Your Manicure-Pedicure

Mineral oils , found in Vaseline and baby oil, vary enormously in quality and can be contaminated with PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), some of which are linked to cancer. Since the term "mineral oil" is listed blankly on most labels, the consumer can't learn how much is in their products. Mineral oil is also a petroleum product. "From the standpoint of it being based on fossil fuels, it's not a very sustainable or renewable ingredient," Scranton says. Opt instead for vitamin and anti-oxidant rich natural oils like avocado, jojoba, or coconut. Lather your hands with Carol's Daughter Lemon Ginger Mint Manicure in a Jar , $11.50, a paraben-, petroleum- and mineral oil-free lotion that smooths post-filing hands. Or use products from Dessert Essence's Organic line (like the Pistachio Foot Repair, about $7, which uses nut extracts to help skin regenerate). The entire line is free of parabens, artificial fragrances and petroleum-based ingredients and is biodegradable.

Step 4: Get your polish on.

There's some unpretty news about nail paint. How not gorgeous is this: Many salon polishes, including base and top coats, can be harmful to your health, for they contain the "toxic trio:" toluene, dibutyl phthalate, and formaldehyde (used to embalm dead bodies!). Some companies have already removed the toxic trio from their products, such as OPI, Wet N Wild, L'Oreal and Sally Hansen (OPI never included formaldehyde in their polishes, but did in some of their nail hardeners).

A common roadblock many companies face is that the toxins make for thicker polishes and even finishes, which are key for reds, for example. Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), which gives polish flexibility, may be a developmental toxin and has been banned from cosmetics in Europe since 2004. Studies have linked DBP — which can be inhaled, absorbed through the skin and eaten in foods — to undeveloped genitals in newborn boys. Formaldehyde is used as a hardener and to create a smooth finish, as is toluene. Inhaling excessive amounts of toluene is dangerous as it can lead to coughing and wheezing, as well as eye, nose, and throat irritation. Toluene enriches the pigment and creates a smooth finish, but breathing it in can cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue and can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat; high-level intake has also been linked to nervous system, liver and kidney damage. Toluene is most dangerous for child-bearing women as it can be transmitted through the placenta to the fetus, and through breast milk. However it's not necessary for expectant moms to avoid salons altogether, says Kayse Gehret, owner of Soulstice polish, "just try and visit a healthier salon — search for "organic" on   spaindex.com for one nearest you — and use non-toxic products."

Now, nail the perfect, safe polish. For the safest polish choices, other than widely available brands like OPI or Sally Hansen, consider Gehret's own Soulstice , $30 for five polishes, which is free of sulfates, mineral oil and synthetic fragrances; or Zoya , $34 for six polishes, which was created by a former aesthetician and offers 240 deep rich colors without the toxic trio.

The one disadvantage of toxic-free polishes, both Gehret and D'Amato note, is the longer drying time. If you're in a time crunch, consider Priti's Quick Dry Top Coat , $12.50, the first of its eco-friendly kind.

Check out what you already own. Scary — you can confirm the toxicity levels of nail or other beauty products you currently have by going to cosmeticsdatabase.com , which extensively lists products and the ingredients they contain on state and federal watch lists. The lower the number ranking (such as 0-3), the less harmful it is to you. Warning: This is an addictive website!

Mask your anxieties. Finally, if you love your neighborhood nail salon, but fear the chemicals, breathing masks are not an outlandish concept. "Breathing masks will help you avoid inhaling the dust and potentially toxic particles that arise during acrylic application and filing," says Gehret. Avoid salons that offer acrylic treatments (or artificial nails), because of the heavily toxic plastic resins and glues involved (that's why manicurists often wear masks during the treatment). Then there's always the simple, common-sense solution: "If you fear inhalation," says D'Amato, "sit near an open window or door."