Caleb Foster
Gel manicures are a popular choice for those seeking long-lasting, chip-free nails. However, the process of curing gel nail polish involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin ageing and increase the risk of skin cancer. Additionally, gel manicures can lead to nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking, as well as conditions such as onycholysis and hyperkeratosis. While modern gel polish formulas are considered relatively harmless, repeated use and improper techniques can damage the nail bed and negatively affect nail health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail health | Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking. |
| Nail thickness | Gel manicures can cause nail thinning. |
| Nail bed irritation | Any chemical addition can irritate the nail bed. |
| Nail bed separation | Onycholysis is a condition where the nail plate separates from the nail bed. |
| Skin health | Gel manicures involve UV exposure, increasing the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging. |
| Removal | Gel manicures are tough to remove and can damage nails during the process. |
| Longevity | Gel manicures are long-lasting and chip-resistant. |
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What You'll Learn
Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking
While gel manicures are beautiful and long-lasting, they can be tough on nails. Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking with frequent use. In addition, gel manicures can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin ageing on the hands due to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation used to seal the polish.
Nail thinning, brittleness, and cracking are common issues associated with gel manicures. This is caused by the chemicals in the gel nail polish or the acetone soaks required to remove the polish. Acetone is very drying to the nails and can irritate the surrounding skin. An allergic reaction to acetone can also lead to contact dermatitis. To remove hard gel polish, an electric file is necessary, which can further weaken or irritate the nail bed.
To maintain nail health, dermatologists recommend taking breaks between gel manicures. Allowing nails to breathe and rehydrating them with moisturising products can help minimise brittleness and prevent chipping. It is also important to ensure that manicure tools are sterilised and disinfected after each use.
Additionally, wearing sunscreen or opaque gloves during the gel manicure process can help protect the hands from UV radiation. It is also recommended to avoid picking or chipping gel nail polish with other nails or tools, as this can damage the nails. Instead, soak only the fingertips in acetone or use cotton balls to remove the polish.
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Gel manicures can increase the risk of skin cancer
Gel manicures can dry out your nail beds, causing them to become brittle, thin, and prone to peeling and cracking. Repeated gel manicures can also increase your risk of skin cancer and cause premature skin ageing on your hands.
This is due to the UV-emitting nail dryers used to cure gel nail polish. These lamps produce artificial UV radiation, similar to that of tanning beds or the sun's natural UV radiation. UV light can damage cells and increase the risk of skin cancers such as squamous cell and basal cell carcinoma.
A recent study by researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and the University of California, San Diego, exposed both human and mice cells to UVA radiation from nail dryers for up to 20-minute intervals. They found that the exposure resulted in cell damage consistent with that which can lead to skin cancer.
The study was prompted by the case of Jasko, a former Miss Illinois, who survived melanoma and whose doctors believed that her use of UV nail dryers while getting gel manicures may have been a contributing factor in her diagnosis.
While the link between gel manicures and skin cancer is not yet conclusive, and the long-term effects are still unknown, it is important to take precautions if you choose to get gel manicures. Dermatologists recommend the following tips to keep your nails healthy before, during, and after gel manicures:
- Ask your manicurist if their tools are sterilised and ensure they are cleaning and disinfecting them after each client.
- Wear sunscreen on your hands before your manicure. Choose a broad-spectrum, water-resistant formula with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Wear UV-protective gloves to block the ultraviolet light from reaching your skin.
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Gel manicures can cause premature skin aging
While gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, they can be tough on nails and skin. Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking, and the repeated use of UV light to cure the polish can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands.
The ultraviolet radiation used to cure the polish on nails is responsible for this side effect. This type of light is responsible for 80% of aging as it relates to the skin's appearance, including wrinkling, changing pigmentation, and contributing to a dry appearance. The light damages the DNA within the skin cells, hindering their function.
To protect the skin on your hands from premature aging and harmful rays, it is recommended to apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher before getting a gel manicure. This will act as a barrier between your skin and the UV light, reducing the risk of premature aging and other negative side effects. Mineral-based sunblocks such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide are physical blockers of UV radiation and can be effective in protecting the skin.
Additionally, wearing opaque thick gloves with the tips cut off can also help shield your hands from the UV light during the curing process. This simple solution can provide protection to the back of your hands, where the skin is more vulnerable to the effects of UV radiation.
It is important to be proactive and take these precautions to protect your skin's health and maintain its youthful appearance while still enjoying the benefits of gel manicures.
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Gel manicures can cause onycholysis
While modern gel polish formulas are considered harmless, gel manicures can be tough on nails and cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking. Gel manicures can also increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation used to seal the nail polish.
Onycholysis, the separation of the nail plate from the nail bed, can be caused by mechanical factors, such as aggressive cleaning under the free edge of the nail or the use of very long nail enhancements that create a lever effect. Infections can also cause onycholysis if the hyponychium seal is broken, allowing pathogens to enter the nail bed.
Gel manicures have been associated with an increased risk of onycholysis. The process of applying and removing gel nail polish involves the use of chemicals and tools that can irritate or damage the nail bed, leading to onycholysis. This includes the use of acetone, which is required to remove gel polish, and electric files used to file off the color.
Additionally, the adhesion of the gel nail polish to the nail plate can be stronger than the adhesion of the nail plate to the nail bed, leading to traumatic onycholysis, a common phenomenon caused by the traumatic separation of the nail plate from the nail bed. This can occur when manicures remove the cuticle, breaking an essential barrier to microorganism infiltration of the nail.
To prevent onycholysis, it is recommended to keep nails hydrated and allow them to heal by taking a break from gel manicures for at least two weeks to a month.
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Gel manicures can cause nail thinning
Gel manicures are popular for their long-lasting and durable results. However, dermatologists have warned that they can cause nail thinning, associated with brittleness, peeling, and cracking with frequent use.
One study found that a single gel manicure caused thinning of the nail plate, and the thickness of the nail plate was reduced after the manicure. The exact cause of the thinning is unknown, but it is speculated that it could be due to the chemicals in the gel nail polish or the acetone soaks required to remove the polish. Acetone is very drying to the nails and can irritate the surrounding skin. An allergic reaction to acetone could also cause contact dermatitis.
To keep nails healthy, dermatologists recommend taking breaks between gel manicures to allow nails to rehydrate and repair. Nail beds cannot be made thicker, so keeping them hydrated is essential. Choi, a celebrity manicurist, suggests taking a break from gel manicures for at least two weeks to a month to see a difference. During this break, it is recommended to apply a moisturizing product, such as petroleum jelly, to the nails and cuticles several times daily to minimize brittleness and prevent chipping.
Additionally, it is important to be proactive with your manicurist. Ensure that the tools are sterilized and properly cleaned and disinfected after each client. It is also advised to avoid letting the manicurist push or cut your cuticles, as this can lead to inflammation and infection and further dry out the nail.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, gel nails can be bad for your nail beds. Gel nails can cause nail beds to become thin and brittle. Dermatologists recommend keeping your nail beds hydrated and waiting for the damage to grow out.
The curing process of a gel manicure involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin ageing and DNA damage that may lead to skin cancer. Additionally, the removal process can be damaging to the nail bed as it often involves filing or the use of acetone.
To protect your nail beds, dermatologists recommend asking your manicurist if their tools are sterilised and ensuring they are cleaning and disinfecting their tools after each client. You can also apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands before your manicure to prevent skin damage.
Signs that your nails need a break from gel manicures include chipping and peeling nail beds, ragged cuticles, thinning of the nails, dryness, and white spots. If you are experiencing any of these issues, it is recommended to take a break from gel manicures for at least two weeks to a month.
