LCN TECHNICAL

Light-cured acrylester gels for nail cosmetics from LCN (UK)

Light-cured synthetic resins have become a fundamental part of nail cosmetics and prosthetics. In Germany, where LCN resins are manufactured and developed, their origin dates back as far a 1983. At that time, companies working in completely different fields, i.e. dental medicine, started testing these innovative materials.

It is quite easy to understand why dental medicine was the basis for light-cured nail resins. Application, aesthetics and durability, as well as outstanding biocompatibility, are determining factors of dental repair. Light-cured dental material met these requirements perfectly. It was therefore just a matter of time before it was used in other fields as well.

LCN has been working exclusively on light-cured gels for 16 years and refuses to sell powder and liquid or fibreglass resin systems.

High performance light-cured nail resins (HPLN resins)

LCN light-cured acrylester resins are called HPLN resins (high performance light-cured nail resins). These consist of a combination of high molecular, multi-functional methacrylates and acrylates especially selected for this purpose. The same products are used in dental material. Properties of HPLN resins: high strength; not brittle; elasticity similar to natural nails; high durability; superior bio-compatibility; odourless; non-flammable, with no dangerous substances, in compliance with regulations.

Modern bonding agents

Bonding agents, also called bonders or adhesives, are special materials that stick to the natural nail or, when used in combination with mono-phase products, optimise the adhesion LCN bonding agents consist of; HPLN resins, a special resin providing adhesion and initiator.

The main and decisive difference between a bonding agent and a normal modelling gel is that bonding agents contain a special resin for adhesion. This resin is responsible for the bonding effect. It will interact with the surface of the natural nail and also with HPLN resins (this interaction is called polymerisation). These modern bonding agents are light-cured.
In former times, so-called methacrylic acid was used as a bonding agent. This chemical is a potent acid, which can cause damage to the nail as well as irritation of the skin. Today this chemical is only used in out-dated products.

The special resins providing adhesion contained in modern bonding agents are biologically safe. These resins are also used in dental bonders in order to effect a bonding between the tooth and the filling resin. Here, as well, dental medicine leads the way. The chemical name of the most important special resin providing adhesion is 2-hydroxethylmethacrylate (HEMA).

The bonding mechanism of these modern bonding agents is based on a process called the ABI process (adhesive bonding by interpretation). In order to understand this mechanism, one first has to look at the construction of the nail.

The nail consists of several loosely connected keratin layers. The nail structure of its surface is further loosened by light filing (with a buffer). The loose fibre structure can be seen under an electron microscope.

The special adhesive resins can now penetrate deeply into the nail fibre structure (penetration process). They draw in HPLN resins. During the curing process, the special bonding resin and the HPLN resin combine to form long resin chains that penetrate the fibres of the natural nail and combine with them to form fibrous balls (the interpretation process). This ensures the strong binding of the bonding agent to the natural nail.

The combination of artificial/natural nail, when applied correctly is durable, but does not hold indefinitely. This is due to the fact that the surface of the natural nail continually renews itself. Scales are formed, reducing the binding area between natural and artificial nail. This process is further increased when hands are subjected to difficult conditions such as in a moist environment (regular contact with water. hairdressers, therapists, doctors, cleaners etc. The part of the natural nail, which is not covered by modelling gel, quickly absorbs water and swells. The water also penetrates the area under the modelling gel after drying, the scales on the surface become loose, and the contact between artificial and natural nail is weakened. This is the first phase of the process called lifting which is why additional, specially developed materials, are required to meet individuals' needs.

Modern, light-cured acrylester resins are characterised by: readiness for immediate use; ease of application; high strength and durability; elasticity similar to natural nails; being odourless and non-porous.

These light-cured materials for nail cosmetics meet almost all the requirements of modern artificial nail services Nevertheless, LCN continues to search for further improvements by on-going research.

NAIL TREATMENT

Beautiful hands mean well-groomed and cared for nails, cuticles and skin. After a professional examination, your nail technician will select the most suitable hand and nail-care products for you. Thus she will ensure that the products are both compatible with one another and with your hands and nails.

LCN-Concept Nails products fulfil the highest quality requirements and guarantee the desired success, so that you can take pride in your hands and fingernails again.

Only professional care by a technician at a nail studio guarantees success

There are important factors in any thorough and successful nail treatment -your nail technician's competence and the products she uses.
You should only be satisfied with the very latest in nail care products.

The initial treatment of your fingernails

First of all, you need about two hours at your disposal.
You will soon realise, however, that this is time well spent.
What you gain amounts to nothing less than the "re-birth" of your fingernails.

Sending signals
Always and everywhere

When you make yourself up, you do it for yourself primarily. After all, to make an impression on others you need to have a positive image of yourself. That image is dependent on many factors. For example, general fitness, hairstyle, and make-up play a significant role. But what about your hands? There is no question but that they too are extremely important for a woman's overall appearance, not least of all in a sensual way. Yet often nail care does not rank as highly as it should. Therefore, we would like to show you how you can achieve beautiful nails.

Two in one
How a new finger nail becomes your very own

The most important aspect of hand care is nail care. What used to be just a false nail is a lot more today. Thanks to a light-curing technology borrowed from the world of dentistry, your new nail blends with your own nail without trace. The result is a brand new nail.

LCN-Concept Nails care products have undergone complex testing.

The most important steps in the treatment

Your fingernails are cleansed and prepared for treatment.
Either a plastic tip is fitted or a nail lengthening the nail is positioned and acts as a carrier for the modelling gel.
Then the new nail is modelled and shaped according to your individual nail type and shape. This involves applying several coats of a synthetic resin that hardens under ultraviolet light.
Finally, your new nail is filed into the desired shape and given a natural or coloured polish or an eye-catching decorative finish. Ask your technician for her expert advice.

The follow-up treatments

Your new artificial nails form a solid bond with their natural hosts, which continue to grow in the usual way. As a result, a gap forms at the cuticle and has to be filled in after every three to four weeks.
On these occasions, your nail technician reworks the shape and length of your nails, examines their general condition, and provides helpful suggestions for their care.