Exactly How to Whiten Yellow Nails, According to Dermatologists
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I love painting my nails with the best summer nail trends and summer nail polish colors. But when it's time to remove my manicure, I occasionally notice a yellow tint on my natural nail. With that in mind, I've been determined to learn not just what causes this yellowing (most of the time, it's nothing to be concerned about) but also how to whiten yellow nails for the times I want to embrace a naked nail.
My key takeaway: "If you do have yellowing of the nail from nail polish, I’d suggest stopping use of nail polish temporarily to let the nails breathe," explains Shiela Farhang, MD FAAD and board-certified dermatologist. There are products to whiten nails in a pinch, a base coat is my best friend, and, if the yellowing doesn't go away, it's time to contact a board-certified dermatologist.
Ahead, we spoke with Dr. Farhang and Dr. Dana Stern, dermatologists specializing in nail health, as well as medical pedicurist Marcela Correa to get the full breakdown on what causes yellow nails, how to prevent them, and how to fix them. Get ready for your healthiest, most immaculate-looking hands yet.
Why Are My Nails Yellow?
While we're all for creative nail trends, the best nails are the healthiest ones.
- Nail Polish Staining
If you paint your nails regularly, the yellowing is probably due to a combination of the polish and the polish removal process. Dr. Stern warns that this is especially true if you gravitate towards darker colors like black, red, and navy. "Polish remover dissolves the polish and makes the pigments migrate and leach," she explains. The darker the color, the more pigment."
Gel manicures and acrylic manicures are more likely to damage nails not only because of the polish itself but also because of the removal. "We may see more yellowing with the no-chip and gel manicures, which require 10-minute soaks in acetone for removal," says Dr. Stern, as this practice is incredibly drying. Correa adds that acrylics can dehydrate the nail, often making them appear yellow and thin. "If acrylics are not taken off regularly, the chances of your nails becoming discolored and changing in shape increase," he explains.
- Fungal Infection
Dr. Stern says that if your nails are yellow, thick, and "crumbly," you may have a fungal infection—but you should check with your dermatologist. "If you remove your toenail polish and the nails are not improving after a few weeks, seek medical attention," she says.
While Dr. Stern admits that only 50 percent of nail abnormalities are caused by fungus, Correa warns that if the condition is left untreated, it can result in nail loss—so it's better to be safe than sorry.
Clean, healthy nails are the perfect base for any look.
- Yellow Nail Syndrome
In rare cases, your yellowing nails may be caused by Yellow Nail Syndrome, a condition in which nails cannot grow normally and appear thick and yellow or green. Dr. Stern says this issue "is associated with underlying lymphatic disease as well as lung disease or malignancy." Other warning signs include the lack of a cuticle and a lunula (the half-moon mark at the bottom of your nails). While treatment is available for this condition, Dr. Stern points out that it's typically a chronic disease and requires close medical monitoring.
- Injury
Dr. Stern explains that any nail injury or condition that slows growth can lead to nail yellowing. One example is retronychia, in which the nail matrix, or growth plate, is injured, resulting in an abnormal, discolored nail.
- Environmental Factors
Finally, products other than nail polish can also impact your nails' appearance. Dr. Stern cites tobacco and self-tanner as particularly likely culprits for yellowing.
How Do You Get Rid of Yellow Nails Fast?
- Use a Whitening Toothpaste
Good news: You can remove yellow nail stains relatively easily. If your stains are mild, Correa recommends brushing them once monthly with a whitening toothpaste and then following up with a cuticle oil (she loves olive oil) for hydration.
- Try an Exfoliator
Dr. Stern also recommends using a solution specially formulated to revitalize nails, particularly an exfoliating option that contains glycolic acid.
If the stains are particularly severe, she says to use a solution of three to four tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide and half a cup of water. Up to two to three times per week, soak your nails in this mixture for up to two minutes, scrub the surface with a soft toothbrush, and rinse.
- Let Your Nails Breath
If your nails are yellowing from nail polish, I suggest stopping using it temporarily to let the nails breathe. Sometimes, the yellow tint will resolve on its own.
How to Prevent Yellow Nails and Toenails
- Use a Base Coat
"First off, you need to apply one of the best base coats to help protect the nail," says Dr. Farhang. This will create a stain-proof barrier between your nail and your polish.
- Choose High Quality Nail Polishes
"You want to apply a nail polish that is formulated in a way that actually helps strengthen your nails, not hurt them," says Dr. Farhang. "Formula and technology are key when it comes to maintaining healthy nails." She recommends CND Shellac Gel Polish, which has a formula that creates microscopic tunnels that allow the coating to “breathe” while maintaining a balance of moisture and oils in the natural nails. OPI, Essie, and Olive & June are all great brands to seek out as well.
- Remove Polish Every Two Weeks
Correa also advises hydrating and exfoliating bare nails regularly and removing polish every two weeks, allowing some time for nails to go bare. You can also opt for a gentle or acetone-free nail polish remover that won't dehydrate your nails so much.
Meet the Experts
Dr. Dana Stern is a board-certified dermatologist who also specializes in nail disorders. She is based in New York City.
Marcela Correa is the founder and CEO of Medi Pedi NYC. A licensed Medical Nail Technician with over 20 years of experience, she specializes in pioneering nail treatments that both satisfy her clients' aesthetic desires and support long-term nail health.
Dr. Sheila Farhang is a board-certified dermatologist and double-fellowship trained cosmetic surgeon as well as a reconstructive Mohs micrographic (skin cancer) surgeon. “Dr. Sheila” as many know her as, stands out in the dermatology space as she has expertise in both integrative skincare and cutting-edge procedures. She is also highly regarded in the female empowerment space being a founder, CEO, and multi-business owner.
Dr. Sheila attended the University of Texas for her undergraduate and medical degrees. Dr. Sheila then completed her dermatology residency at the University of South Florida Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery. During this time, she augmented her surgical education with additional training with plastic surgeons. Upon completion, she was selected for a position at arguably one of the most competitive programs in the country for dual fellowship at the Skin Institute of South Florida and Hollywood Dermatology in the Miami, FL area. During this time, she also completed a year-long entrepreneur and leadership program through the Advancing Innovation in Dermatology led by Harvard faculty and international industry leaders.
