How to Get Nail Polish off Skin? – Explore 13 Proven Methods
You are late for a party and have just finished a manicure. But a speck of nail polish has made its way to your skin. We’ve all been there, right? You run the risk of ruining your manicure if you do not carefully remove the nail polish from your skin.
Also, you cannot ignore it. The nail polish on the skin looks like a pimple on your face. It is soo noticeable and attracts attention. We all love attention, but not that judgy kind of attention, right girls?
I will list here a few quid-pro-quo methods that will remove nail polish from your skin without ruining your hard work. So, tag along with me.
How to Get Nail Polish off Skin? -Discover Easy and Effective Methods!
We all have tried nail polish removers, but they are not the only option to get the nail polish off the skin. You will find DIY resources in your kitchen, vanity, or even almirah that will do just the needful for you.
You will be surprised by these DIY methods, as was I while trying to remove that annoying stain from my skin.
Method – 1: Nail polish removers.
It has been the gold standard for wiping away your nail polish. You can try both acetone and acetone-free nail polish removers. Yes, they have chemicals, and they can be drying on your skin to the extent that it looks pale.
Non-acetone nail polish remover comparatively wins this battle and does not dry your skin as much.
Pro Tip: I tried using a cotton ball and it ruined my manicure. Worst experience ever! I advise you to use Q-tips for this task.
Method – 2: Soap Water.
It does take time, but it is a hero for people with sensitive skin. Soak your skin in warm water. It will soften the stain, and you can then rub it off.
You can also try soaking a paper towel in warm water and then using that on your skin. Whatever, works for you. But it’s quite time-consuming.
Method – 3: Rubbing Alcohol.
It is comparatively less time-consuming than soaking. But you need to do it multiple times. You can find any product containing alcohol, like your hair spray or sanitizer.
Apply a small amount of product to a Q-tip and scrub it over the skin. It won’t go away on the first try. But you will see the nail polish gradually fade away.
Again, alcohol-based products are drying. Ensure that you rehydrate with hand cream.
Method – 4: Baby Wipes.
Baby wipes are a gift for people with sensitive skin. The baby products contain oils and are sensitive to the skin. The wipes can help you wipe out your makeup, dirt, or nail polish. The nail polish must be wet, not dry for this method to be successful.
Method – 5: Vinegar + Lemon.
You can easily find vinegar in the kitchen. Vinegar is milder than alcohol. It comes with a pungent smell. I had to repeat scrubbing it quite a few times for the nail polish to be removed.
Ensure to wash your hands thoroughly after using it and rehydrate your skin. As, no matter how mild it is, it still dries your skin.
Method – 6: Coconut oil.
Coconut oil has proven its versatility game for a decade. Besides, providing tons of skincare and healthcare benefits, it also acts as a stain remover plus hydrates your skin.
I would recommend trying this out; at least you will not run the risk of dehydration. The method is not quick though. You have to try it a few times to effectively remove the polish from the skin.
Method – 7: Nail Polish.
Apply a fresh coat of nail polish over the stained area and wipe it off. This method works on dry nail polishes too and is also quicker than other methods.
It works on the same principle as removing nail polish from nails. You apply a fresh coat of nail polish, and it becomes easier to remove. The fresh coat softens the nail polish underneath, making it easier to remove.
Pro Tip: Use a paper towel to remove it, as a cotton ball will stick to the polish and ruin your manicure.
Method – 8: Alcohol spirit.
The spirits like vodka and gin contain high alcohol content. The alcohol in it acts as a solvent. You can submerge your stained skin in alcohol for a few minutes and wipe the stain off the skin.
Wash your hands thoroughly afterward, as spirits might have a pungent odor. Ensure to moisturize with hand cream.
Method – 9: Hydrogen Peroxide.
Hydrogen peroxide is present in cosmetics. It is also readily available at your nearest pharmacy. It acts as a solvent and helps remove the stain from the skin.
Soak your nails in a bowl of hydrogen peroxide and hot water. Use a smaller amount of peroxide as it is a concentrated solution.
Method – 10: Pumice stone or nail buffer.
If the polish has dried, you can scrub it off using your nail filer or nail buffer. Make sure to not use it when your polish is wet, as it will only smudge and ruin your manicure. Be gentle while scrubbing off the stain; you don’t want to peel your skin off.
Method – 11: Perfume.
It should be used as a last resort. Perfumes contain alcohol that softens the nail polish. Soak a cotton ball in perfume and apply it to the stained area. Scrub it off in a circular motion. You will see the polish fade away.
Method – 12: Vitamin E oil.
Just like any oil cleanser, it removes debris and makeup from your face. Vitamin E oil works as well as coconut oil. It removes the stain and rehydrates the skin too.
Method – 13: Toothpaste.
Want a remover that is readily available at home and is sensitive to your skin? Toothpaste might be a great pick!
Take a small amount of toothpaste on a paper towel and rub it on the stained area. Wash your hands with soap and water after that.
How to Get Nail Polish off Skin? – FAQs
How do you get nail polish off your skin without nail polish remover?
Nail polish removers can be drying on your skin. Also, there are times when you are late and cannot find the removers in your vanity. In such cases, you can try soap water, coconut oil, toothpaste, vinegar, rubbing alcohol, hairspray, and hand sanitizer to remove the polish from the skin.
How do you remove dried nail polish?
Removing dried nail polish is more time-consuming and requires much more effort compared to removing wet nail polish. As I have discussed before, you can remove dried nail polish with nail buffers or files, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, pumice stone, nail polish remover, coconut oil, or nail polish.
Can toothpaste remove nail polish?
Yes, I have tried scrubbing my nail polish off my skin with the help of toothpaste. It’s pretty effective when the polish is wet. Just be sure to use a less abrasive one. Take a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and rub it in circular motions. Wipe with a damp cloth. Be sure to moisturize, as toothpaste dries your skin.
Pro Tip: They are not and cannot be as effective as nail polish removers. It’s just to try at times you ran out of your remover or cannot find it.
Wrapping up:
I have highlighted the steps for removing nail polish from the skin. But what if you can prevent it altogether in the first place? No, it’s not that difficult.
We have all seen those Instagram reels where the manicurist applies Vaseline or white glue before applying nail paint. Yes, it’s the most renowned method of preventing the hassle and keeping your polish off the skin.
Apply Vaseline on the cuticles and around the nails using a Q-tip. After applying nail paint, use a clean Q-tip to remove excess vaseline. This will remove any nail paint stain from your skin.
Similarly, you can use white glue. Although, it will take time to dry. Then you can peel off the glue from your fingers.
I must remind you these DIY methods to remove the nail polish off the skin works best for lacquered nail polishes. If you are trying it with gel nail polishes, these are not that effective.
Read related:
- How to Make Nail Polish Last Longer? – Discover 15 Pro Tips
- Are Nail Stickers Bad for Your Nails?
- How to Airbrush Nails? A Guide to Achieve Flawless Nail Art
As a dentist and fashion enthusiast, Sakshee has a keen interest in both maintaining healthy nails and beautifying them. She believes that nails are reflective of one’s personality, well-maintained nails boost confidence and manicures work as therapy and wellness sessions.