Noah Sinclair
Acrylic and gel nails are a booming industry, with celebrities like Rihanna and Ariana Grande sporting long, embellished acrylics as an expression of their style. While manicures might feel like self-care, they can ruin healthy natural nails and may even cause unexpected health problems in a small number of people. The nail glue used to attach acrylics to the natural nail is typically a mixture of alcohol, cyanoacrylate, and photo-bonded methacrylate, with other ingredients including formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. The chemicals in the nail adhesives can cause skin irritation and dermatitis. The process of applying and removing acrylics can be harmful, and the fumes of the acrylic process can damage your health if your nail salon isn't well-ventilated. Similarly, gel nails also have their own set of risks. This paragraph will explore the potential health risks associated with acrylic and gel nails and provide insight into their impact on natural nail health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Health Risks | Ruin healthy natural nails, cause unexpected health problems, and increase UVA exposure |
| Acrylic Nails | May damage skin, nails, and general health, thinning and weakening natural nails |
| Gel Nails | May chip more easily than acrylics, require UV light to cure, and contain formaldehyde |
| Removal | May damage the nail's keratin layers, causing nails to become brittle and appear white |
| Allergic Reactions | May cause pseudo-psoriatic nails, peripheral neuropathy, and permanent loss of fingernails |
| Nail Fungus | May occur due to improper application of gel or acrylic |
| Nail Separation | May occur due to adhesive or dip powder manicures |
| Toxicity | Formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, is present in nail glue and gel polish |
| Ventilation | Fumes from the acrylic process can be harmful in poorly ventilated spaces |
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What You'll Learn
The dangers of UV nail lamps
While gel manicures and acrylic nails are commonplace in fashion, these popular accessories come with health risks. One of the dangers of gel manicures is the use of UV nail lamps to cure the polish. These lamps emit ultraviolet radiation, predominantly in the form of UVA rays, which are associated with a higher risk of skin cancer. The amount of UV exposure during a gel manicure is typically brief, and a 2014 study found that it is probably not high enough to significantly increase the risk of skin cancer. However, there are cases where UV nail lamps are reported to have played a role in skin cancer.
UVA rays are the most mutagenic wavelength range of the UV spectrum, penetrating the skin more deeply than UVB rays. They can cause premature skin aging, such as wrinkles and sun spots, and play a role in skin cancer development. The use of UV nail lamps can also lead to photoaging, which is a known risk of deeper-penetrating UVA rays. Additionally, the radiation emitted by UV nail lamps has been found to damage DNA and cause mutations in human cells.
To reduce the risk of UV exposure during a gel manicure, it is recommended to apply sunscreen with a high SPF to the hands before the appointment and wear fingerless gloves during the manicure. LED lamps are also an alternative to UV nail lamps, as they emit a much more intense form of UVA rays, resulting in shorter curing times. However, it is important to note that LED lamps still emit ultraviolet radiation, and the long-term effects of this exposure are not yet fully understood.
In addition to the dangers of UV exposure, gel manicures and acrylic nails can also cause other health issues. The prolonged wearing of gels and acrylics can lead to pseudo-psoriatic nails, where extra skin grows under the nail, resembling psoriasis. This can sometimes result in the permanent loss of fingernails. Additionally, the chemicals used in nail adhesives can cause skin irritation, dermatitis, and allergic reactions, with some people experiencing an allergy to methyl methacrylate.
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Health risks of nail glue
While gel manicures and acrylic nails are commonplace in fashion, these popular accessories come with health risks. One of the main risks is the use of nail glue, which can cause a range of issues, from skin irritation to more severe problems.
Nail glue is typically a mixture of alcohol, cyanoacrylate, and photo-bonded methacrylate, with other ingredients including formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. These chemicals can cause skin irritation and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), a reaction or sensitivity to certain substances touching the skin. Acrylates, which help nail glue harden, are commonly associated with ACD, and can cause reactions to the skin around the nails, such as cracking or peeling.
The use of nail glue can also lead to nail damage, as the adhesive properties can cause excessive hardening of the nail coating, potentially resulting in irreversible damage to the nail bed and surrounding tissues. Additionally, the removal of gel and acrylic nails can damage the nail's keratin layers, weakening the nail and causing it to become brittle. In some cases, the prolonged wearing of these nails can lead to pseudo-psoriatic nails, where extra skin grows under the nail, resembling psoriasis. This condition can also be associated with an allergy to methyl methacrylate, an ingredient in nail glue, and may even result in the permanent loss of fingernails.
Furthermore, press-on nail glue spills can cause chemical burns through an exothermic reaction with cotton. Despite numerous reported injuries, product warning labels often lack information about burn risks and first aid protocols. Improper application or removal of nail glue can also result in chemical burns, causing pain, discomfort, and long-term skin damage.
To reduce the health risks associated with nail glue, it is recommended to opt for alternative manicure options that cause less trauma to the nails, such as press-on nails or dip powder manicures. Prioritising safety and following safe practices can help individuals maintain healthy and beautiful nails.
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Allergic reactions
Acrylic and gel nails can cause a range of allergic reactions, from mild to severe. Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a common reaction to the chemicals used in acrylic and gel nails, with over 70 million Americans affected by this condition. The chemicals can irritate the skin and cause reactions such as skin cracking, peeling, and dermatitis. In some cases, the reaction may occur on the eyelids, as the skin is thinner and more sensitive in this area.
