Reviews about the "Smart Enamel" company "French", which has an office in the United States, are rather controversial. Having appeared on the drugstore shelves at the beginning of the century, it quickly became famous and gained incredible popularity. It was used to restore nails after building up with poor-quality materials, after improper removal of artificial nails, to improve natural thin and weak nail plates.
Many advised using it in all cases - as a base, as a topcoat, and as a haze in French manicure. Even the masters of salons had on the shelf a bottle of “Restorer Smart Enamel”. Reviews about the tool were excellent.
After a while, complaints appeared about damaged nails of those who often used this tool. It turned out that with prolonged use, the nail plate is depleted. What is the matter?
Is this enamel so smart
All means of this line are lacquered. It contains camphor, formaldehyde resin (tosylamide) and components common for cheap varnishes, for example, trimethyl pentanyl diisobutyrate plasticizer. Interestingly, this includes vitamins, calcium, and even mineral oil, as well as vegetable oils. It is known that vitamins are not absorbed by the dead cells of onychoblasts that make up the outer layers of the nail. This is just a useless inclusion, calculated only on the product of an impression on the average person, like vegetable oil "without cholesterol."
The agreement of some countries on the production of cosmetics without any threat to health provides for a ban on the inclusion of formaldehyde, toluene and dibutyl phthalate in nail polishes. Some companies went further by announcing a ban on camphor and formaldehyde resin in their products.
The presence of formaldehyde resin and camphor excludes French products from the Big 5free agreement. Nevertheless, the composition of the product triphenyl phosphate, which in the body is converted to diphenyl phosphate and is a poison. Phthalic anhydride is also very dangerous. Like formaldehyde resin and diphenyl phosphate, it has a second hazard class. For comparison, formaldehyde refers to the first (the most dangerous).
Composition
Speaking about medical formulations for nails, including “Smart Enamel”, reviews note the strengthening effect only in those that contain formaldehyde. True, this does not apply to allergies.
Oddly enough, formaldehyde is often found in medicinal varnishes. He greatly overdries his nails, and they begin to break and peel. Apparently, therefore, the oil in the composition is used - to mitigate. Along with this, the nail plates are compacted, which gives the impression of improvement. It is believed that the body increases the thickness of the nail, trying to get rid of the harmful substance.
Reviews on “Smart Enamel” agree on one thing - the composition is harmful to brittle and brittle nails, as it overdries them even more. But if the nail plate is not too dry, but just soft and thin by nature, you can use the tool. The main thing is not to use it constantly. In general, the means of this line do not differ from transparent varnishes of the economy class both in composition and in the result of application.
To neutralize the effect of overdrying nails, cuticle oil made from natural ingredients should be used. In the latest issues of Smart Enamel, reviews note the presence of such oils in the composition of the product, but its amount is inferior to mineral oil made from oil.
What ingredients are medicinal in the product
If a cosmetic product claims to be medicinal, this should reflect its composition. The composition of "Smart Enamel" really has useful substances: vitamins, oils, trace elements. But this is useless: the nail consists of fifty layers of keratinized keratin cells, the upper of which penetrate deeply into each other and create a barrier that prevents absorption.
Even if by some miracle some vitamin penetrates deep into the keratin mass, it will not enter the bloodstream, and the nails are fed through the blood vessels. It is blood that brings all the necessary substances to the matrix, where onychoblasts, keratin cells, are built. Oil is a useful element, but it is negligible in the composition of the varnish product. If you increase its amount, adhesion will decrease and the varnish will not hold. Therefore, it can neither be moisturized nor absorbed.
Now, if applied in the form of oil to the cuticle, there would be an effect. And so - no. Nails do not get better if we wash and cut fruits and vegetables, pick berries. But in this case they have much more contact with vitamins, moreover, natural ones. Therefore, we must admit that these substances are nothing more than advertising.
