands with soap and water and apply moisturizer at the end.
Precautions and Warnings
Now that we know how to remove nail glue from your skin, let’s talk about some safety precaution tips. Always remember these tips:
- Do not tear the skin off with force
- Never use sharp objects to remove nail glue
- Peeling off the skin is not recommended if you have a lot of glue
- Do not touch wet glue, it will spread even more. Wait until the adhesive dries and then try to remove it
When To Call A Doctor?
Nail glue on your hands is not a problem. But be vary, if you get it on your lips or eyes, it is an emergency. Or if you have a chemical burn because of nail glue, you should consult a doctor.
If your lips or eyes are glued, visit a doctor. There, they will rinse the eye with a sterile saline solution and try to remove the glue with a swab of petroleum jelly.
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