Latest news with #AlexisGranite
Refinery29
5 days ago
- Health
- Refinery29
'Nail Greenies' Are The BIAB Side Effect No One Warned Me About
I love to keep my nails looking pristine. For the past few years, I've been obsessed with gel manicures, often choosing a sparkly pink or a standout blue to complement my signature navy mascara. But I discovered that gel chipped easily, and after a removal appointment left my natural nails sore and damaged, I made a vow to restore them to health. One nail treatment that had helped me in the past was BIAB, aka Builder In A Bottle, and with my trip to New York for my 30th birthday in March, it felt like the perfect occasion to book in. Fast forward to July, and I asked my nail tech about a fresh set of BIAB for my upcoming holiday. She assured me that my nails were fine for one more infill — having the gap between your cuticle and the builder gel filled in. Imagine my surprise, then, while at Disneyland Paris — supposedly the happiest place on Earth — when I noticed my BIAB lifting on one thumb, revealing a patch of swamp-green discolouration. Not exactly on-brand. Fortunately, my mind didn't jump to the idea that I was turning into an alien. Instead, I realised that my nail had started lifting, and I suspected I was dealing with ' nail greenies '. What exactly is nail greenies or Pseudomonas? Dr Alexis Granite, a consultant dermatologist and founder of skincare brand Joonbyrd, explains that nail greenies are professionally known as Pseudomonas aeruginosa: 'This is an infection of a nail, which is caused by the Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria,' she tells me. It's called 'greenies' because it often appears blue-green, dark green or sometimes even a black colour, says Dr Granite. Several things can cause nail greenies, says Dr Granite. One common reason? 'Some kind of nail trauma, commonly the nail separating from the nail bed due to acrylic nails or other types of nail extensions,' she explains. Dr Granite notes that greenies is also common in people who have prolonged exposure to moisture, whether from excessive hand washing or working in damp conditions: 'Pre-existing nail conditions, a weakened immune system and poor nail hygiene can also contribute to the bacterial infection,' she says. In my case, the infection was due to my BIAB lifting and moisture becoming trapped underneath. Celebrity manicurist Michelle Humphrey adds that nail greenies is often mistaken for a fungus: 'Nail fungus is not typically green and has different attributes such as thickened, yellowish, brittle nail plates,' she says. Much like fungus, though, nail greenies can multiply and spread. Dr Granite says that if left untreated, you might notice a handful of symptoms: 'You can experience green and yellowish discharge, a swollen nail and tenderness, pain and discomfort, and over time, an infection in the skin,' not just the nailbed. How do you get rid of nail greenies? And is it safe to keep getting BIAB? If you suspect you have nail greenies, celebrity manicurist Roxanne Campbell says it's important to keep the affected nails dry and free from products to allow them to 'air out' and eventually grow out naturally. This means gently removing any BIAB or other nail enhancements like soft and hard gels or acrylic. Keeping nails as bare as possible is key, confirms Humphrey, who explains that oxygen helps to kill the bacteria. In most cases, using 'breathable' nail polishes, which are water-permeable, is fine. The time it takes for green discolouration to grow out on nails depends on where it's located. If it is situated lower down on the nail, it will likely take longer to grow out. In my case, the green discolouration affected two fingers and one thumb. Since it wasn't too low down, my nail has already grown out most of the green hue, leaving just a small patch behind. It's been just under a month since I had my BIAB removed, so my nails are growing out quickly. If you've kept your nails bare, clean and dry, but the greenies persist, Dr Granite suggests contacting your GP for a nail treatment. 'If there's any question that [the nail is] not responding, topical antibiotic creams, and in more severe cases, an oral antibiotic might be recommended,' she says. The latter can only be prescribed by a medical professional, so if you're concerned, it's always best to seek expert advice on the next steps. @aliciacadotte This is why you DONT wait 5 weeks for a nail fill and glue your lifted nails back down! Greenies (as seen on the thumb), are caused by moisture getting trapped under the artificial nail. Cracks (seen on middle finger) can also be a huge cause for greenies or nail damage on the enhancement and natural nail. Gluing down your nails in a pinch is okay once in a while but please for the sake of your well being, get your nails filled in a timely manner, and always have your nail tech fix your nails. #nailart #nails #nailtech ♬ original sound - aliciacadotte How do you prevent nail greenies? While the cause of nail greenies isn't always obvious, Humphrey says that red flags to look out for include lifting, any discolouration and pressure on the nail plate once the nail enhancement has grown out. 'If your nails start to look bulky or uneven, it could be time to take a break and refresh the nail set properly,' says Humphrey. Adding, 'Numerous infills without assessing the nail underneath can also be a cause for greenies, especially if you are wearing a coloured builder gel, as this disguises the nail plate.' Humphrey believes that proper prep can make all the difference: 'Your nail pro should be doing thorough cuticle work, removing surface oils and applying a clean, even base [before BIAB or gel],' she says. 'Over-buffing the natural nail should be avoided and there should be zero dust or oil on the nail before application.' During your manicure, also avoid things like rummaging in your bag, touching your phone, your face, your hair or eating, says Humphrey. 