If you haven’t jumped on the nail art bandwagon, you might want to consider sand art instead. Why? We all know a good manicure makes us look put together and professional. But it could be doing a lot more bad to our nails then we think. Here’s the science.

In 2015, a study by researchers at EWG and Duke University found something nasty in nail polish. It’s called TPHP, or triphenyl phosphate. It’s supposedly out to get the endocrine system, and that’s no fun. Out of 10 different polishes tested, 8 contained this ingredient.

What’s so bad about TPHP? Well, it’s known to disrupt hormones in humans and reproductive functions and development in animals. While we’re exposed to TPHP in a lot of cosmetics, (it makes the polish formula more flexible and long-lasting) it’s important to keep our exposure down. There’s also dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and formaldehyde in some nail polishes.

But this doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the look of a fresh manicure or put away your nail art tools forever. Here are our favorite non-toxic nail polish brands. But if you’re still a salon fiend, here are some tips to keep your nails and body healthy.

1. Make it last.

Don’t go to the salon as often, because salon fumes can also be bad for you. When you must go to the salon, try to extend your manicure so that your nails last longer. Here are some great tips to prevent the chips.

2. Embrace the natural beauty of your nails.

Cutting down on chemicals will give your nails time to breathe and get healthy again. Here are some great treatments to make your nails look great naked.

3. Ventilate.

Don’t breathe in the polish fumes, please. Even if you like the smell.

You don’t have to live a colorless life, but now you’ll know how to paint your nails smarter.