Giving your nails some rest by not letting them "breathe" is an early beauty belief, similar to the idea that when we leave our face for a period of time without makeup, we are leaving it to take some air. In fact, going to the "natural" occasionally is beneficial, but do nails really need to breathe?

Experts say it is entirely a myth. 

"Nails get nutrients from the blood supply and not from the air. Nothing comes from the environment to nourish your nails," says Dr. Dana Stern, certified dermatologist.

She, along with other doctors, agree that wearing nail polish is not a bad thing, and is not necessarily ruining your nails.

So how do nails get damaged?

Manicure is not the problem, but the process of removing (gel, base) is the most harmful.

Do you ever have to take a break from manicure?

Doing nails is not an essential necessity in the beauty routine. According to Stern, if you notice white spots on your nails, splits, discoloration or dehydrated cuticles, it's time to take a break.

"All of these are signs that your nail health is being compromised," she says.

Dermatologists suggest that the nail polish / gel be removed 2-3 weeks after the last application.

Source: Bustle