What can cause nails to become discolored?

Frequent use of dark nail polishes without base coats is a primary cause of nail discoloration. Dark pigments in nail polish can penetrate the nail plate, leading to staining or discoloration of the natural nail underneath. A base coat acts as a protective layer that helps shield the nail from direct contact with these strong pigments, minimizing the risk of staining. Without this protective layer, the chances of discoloration increase significantly, especially with repeated applications over time.

Other factors like excessive buffing, chipping, and peeling can contribute to the overall health of the nails but do not specifically cause discoloration the way dark polishes do. Additionally, overexposure to sunlight can affect the appearance of nails by causing other forms of damage or fading, but again, it is not a direct cause of discoloration related to pigmentation.