Tech Tips - How Cleaning & Skincare Products Can Damage the Skin Barrier — and Increase the Risk of Gel Allergies

The Skin Barrier & Gel Allergies: Why It Matters

As nail professionals, we talk a lot about product chemistry, correct curing, and prep techniques — but there’s a piece of the allergy conversation that’s often missed:

The condition of the client’s skin barrier before their appointment.

A compromised skin barrier increases the risk of gel allergies, because allergens (such as acrylates found in gel polish, builder gel and nail enhancements) can penetrate the skin more easily if the barrier is damaged or weakened.

When the skin barrier is healthy, it acts like a protective shield.
When it’s damaged, it becomes permeable, meaning irritants and allergens can enter more easily — raising the risk of sensitivity or allergic reactions.

What weakens the skin barrier?

There are two main culprits that clients often don’t realise are contributing to sensitivity:

1. Cleaning Products (Household Chemicals)

Many cleaning agents contain surfactants, solvents and degreasers that strip the natural oils from the skin. This leaves hands dry, cracked and vulnerable.

Common barrier-compromising products include:

These products:

• Strip essential lipids from the skin barrier
  
  

• Increase transepidermal water loss (TEWL)
  
  

• Leave microscopic cracks in the skin
  
  

Once the barrier is compromised, monomers from gel products that touch the skin — even accidentally — can enter more easily and trigger allergies.

2. Skincare Acids & Exfoliating Products

Many clients are surprised to learn that their skincare routine affects their nail service.

Products that contain chemical exfoliants or retinoids can thin or sensitise the skin, especially around the hands and cuticles:

These products encourage cell turnover — great for complexion, not ideal before a gel appointment. They make the skin more vulnerable and reactive to product contact.

How Nail Techs Can Educate Clients (Without Frightening Them)

Use clear, simple aftercare wording:

“For the first 24–48 hours after your appointment, avoid using harsh cleaning products or exfoliating hand creams. These can weaken the skin barrier, making sensitivity more likely.”

Encourage clients to:

• Wear nitrile gloves when cleaning (especially when using bleach or degreasers)
  
  

• Avoid chemical exfoliants and retinoid hand creams before appointments
  
  

• Wash hands thoroughly after using exfoliating or active skincare products (retinoids, acids etc)
  
  

• Moisturise daily to support the skin barrier

Suggested Script to Say to Clients

“Your hands are exposed to more chemicals than you think. Anything that dries, peels, exfoliates or strips oils from the skin weakens the barrier — and weak skin allows gel ingredients to penetrate. Wearing gloves for cleaning and being mindful of skincare products protects both your skin and your nails.”

Protecting the Skin Barrier Protects Their Gel Nails

Healthy skin =

• Better retention
  
  

• Less irritation
  
  

• Lower chance of allergies
  
  

• Longer-lasting enhancements
  
  

Allergy prevention is a team effort between the nail technician and the client.

Clients will appreciate the education, and it reinforces your professionalism and commitment to safety.