The application and removal of acrylic and gel nails can also contribute to allergic reactions. The process of applying these nail treatments often involves sanding or buffing down the natural nail, which can weaken it and make it more susceptible to damage. The removal process, particularly for gel nails, typically involves an acetone soak, which can further dry out and damage the natural nail.
The nail glue used in acrylic nails contains formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. This substance can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation. Additionally, the UV lamps used to cure gel nails emit harmful UVA rays, which can damage the skin on the hands and fingers. Prolonged exposure to these rays can increase the risk of skin cancer.
In some severe cases, allergic reactions to acrylic and gel nails can lead to permanent fingernail loss. This is often associated with pseudo-psoriatic nails, where extra skin grows under the nail, resembling psoriasis. Peripheral neuropathy, or tingling and numbness in the fingers, can also occur as a result of these nail treatments.
To avoid allergic reactions, it is recommended to stick to natural nail care or opt for less invasive treatments such as press-on nails or dip powder manicures. Reducing UV exposure during gel manicures by applying sunscreen and wearing fingerless gloves can also help mitigate the risks associated with UV lamps.
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Fungal infections
While gel and acrylic nails are a great way to express your style, they can also have some negative effects on your nail health. One of the most common issues is the development of fungal infections.
To reduce the risk of fungal infections, it is important to maintain proper nail hygiene. This includes regularly cleaning and disinfecting your nails and the space underneath the artificial nails. Additionally, choosing a reputable nail technician who follows proper sanitation procedures can help minimize the risk of infection.
If you notice any signs of a fungal infection, such as discolouration, thickening, or brittleness of the nail, it is important to seek treatment promptly. Over-the-counter antifungal medications are available, but for more severe infections, you may need a prescription medication. It is also crucial to address the underlying cause of the infection, such as improper nail application or removal, to prevent recurrence.
While gel and acrylic nails can increase the risk of fungal infections, taking proactive measures to maintain nail hygiene and being vigilant for any signs of infection can help you enjoy your manicure while minimizing potential health risks.
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Removal techniques
While gel and acrylic nails are a popular accessory, they can come with health risks. The removal process can be particularly damaging to nails. Here are some techniques to safely remove gel and acrylic nails at home:
Gel Nails
Gel nails are cured using special dryers that emit ultraviolet light in the form of UVA. This can increase your exposure to UV rays, which may play a role in skin cancer. The removal process can also be damaging to the nail's keratin layers, causing them to become brittle and appear white (a condition called pseudoleukonychia).
To remove gel nails at home, you can use the traditional acetone method or a gel nail polish remover. The acetone method involves the following steps:
- Work on one hand at a time in a well-ventilated area (as acetone has a strong smell).
- Cover your work area with a cloth to avoid acetone stains.
- Cut 10 squares of aluminium foil, big enough to wrap around each fingertip.
- Tear off 10 pieces of cotton balls that fit just the nail bed of each nail.
- Use a coarse nail file to file down the gel top coat until it is no longer shiny and smooth.
- Soak the cotton balls in acetone nail polish remover and wrap them around your nails with the aluminium foil.
- Leave for about 15 minutes.
- Gently remove the gel polish with a metal cuticle pusher or orangewood stick.
- Clean your nails with a nail buffer.
- Apply cuticle oil to keep your nails and skin hydrated and healthy.
If you don't have much time or the necessary supplies for the acetone method, you can use a gel nail polish remover. This method is faster, simpler, and requires fewer tools. Simply apply a thick layer of the gel polish remover to your gel nails, wait for about 5 minutes, and then gently remove the gel polish.
Acrylic Nails
Acrylic nails are attached to the natural nail using nail glue, which often contains formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. The glue can also contain other chemicals that may cause skin irritation and dermatitis. The removal process for acrylic nails can damage the nail plate and keratin layers, leading to brittle nails.
To remove acrylic nails at home, you can follow similar steps as the traditional acetone method for gel nails:
- File down the acrylic nails as much as possible to reduce the soaking time.
- Soak cotton balls in acetone nail polish remover and wrap them around your nails with aluminium foil.
- Leave for a while (about 15-20 minutes) and then gently remove the product.
- Apply hand cream or nail oil after removal, as acetone can dry out your nails and skin.
It is important to note that these removal techniques may still cause some damage to your nails and skin. To maintain nail health, it is recommended to focus on caring for your natural nails and leaving them visible to easily notice any changes that might indicate health issues.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel and acrylic nails are popular nail treatments that can add length and strength to your nails. They are applied on top of the nail bed or at the tip of the nail to extend it.
Gel and acrylic nails can have some negative side effects and health risks. The nail glue used to attach acrylics to the natural nail typically contains formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. The chemicals in the nail adhesives can also cause skin irritation and dermatitis. The removal process can damage the nail's keratin layers, causing the nail to become brittle and appear white.
If you are looking for a more natural look and want to prioritise nail health, a gel manicure might be better than acrylic nails as it may be less damaging. However, gel manicures still come with risks. A safer alternative is to use non-toxic nail polish or press-on nails.
To reduce the risk of UV exposure when getting a gel manicure, apply sunscreen 30 minutes before the appointment and wear dark, fingerless gloves during the manicure. If you are removing acrylic nails, it is best to gently clip off the ends, file and buff the tops, and then apply a cuticle oil or petroleum jelly before using an acetone soak to remove the acrylic.
