Noah Sinclair
Gel manicures are commonplace in fashion, but these popular accessories come with health risks. While nail polish is not poisonous when used as intended, gel manicures can cause harm to the nails and skin. The curing process involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can lead to skin ageing, DNA damage, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Additionally, gel nail polish contains chemicals such as acrylate and methacrylate, which are known to cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, and temporary nail damage. The removal process can also be harsh, leading to weakened, brittle, and split nails. While gel manicures offer a long-lasting and chip-resistant option, it is important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with their use.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pros | Long-lasting, instant drying, chip-resistant, glossy |
| Cons | Potential nail damage, especially during removal, exposure to UV rays, allergic reactions, cumulative DNA damage, potential carcinogen |
| Removal process | Soak fingertips in acetone for 15 minutes or wrap aluminium foil around acetone-soaked cotton balls on the fingertips |
| Post-removal care | Wash hands thoroughly and moisturize nails, cuticles, and hands |
| Safety precautions | Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen during manicures/pedicures, wear fingerless gloves or open-toed socks, avoid aggressive buffing and forceful scraping of the nail plate, do not peel or pick off gel polish |
| Alternative options | Essie's Gel Couture, Butter London's 10x Nail Lacquer Patent Shine |
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What You'll Learn
Allergic reactions to gel nails
Gel nail manicures are a popular choice for many, thanks to their durability, glossiness, and chip-resistance. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with gel nails, including allergic reactions.
Symptoms of Allergic Reactions
People can experience various symptoms as a result of an allergic reaction to gel nails. These symptoms can include itchiness, swelling, burning sensations, and skin rashes. In more severe cases, people have reported their nails falling off and even breathing difficulties. These reactions are typically caused by an allergy to methacrylate or acrylate chemicals, commonly found in gel nail polishes, which are used to bond the formula to the nail.
Risk Factors
The risk of experiencing an allergic reaction to gel nails may be influenced by various factors. One factor is the use of at-home gel nail kits. These kits may pose a higher risk than professional salon manicures due to a lack of regulation and proper training in the safe application of the products. Additionally, the UV lamps used in the curing process must be of the correct wattage and wavelength; otherwise, the chemicals can penetrate the nail bed and surrounding skin, leading to potential sensitization.
Prevention and Alternatives
To minimize the risk of allergic reactions, it is recommended to leave gel nail applications to professionals. Additionally, individuals can opt for modern gel-like polishes that provide similar benefits to traditional gel nails but do not require a UV lamp for curing. These polishes can be safely removed using regular nail varnish removers. It is also important to allow nails to recover between manicures. Dermatologists recommend keeping nails bare for at least one to two weeks between gel manicures to strengthen, repair, and rehydrate the nails.
Treatment
If an allergic reaction occurs, it is important to seek medical advice. Treatment may include discontinuing the use of gel nails and allowing the nails and skin to recover. In some cases, individuals may need to switch to alternative nail polishes or methods, such as press-on nails, that do not trigger allergic reactions.
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The removal process
There are two main methods to removing gel nail polish: the traditional method and with a gel nail polish remover. The traditional method involves soaking the fingertips in acetone for around 15 minutes. Another option is to wrap aluminium foil around acetone-soaked cotton balls on the fingertips. If you don't have much time or the necessary tools, you can use a gel nail polish remover instead. This gets the gel polish off in 5 minutes and is simple to use.
Before starting the removal process, it is recommended to work on one hand at a time and to choose a well-ventilated area because acetone has a strong smell. You can put a cloth over your work area to avoid acetone stains and use plastic food wrap to protect your work area from damage.
To remove the gel nails, you can use a coarse nail file on the topcoat layer until it is no longer shiny and smooth. Then, put a thick layer of gel polish remover on your gel nails, being careful not to get it on your skin. After 5 minutes, use a metal cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick to gently push off the gel polish.
After removal, individuals should wash their hands thoroughly and moisturise their nails, cuticles, and hands. If possible, people may opt for a hydrating paraffin wax treatment.
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Temporary nail damage
While gel manicures can be damaging to nails, this damage is often temporary and reversible. The most common time to experience nail damage is during the removal process, so it is important to take extra care when removing gel nails. Nail damage can include weakened nails, splitting, white spots, grooves, and changes to the nail plate.
To prevent damage, it is recommended to avoid aggressive buffing and forceful scraping of the nail plate during the removal process. Never peel or pick off gel polish, as this can cause layers of the nail plate to come off along with the polish, resulting in brittleness. Instead, it is advised to file down the polish before removal. Additionally, it is important to space out gel manicures to give nails a rest and allow time for recovery.