Why do nails deteriorate without varnish
Many people noticed that after removing the decorative coating (gel polish, gel or regular varnish), it does not take several days for the tips of the nails to begin to peel and break off, the corners are lost and the shape of the nails changes. This is due to the contact of unprotected nails with an aggressive environment: solvents and detergents, earth, cement and lime dust, and other things that have become commonplace for modern man.
If the nails are short, the effect on them is not so noticeable. Constant cutting of the free edge prevents the nails from growing, and they are less susceptible to mechanical deformation. But it’s worth growing a small length (usually it is possible with gel polish), as after removal, the tips break in the smile zone or a little closer to the middle, and you have to cut off all the nails.
In the same period, if you do not use varnish, the ends begin to flake and the free edge crumble. An urgent tool for the treatment of nails is urgently bought, often according to reviews - a clever nail enamel “Smart Enamel”, and treatment begins. The coating immediately protects the nails from external influences, and they acquire a healthy look. From the ends, the varnish continues to crack, peeling off the film when washing dishes. But if you restore it in time, cut off the growing nail and seal the ends when painting, it is very soon possible to restore the type of nails that was before applying gel polish. There is no curative effect in this case, so you can restore your nails with any varnish.
When varnish “Smart enamel” does not help
Reviews that note the uselessness of using this tool are quite common. Of course, everything is subjective: someone makes excessive demands on Smart Enamel, since the product is advertised in the pharmacy network. It didn’t suit someone because of an allergy. But there are other cases, and there are many.
After improper removal of gel polish, the nails lose up to half their natural thickness, exfoliate, have an uneven surface. Some are trying to treat them with a regenerator of exfoliating nails “Smart Enamel”, and the feedback after this procedure is sharply negative.
No varnish-based coating can even out damaged nails, for this there is a biogel. The application of several layers of varnish only leads to the removal of its film after a few hours, and often it exfoliates from the cuticle. This does not mean that this particular product is not suitable - any, even the most expensive and respected varnish will not work.
Nail Injury and Recovery
After the summer time of sandals, usually in September, girls with nail injuries come to see the pedicure master. Long nails rest on the shoes, bend and crack near the cuticle. Covered with gel polish suffer more often than others. The situation is aggravated by the fact that fungus can enter the tissue, and then serious treatment will be required.
No master will recommend the “Enamel” enamel in this situation, and the reviews of enthusiastic admirers of this brand will not affect him at all. And the manufacturers themselves probably did not create varnish for serious treatment. The name "fortifier" is nothing more than a commercial move.
It is sad if a girl comes to a pharmacy with such a problem and acquires this remedy. Time will be lost and complications will appear. The varnish product will not stay in such a place, it will be removed with a film or chipped from the constant movement of a split nail. Overdrying of the gentle nail bed will lead to improper formation of the nail plate in the future.
Nail bed burn
Among the negative reviews about the coating "Smart Enamel" there are complaints about a burn of the nail bed. The “Diamond base” contains adipic acid, the effect on the body of which has not yet been studied. The hazard class is second. It was she who was responsible for the burn: apparently, too much concentration.
The use of a diamond base is contraindicated for injuries, thin nails and emaciated after removal of artificial materials. In medicine, it is believed that nails can absorb from 10 to 80 percent of the substance. Some compounds (for example, adipic acid) accumulate in the body and are excreted with great difficulty. In this case, an allergy develops.
According to reviews, an allergy to “Smart Enamel” is manifested in the form of redness, peeling of the skin, the appearance of itching, the surface of the nail forms bubbles, a sensation of pain, tightening appears. The smell of the drug causes a cough. It is not known exactly which substances in the composition are allergens in each of the above cases. Judging by the composition, they are enough.
Cuticle softener
The company "French" produces a tool for the cuticle "Smart enamel", reviews of which are called not "cuticle remover", but "retractor". Indeed, the alkali contained in the composition cannot dissolve the skin, since this will require a much higher concentration, which is fraught with a burn. Yes, and this tool is supposed to rinse with water after use.
