Experimental Study of the Reduction in Ceramide Content in Fingernails Due to Nail Polish Remover Use

The amount and distribution of ceramide, an intercellular lipid, in the fingernails of three Japanese women in their twenties were examined and as were the structural changes of fingernail cross sections after fingernails were immersed in an acetone-based nail polish remover solution. These results also suggest that, compared to healthy fingernails, rough fingernails are more prone to breakage and damage. Furthermore, it was found that the amount of ceramide decreased when fingernails were immersed in nail polish remover solution. These results show that the frequent use of nail polish remover may worsen condition of fingernails.