Smoking can trigger a variety of negative health effects but can have its share of physical influences such as the yellowish discoloration on your fingers and nails. The yellow stains on your fingers and nails might look permanent, but they can be removed or lessen the discoloration. Read further to learn ways to remove nicotine stains from fingers.
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Techniques on how to remove nicotine stains from fingers
For those who smoke, you might end up with the yellowish discoloration on your fingers or nails. There are several techniques that you can try out to get rid of the yellowish discoloration.
- Exfoliating the skin. Moisten the skin by immersing your fingers in water for a few minutes, but not too long. Use a pumice stone, nail file, salt scrub, body brush, or sugar scrub to scrape away some of the stains on your fingers. Only use slight pressure while rubbing until the stain starts to fade. Stop rubbing the stained area if it turns red or irritated.
- Bleach solution. A diluted mixture of water and bleach can also eliminate the nicotine stains on your fingers. Combine 1-part bleach together with 4 parts water in a glass bowl. Saturate a nail brush into the solution and apply it to the stained area. Leave it on your fingers for a few minutes and rinse away. After rinsing your hands, apply a moisturizer or hand cream to prevent dryness. Additionally, do not use this method if you have an open wound or right after using a different removal technique.
- Toothpaste. Toothpaste can also be used to remove nicotine stains on your fingers. You can use any standard toothbrush. Squeeze an ample amount directly on the stained area. Use a toothbrush to work the toothbrush into the stained skin for a few minutes and rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- Lemon juice. Lemon juice is an efficient natural bleaching substance that can help remove the yellowish marks on your fingers. Cut a fresh lemon in half. Take half of the lemon and hold it against the stained area. Rub completely until coated in lemon juice. Let it sit on the site for 5-10 minutes and rinse away with warm water. The process can be repeated up to 5 times throughout the day. Additionally, this removal technique might sting if you have miniature cuts on your fingers.
- Potato. With this removal technique, it is generally milder than some of the other methods. This is a good option for those who have sensitive skin. Peel a potato and rub it on the stained area for a few minutes. Rinse away the potato juice after letting it soak for a few minutes. This process can be repeated up to 10 times throughout the day.
- Aspirin. Use a single tablet of aspirin and dissolve in 8 oz. cup of hot water. Immerse your stained fingers into the water once it has slightly cooled. Let it soak for several minutes. Wash your hands with water and soap after the soaking. An alternative is creating a paste with one tablet of aspirin and a few drops of water. Use the paste to scrub on the stained areas and let it sit for up to 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly after.
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What are the physical effects of smoking on your skin?
The skin tone of people who smoke might appear uneven, usually with an orange or grayish tinge. The lack of oxygen to the skin cells plays a role in why this occurs, along with the negative effects of several chemicals present in tobacco. Remember that cigarette smoke is packed with over 7,000 chemicals, including 250 that are considered poisonous and 70 that can cause cancer.
One of the physical effects of smoking is no other than the nicotine stains. Among those who have been smoking for years, the fingers can end up with a yellowish stain from the nicotine and other toxins in cigarettes commonly referred to as tar. This type of staining is nearly impossible to remove with soap and water alone. The only way to prevent it from worsening is to avoid cigarettes entirely.
Does nail polish remover remove nicotine stains
The nicotine in cigarette smoke can leave behind undesirable stains on your fingers. Whether you decided to end the habit for good and eager to remove the stains or looking for a quick fix, there are several techniques that you can use to remove the yellowish discoloration.
Moisten a cotton ball with nail polish remover and rub it over the yellow stains until they vanish. You can repeat the process if needed.
How long do nicotine stains on fingers last?
It is important to note that nicotine can trigger several detrimental health effects, but also have some evident physical effects such as the yellowish discoloration on your fingers and nails.
The yellow stains on your fingers and nails might appear permanent but there are some remedies that you can use to remove them and lessen the discoloration brought about by smoking.
Can toothpaste remove nicotine stains from fingers
Toothpaste can be used to get rid of nicotine stains from your fingers. You can use any regular toothpaste. Simply squeeze enough amount onto the site of the discoloration.
Use a toothbrush to scrub the toothpaste into the yellow skin for a few minutes and rinse the area thoroughly with warm water after. When dealing with stubborn nicotine stains, use a whitening toothpaste.
Final thoughts
Smoking can cause a variety of health effects but one of the physical signs of the habit is no other than the yellowish nicotine stains on your fingers and nails. When dealing with nicotine stains on your fingers, there are several techniques that you can try out. With the methods described on how to remove nicotine stains from fingers, you can lessen its appearance or completely remove it.