The active substance in the composition of the remover is sodium hydroxide (caustic soda). Its concentration is small, it can not cause harm. But nevertheless, according to the instructions, it is supposed to remove it from the skin and keep it for no more than two or three minutes. According to reviews, and fifteen minutes is not critical. The only negative is that the product is absorbed and the cuticle dries up. Therefore, it is better to work with him on one finger.
If there is hope that this product after application will soften and exfoliate all keratinized cells of the cuticle, the result will not please. However, this product can successfully replace maceration - steaming hands in the bath for a cut manicure. In composition, it is similar to many alkaline remuvers of this price category.
Gel for thickening nails
"Smart enamel" in the reviews of some consumers - just a panacea. After its application, the nails gradually cease to exfoliate, grow back and recover. It is recommended to apply it daily, in two layers, removing the old coating with nail polish remover. Any manicurist will say this, which thus improves any nail polish.
Some in order to let go of the length, use the following products from the brand "Smart Enamel":
- gel for thickening, reviews of which note a thicker consistency;
- "3 in 1" - base, firming and topcoat;
- nails restorer - no special effect is observed;
- nail hardener (though nails turn yellow from it).
In fact, it is possible to grow the length. But here regarding the thickness of the nails one should not be mistaken: what it was by nature will remain that way. In fact, no lacquer can fix thin and soft nails by nature. This is an internal problem, you need to deal with improving the metabolism in the body, taking vitamins, and treating organs. And the name is another advertising move.
Apparently, due to the thick consistency of this particular product, marketers found it possible to use the word “thickening” in the name. But in fact, “Smart Enamel” for thickening nails (having enthusiastic reviews, but not from professionals) is a useless thing.
Are colored varnishes smart?
It is tempting to both strengthen nails and wear colored varnish. That’s how Smart Enamel nail polish was conceived. Reviews, however, indicate the absence of any strengthening, poor colors, unstable coating. By the quality of the film forming the varnish is compared with cheap analogues.
This coating does not fall on the base for nails. According to the manufacturer, it is designed to strengthen the nails, which means that it itself is the base. According to the reviews of those who tried to use it as such, another varnish is well applied to it, but does not last long. Apparently, as a hardener, this product is supposed to be applied daily.
In one layer, the varnish looks bad, in two it can lie unevenly. There were more minuses than pluses. All products are distinguished by rapid thickening in a bottle, after which they are poorly applied. But the brush of the brand “Smart Enamel” is very good, many use it for applying other varnishes.
Recommendations of specialists
No specialist in the field of medicine or nail service will send a client to the pharmacy for a bottle of Smart Enamel if the problem is with thin, exfoliated and crumbling nails. Firstly, it can be a serious symptom of the disease. Then painting nails is the last thing to do in this situation. Secondly, both the doctor and the salon master know for sure: when the problem is serious, it must be solved from the inside.
Here are some suggestions:
- To strengthen nails, it is necessary to monitor the diet and get enough vitamins and minerals to form keratin.
- All housework should be done with gloves on.
- With a small detachment at the tips of the nails, baths with sea salt help.
- You should regularly do hygienic manicure and nourish the cuticle with special oil, preferably natural.
- Remove artificial coating should be competent, without damaging the surface of the nail.
- With severe damage to the nails, wax sealing will help.
- Leaving nails for a long time without coating is dangerous: damage to the aggressive environment is too likely.
And now the last item on this list is suitable for using varnish, including Smart Enamel.
Placebo or fake?
Reviews of “Smart Enamel” for nails indicate that the product was better before. Now he is increasingly upset by his fans. Guessing about fake. But is this the case? The composition has been constantly changing over the years: first, formaldehyde was excluded and replaced with formaldehyde resin, later film former, pigments were changed, and oils were added. It can be seen that manufacturers are trying to find an effective formula that protects and strengthens nails.
It’s a little embarrassing that this product is bottled in bottles in Pushchino, near Moscow, where French Products LLC occupies production facilities. And here is the USA? Domestic products. But the product still has one positive feature: if you take care of your nails, they will certainly become better. Maybe this enamel and placebo, but then it is undoubtedly smart!