What is a Nail Whitener?

Nail whiteners are an over-the-counter product that aims to whiten yellowed nails. Most nail whiteners include various bleaching agents that whiten nails with the help of certain chemicals. While these products are popular, many beauty experts believe that nails can be whitened without the help of any over-the-counter nail whitener product.

The average nail whitener has three basic ingredients. These ingredients include sodium precarbonate, potassium peroxydisulfate, and sodium tripolyphosphate. Essentially, both sodium precarbonate and potassium peroxydisulfate are bleaching agents. Sodium tripolyphosphate is an ingredient that is often used as a preservative for certain foods, including pet food. Thus, any average nail whitener contains bleaching and cleaning agents that both clean and whiten nails.

Aside from purchasing a nail whitener to whiten nails, many beauty experts believe that nails can be whitened with a simple home solution. By thoroughly cleaning nails, soaking nails in lemon juice mixed with baking powder, and rubbing the mixture into nails, many people find that nails appear whiter. This home remedy can be applied to nails on a regular basis in order to increase whiteness.

While many people simply find yellowed nails unattractive, a sudden change in nail color can be a sign of impending problems. Nails turn yellow for numerous reasons including certain health conditions. While most people experience yellowing nails as a result of bacteria, yellowed nails can also be a sign of a serious medical problem. People who are suffering from diabetes, kidney failure, heart disease, and lung problems may have yellowed nails. Therefore, anyone who is experiencing a sudden change in nail color should seek medical attention right away.

Nail whitener can be purchased in any drugstore or online. Home treatments can be concocted simply and easily, though mixing bleaching elements in order to create a nail whitener is not recommended. Prior to applying any kind of nail whitener, homemade or otherwise, it is wise to remove any nail polish beforehand. Attempting to apply a whitening product over nail polish will not result in whiter nails.

Frequently, the color of one's nails may be directly impacted by one's diet. Many health professionals believe that consuming a diet full of vitamins and nutrients will encourage whiter nails along with nail growth. Contrastingly, consuming a diet laden with salt, sugar, and fried food will adversely effect nails. In the end, by eating a healthier diet, monitoring one's health with regular medical check-ups, and using either a homemade whitener or store-bought whitener, yellowed nails should become whiter.