Online Reporter
Fashion 263 Correspondent
As the chill sets in, and we swap our sandals for boots, it’s time to update our nail game to match the winter mood.
This season, gel manicures are embracing a blend of cosy hues, playful textures, and a touch of sparkle.
Rich, moody tones
Winter nails are going full dark romance. Expect to see colours like Oxblood Red, Midnight Navy, and Espresso Brown everywhere.
These shades are rich, dramatic, and a bit mysterious, like that one friend who always has great stories but never overshares. Bonus: they go with literally everything in your winter wardrobe.
Pastels, but make it icy
Just because it’s gloomy outside doesn’t mean you can’t have a bit of fun. Pastels are sticking around, but with a cool, icy edge. Frosted Lilac, Winter Mint, and Powder Blue are the picks, think soft, dreamy, and TikTok-pretty.
Chrome and metallics
Want nails that scream “I have my life together”, even if you’re just wearing Uggs to Spar?
Chrome is it. Liquid Silver, Burnished Gold, and Gunmetal Grey are turning nails into jewellery.
It’s perfect for adding a little drama without needing to actually talk to anyone.
3D nail art
From tiny pearls and gold accents to embossed swirls and velvet finishes, texture is trending. This is for the bold babes who treat their hands like a Pinterest board.
Add tiny snowflakes on a Cream Nude base or throw gems over a Plum Purple and you’re instantly giving glam witch vibes.
Short and chic
Long claws are fun, but shorties are back with a vengeance. This winter, it’s all about the Milky White, Deep Olive, or even a sassy Slate Blue.
It’s simple, it’s sophisticated, and it won’t break off when you open your Woolies yoghurt tub.
Nudes and neutrals
She’s clean, she’s polished. The “clean girl” aesthetic lives on, and she’s rocking Soft Beige, Almond Nude, and Pink Latte nails.
These tones are timeless, office-friendly, and oh-so-French café. Add a glossy top coat and maybe a dainty gold decal if you’re feeling spicy.
Dark aura nails
These are the nails you’d wear to manifest under the full moon. Think Blackened Emerald, Deep Ruby fading into Amethyst Smoke, all layered with aura-like gradients. They’re moody, mystical, and Instagram-ready.
Keep your hands moisturised (no one likes ashy cuticles), and don’t skip the base coat. A little hand cream in your bag goes a long way.
So go on, book that nail appointment or bring out your DIY kit. This winter, your nails deserve to shine even if the sun doesn’t.
On to issue of skin care, in a visually driven world, where social media platforms dictate beauty standards, many individuals find themselves navigating the complexities of skin aesthetics.
A surge in skin bleaching practices aimed at achieving a lighter complexion co-exists with increasing popularity for darker skin tones attained through tanning. Yet, both trends present alarming health risks that necessitate a closer examination.
Dr Dilshaad Asmal, a dermatologist at Mediclinic Cape Town, says the quest for lighter skin is deeply rooted in socio-cultural and psychological influences.
“In numerous cultures, particularly those within Indian, Asian and African communities, lighter skin is historically synonymous with beauty, elevated status and even better marital prospects.
“Unfortunately, global media continues to amplify this narrative, portraying lighter skin as more desirable,” she explains.
The most common bleaching practices
In Africa alone, a variety of skin lightening methods are prevalent, ranging from easily accessible over-the-counter products to unregulated remedies derived from local folklore.
Asmal highlights the widespread use of hydroquinone, a common ingredient in topical bleaching creams.
“While hydroquinone does significantly reduce pigmentation, its prolonged use can lead to severe side effects, including ochronosis, a disfiguring blue-black pigmentation that becomes irreversible,” she warns.
Equally concerning are corticosteroids and mercury-based creams that are often sold in informal markets.
She urged people to exercise caution, as these can cause thinning of the skin, impede healing and in the case of mercury, potentially cause kidney and nervous system damage.
Recently, there has also been an alarming rise in the popularity of intravenous glutathione drips, marketed at unregulated IV bars and lacking substantial scientific backing.
“These can inflict serious harm on the liver and kidneys,” says Asmal.
For a safer route, chemical peels and laser treatments can offer advantages when administered by registered professionals.
However, unmonitored practices, especially mixing household items like toothpaste with detergents for skin lightening, can lead to severe burns and exacerbate pigmentation problems.
The risks behind the glow
The physical ramifications of skin bleaching extend beyond mere aesthetics; thinning skin, eczema, acne, and heightened sun sensitivity are just the surface issues.
“Many users start off wanting to correct pigmentation from acne or sun exposure. However, repeated use of harsh products can cause paradoxical darkening, especially with hydroquinone. The result is not only emotional distress, but also permanent skin damage,” says Asmal.
Even those pursuing a darker complexion are not immune to risks. Tanning beds, sun exposure, and tanning oils bring well-researched dangers, including DNA damage and premature ageing.
Tanning beds have been classified by the World Health Organisation as Group 1 carcinogens, with studies indicating that use before the age of 35 can increase melanoma risk by an alarming 75 percent.
“They can also cause eye damage, cataracts and even ocular melanoma.”
Meanwhile, tanning oils designed to elevate melanin production can block pores, instigating folliculitis, acne, and significantly increasing the likelihood of burns.
Safe approaches to skincare
While no method for altering skin tone is completely free from risk, there are safer alternatives for those troubled by uneven skin tones or dullness.
A consultation with a dermatologist can lead to the identification of appropriate skincare products, ingredients like azelaic acid, kojic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide, retinoids, and alpha or beta-hydroxy acids, which can correct skin tone safely when guided by professionals.
Chemical peels and medical-grade lasers may also assist with pigmentation correction, but again, only when performed in controlled environments by qualified professionals.
For those wishing to darken their skin, self-tanning lotions and sprays containing dihydroxyacetone (DHA) are safer options.
However, Asmal notes that even these carry minor risks such as skin irritation or respiratory issues when used in spray booths.
The golden rule: protect your skin
Regardless of individual preferences regarding skin tone, Asmal emphasises the crucial habit of employing broad-spectrum sunblock daily.
“Sunblock is vital for preventing the darkening of hyperpigmented areas, protecting against premature ageing and reducing the risk of skin cancer,” she adds.
The consequences of unprotected sun exposure are cumulative, leading to serious conditions such as actinic keratosis, melanoma and basal or squamous cell carcinomas, along with photoaging, the wrinkling, sagging and textural changes that prematurely age the skin.
She concludes, “People often underestimate the long-term impact of UV exposure. Even a single severe sunburn can irreversibly damage skin cells and blood vessels, exacerbate sensitivity, and set the stage for chronic skin disease.
“Whether the goal is to lighten or darken, altering your natural skin tone should never come at the cost of your health.” —iolnews.com