'All of these things can transfer oils, dirt, fluff and bacteria onto your nails after they've been prepped,' she says. 'So when your nail tech pleads with you to sit still, it's not just for vibes — it's for the longevity of your manicure.' Campbell says that once the infection has cleared and the nail plate looks clean and healthy, you can apply BIAB or other nail enhancements again. Humphrey also recommends choosing a properly qualified nail technician: 'Make sure the [nail station] is fully sanitised and that tools and implements are changed regularly,' she says. 'Nail files [should be thrown away] after use to avoid cross-contamination.' If you're having BIAB or gel removed, check that your nails look healthy before reapplication: 'When in doubt, keep your nails bare and wait a little longer,' says Humphrey. A good nail technician should always let you know when your nails need a break from gel or BIAB. How can you strengthen nails after greenies? If your nails are looking and feeling neglected, there's still time to revive them. Gaelle Lebrat Personnaz, founder and CEO of Manucurist, a nail brand that focuses on nail care and natural nail health, says that once the green discolouration has completely cleared and the nail is healthy again, you can start rebuilding its strength. 'After treating a greenie, nails are often left dry, brittle or weakened,' she says. Lebrat Personnaz recommends the brand's Nail Rescue Kit, £45, a perfect post-recovery routine. 'It includes the Huile Verte Cuticle Oil for deep daily nourishment, S.O.S Nail Strengthener to rebuild strength and resilience, and our S.O.S Nail Masque, an intensive treatment mask that deeply hydrates and repairs damaged nails.' Humphrey also recommends one of my go-to cuticle oils, Essie On a Roll Apricot Nail & Cuticle Oil, £14.99, which is deeply nourishing, great for on-the-go use and smells amazing. Besides topical treatments, Campbell suggests a diet rich in protein, biotin, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids to support healthier nails. Lastly, if the green discolouration hasn't grown out after a few weeks, or if you notice different side effects, it's always best to reach out to a medical professional for further advice.
Daily Mirror
27-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
The Ordinary's toner is a festival must-have but £3 alternative is just as good
Festival season is upon us, and while your outfit may take priority, your beauty bag is key to getting you through the weekend - here's how to keep your skin flawless As festival season makes a comeback, while outfits may seem like the top priority, your beauty bag is key to getting you through the weekend. But keeping your skin fresh, protected and glowing during a festival is a big ask during long days, heat and limited access to running water. Before you dive into the festival chaos, prepping your skin in the lead-up is key to maintaining a fresh, radiant glow. Dermatologist Dr Alexis Granite says a little exfoliation is a great first step, and recommends The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner - retailing at just £7.70. "A little light exfoliation is a great way to get your skin festival ready," says Dr Granite, founder of Joonbyrd. "AHAs such as glycolic acid and lactic acid are good ingredient options for a radiance boost." According to Skinsort, Boots Ingredients Glycolic Acid Toner is a good match for The Ordinary and can save you £4. These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe toners. They both contain AHAs and are both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, dark spots and better texture. Dr Granite also says a calming sheet mask the day before the event can also help hydrate and soothe your skin. Using ultra-hydrating products ahead of the weekend – like swapping out your gel cleanser for a cream or balm – will help lock in hydration for the coming days. "Give your skin a thorough cleanse with [an] effective deeply cleansing oil-to-milk cleansing balm," says holistic facialist and Weleda skincare expert, Elizabeth King. "After your first cleanse reapply a second layer and leave on for 10 minutes," she says, as this helps plump and replenish your skin even further. The Weleda Skin Food Nourishing Cleansing Balm is a great option for getting your double cleanse on lock while at a festival. Amidst the excitement of a festival – with limited amenities – sticking to a full skincare regimen is often not feasible. Granite suggests paring back your typical cleansing routine to "cleansing pads and micellar water" for maintaining cleanliness sans running water. She also recommends using oil-free moisturiser and sunscreen to help avoid clogged pores, adding: "Try to avoid touching your face often with your hands. You can also carry pimple patches as needed for when you're in a pinch." For those who prefer their regular cleanser that necessitates water, King advises bringing "a small airtight container of dampened cotton pads pre-prepared with a little boiled water", enabling a thorough cleanse even without tap access. And certainly don't neglect hand sanitiser before applying makeup or skincare. You can score yourself some Garnier Micellar Water Facial Cleanser Sensitive Skin for only £4.49 (formerly £8.99) at Boots. While pre-festival preparation focuses on protection and hydration, post-festival skincare is all about repair and replenishment. Granite stresses the importance of drinking plenty of clear fluids to "amp up your overall hydration levels". The solution to dehydration is a simple fix: electrolytes. These replenish both liquid levels and salts faster than a glass of water. A daily dose of electrolyte blends in the morning is both safe and smart planning, jumping ahead of summer plans in the sun that might leave us lightheaded. Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We'd love to hear from you!