If nail damage occurs, there are several ways to repair and strengthen nails. This includes applying cuticle oil and hand cream to nourish and moisturize the nails. Soaking the nails in olive oil can also help to soften and hydrate the cuticles. Keratin treatments can be beneficial, as keratin is a natural protein that forms the building blocks of nails. Using a nail strengthener, a protein-enriched base, and a top coat designed to strengthen nails can encourage healthy nail growth.
It is worth noting that at-home gel nail kits may pose a higher risk of damage compared to professional salon manicures due to the lack of regulation and proper training in the safe application and removal of gel nails. Additionally, some people may experience allergic reactions or sensitivity to the chemicals in gel polish, such as methacrylate and acrylate, which can cause skin irritation, rashes, and, in rare cases, breathing difficulties.
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Cumulative UV exposure
The UV light emitted by nail lamps falls within the UVA spectrum, which is known to cause cellular damage, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. This risk is cumulative, meaning it increases with repeated exposure. Studies have shown that UV nail lamps can cause DNA damage and mutations, which are precursors to skin cancer.
The amount of UV exposure that is harmful can vary from person to person, and it is challenging to quantify an exact threshold. However, dermatologists advise taking precautions to limit UV exposure during gel manicures. This includes wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 to 50 on the hands before the manicure and using fingerless gloves for added protection.
Additionally, it is recommended to space out gel manicures and allow the nails to breathe and heal in between. Dermatologists suggest keeping the nails bare for at least one to two weeks between gel manicures. This helps strengthen, repair, and rehydrate the nails, as well as providing an opportunity to check for any abnormalities.
While the current research on the long-term effects of gel nail UV exposure is limited, taking precautionary measures to minimize potential harm is advisable.
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The curing process
However, it is important to note that the curing process of gel nails has been associated with several health risks. The lamps used in this process emit ultraviolet A (UVA) light, which is known to cause cellular damage, skin ageing, and an increased risk of skin cancer. This exposure to UVA rays can lead to DNA damage, similar to the effects of using a tanning bed. Even LED lamps, which are often marketed as a safer alternative, still emit UV radiation. The cumulative effects of UV exposure from various sources, such as driving and outdoor activities, along with the UV bursts during the curing process, can lead to significant UV-induced skin damage and increased risk of skin cancer.
The removal process of gel nails can also be damaging to the nails. It typically involves soaking the nails in acetone, which can be harsh and drying. Additionally, aggressive buffing, scraping, or peeling of the polish can injure the nail plate and lead to temporary nail damage, such as cracking, peeling, and brittleness.
To minimise the potential harm associated with the curing and removal processes of gel nails, it is recommended to limit their use to special occasions and allow time for nails to recover between manicures. Proper nail care, such as moisturising and strengthening treatments, can also help maintain nail health.
While gel nails offer a long-lasting and convenient manicure option, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks associated with the curing process and take appropriate measures to protect nail and skin health.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel nails contain chemicals such as acrylate and methacrylate, which can cause allergic reactions like rashes, hives, and contact dermatitis. Additionally, the UV lamps used to cure gel nails emit UVA rays, which are known to cause cellular damage, skin aging, and increase the risk of skin cancer. Therefore, gel nails can be considered poisonous in a way.
The risks associated with gel nail manicures include temporary nail damage, such as weakened nails, splitting, white spots, grooves, and changes to the nail plate. Additionally, there is a risk of developing an allergy to methyl methacrylate, which can cause permanent loss of fingernails.
To reduce the risks, it is recommended to leave gel nail applications to professionals. When getting a gel manicure, wear broad-spectrum sunscreen or open gloves/socks to protect your hands from UV exposure. Additionally, allow your nails to recover by keeping them bare for at least 1-2 weeks between manicures.
Yes, there are modern gel-like polishes that provide long-lasting results without the need for a UV lamp. These polishes can be removed with regular nail varnish removers and are free from common toxins. Some examples include Essie's Gel Couture and Butter London's 10x Nail Lacquer Patent Shine.
If removing gel nails at home, it is important to never peel or pick off the gel polish, as this can damage the nail plate and cause brittleness. Instead, soak your fingertips in acetone for around 15 minutes or use aluminum foil-wrapped acetone-soaked cotton balls. Afterward, wash your hands thoroughly and moisturize your nails, cuticles, and hands.