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Why you need to switch up your cleanser for summmer — and the 10 you should know about now
We all cleanse twice a day — or at least we should — and while cleansers that remove dirt, grime and makeup are an abundant and hardworking breed, finding options that work for your specific skin needs and leave your complexion looking and feeling fresh, vital and nourished, rather than tight, stripped, sensitive or dry, is more of a challenge. Moreover, call me hard to please, but I am also partial to those cleansers that not only deliver the goods for the complexion, but also bolster my mind by adding some sensorial elegance and joy to ones day, especially when it comes to my evening routine. In skincare terms, the summer months tend to signal that it's time to switch up your cleansing routine, as we spend more time outdoors and are inevitably more exposed to the elements, including dust and pollution. At this time of year we are likely to apply sunscreen more often and to sweat more excessively too. First and foremost, while you may want to reconsider rethinking your cleanser as the weather warms, so that it works harder for you, do remember that the basic cleansing theory remains the same, ensuring that you continue to double cleanse at night. 'In the summer you might want to switch from a more thick, unctuous balm such as Skin Rocks Cleansing Balm, (£55 or Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, (£49 to something lighter like Tatcha Camellia Cleansing oil, (£48 says skincare expert and KMP Skin Clinic founder Katharine MacKenzie Paterson. 'That said, my go-to for a weeknight cleanse in hot weather - so removing make up, SPF, and 'the day'- would be Medik8 Lipid Balance Cleansing Oil (£29 and then a gentle foaming cleanser like Kate Somerville Goat Milk Cleanser, (£39 or Epionce Purifying Wash, (£41 as I find that I can get oilier and be more prone to breakouts with the heat, so using a foaming cleanser feels more purifying' Consultant dermatologist Alexis Granite agrees. 'Foaming or gel cleansers tend to be the ideal texture for summer, as they are best equipped to clear away the extra perspiration, grime and residue that is typical of warmer months, as well as makeup and sunscreen. In addition, I recommend looking out for ingredients within cleansers that can help reduce congestion, such as Benzoyl Peroxide, Glycolic and Salicylic Acid too.' Dr Granite's personal picks? 'CeraVe's new Balancing Air Foam Cleanser, (£14.49 is formulated with Glycosyline to control oil while also providing hydration, great for summer. I also like Natura Bissé Oxygen Mousse Foaming Cleanser, (£52 and Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser, (£29 My own skin tends to go haywire as summer arrives, but I find that CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser with Salicylic Acid, (£14.50 ) Dermalogica Magnetic[+] Afterglow Cleanser, (£49 which features positively charged Hyaluronic Acid to help retain moisture and boost glow, and Allies of Skin Molecular Silk Hydrating Cleanser, (£38 manage to keep my complexion on the straight and narrow. Finally, those feeling the urge to cleanse their skin more in the heat, should ensure that they are not overdoing it, or stripping their skin. 'Choose a cleanser well suited to your skin type, and look for options that are pH-balanced and sulfate-free,' says 'Ingredients such as ceramides, Centella Asiatica, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin and Allantoin can also ensure the barrier is supported, while also allowing the product to thoroughly cleanse.
