Ava Monroe
Gel nail polish is a popular choice for those seeking a long-lasting, chip-resistant manicure. However, there are concerns about its potential health risks. The process of applying and removing gel nail polish can be damaging to nails, and the chemicals used may cause adverse effects such as skin irritation and contact dermatitis. Additionally, the UV light used to cure gel nail polish is known to cause cellular damage, premature aging, and potentially increase the risk of skin cancer. While the exposure time is short, and the risk is considered low, there are still concerns about the cumulative effects of UV light exposure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pros | Long-lasting, durable, scratch-resistant, shiny |
| Cons | Potential nail damage, thinning of nail plates, skin irritation, hives, contact dermatitis, exposure to UV rays, risk of skin cancer and premature aging |
| Prevention methods | Avoid aggressive buffing, forceful scraping, peeling or picking off gel polish, wear sunscreen or fingerless gloves during treatment, allow nails to recover between manicures |
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What You'll Learn
- Gel nail polish can cause nail thinning and brittleness
- UV light exposure from gel manicures can lead to premature skin aging
- The chemicals in gel nail polish can cause skin irritation and inflammation
- Inadequate sterilisation of tools used for gel nail polish application and removal can cause infections
- Gel nail polish alternatives are available for those seeking less damaging options
Gel nail polish can cause nail thinning and brittleness
While gel nail polish is unlikely to have long-term negative effects on nail health if used occasionally, it can cause nail thinning and brittleness when used frequently or incorrectly.
One study found significant thinning of people's nail plates after gel polish application. The cause is not clear, but it could be due to the polish remover or the mechanical action of forcefully scraping off the product during removal. This can peel back keratin layers and cause nail damage. To avoid this, it is recommended to have gel polish professionally removed and to take breaks of at least one to two weeks between manicures to allow nails to recover and rehydrate.
Additionally, the UV or LED lights used to cure gel nail polish emit UV radiation, which has been linked to premature skin aging and an increased risk of skin cancer. While the exposure time during a gel manicure is short, limiting the potential harm, prolonged and frequent use could potentially increase the risk of negative health effects.
To minimise the risk of nail thinning and brittleness, it is important to avoid aggressive buffing, electric buffing, and forceful scraping when removing gel nail polish. Instead, file down the polish before removal to reduce the risk of damage to the nail plate. It is also crucial not to peel or pick at gel polish, as this can lead to nail brittleness and further damage.
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UV light exposure from gel manicures can lead to premature skin aging
While gel manicures are popular due to their longevity and resistance to chipping, there are concerns about the potential health risks associated with the UV light exposure during the curing process. This includes the possibility of premature skin aging.
UV nail lamps emit ultraviolet radiation, specifically UVA rays, which are the most mutagenic wavelength range of the UV spectrum. These rays penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB rays and are implicated in the development of skin cancer and premature skin aging, such as wrinkles and sun spots. The cumulative damage from UV light exposure during gel manicures can lead to DNA damage in the skin, accelerating aging and increasing the risk of skin cancer.
To mitigate the risks of UV light exposure during gel manicures, it is recommended to apply a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen to the hands before the procedure. Additionally, covering the hands and fingers with a garment that has a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating, such as gloves with the tips cut off, can provide protection. Allowing nails to air-dry naturally or using a fan without UV lights during the drying process can also help reduce UV light exposure.
It is worth noting that the weight of the gel manicure can also affect nail health. Leaving a gel manicure on for longer than two to three weeks can cause tears in the base of the nails as the weight pulls on the edges. This can lead to mechanical damage, including lifting and peeling back of keratin layers. Therefore, it is crucial to remove gel polish with care and to give nails time to recover between polishes.
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The chemicals in gel nail polish can cause skin irritation and inflammation
While gel nail polish is unlikely to have long-term negative effects on nail health if used occasionally, the chemicals in gel nail polish can cause skin irritation and inflammation. The strong chemical smell of gel nail polish in salons is a tell-tale sign of the presence of potentially harmful substances. Many gel polishes contain Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), a plasticizer that increases flexibility, and Triphenyl phosphate (TPHP), another plasticizer suspected of being an endocrine disruptor. Toluene, a chemical that evenly suspends colour, can lead to skin irritation and inflammation.
Formaldehyde, a hardening agent, is linked to some cancers and can cause contact dermatitis, especially for those with sensitive skin. Research has also suggested that formaldehyde and other chemicals in nail polish can leach into the body. Methacrylates and acrylates, found in gel nail polish, can cause skin irritation, such as hives and contact dermatitis.
To minimize the risk of skin irritation and inflammation, it is recommended to wear broad-spectrum sunscreen or fingerless gloves during gel manicures to protect against UV rays. Additionally, gel polish should be professionally removed, and breaks should be taken between manicures to allow nails to recover and rehydrate.
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Inadequate sterilisation of tools used for gel nail polish application and removal can cause infections
To avoid these issues, it is important to ensure that all tools are thoroughly sterilised before each use. This includes not only the nail technician's equipment but also the customer's nails and hands. A proper cleaning and disinfection process should be followed, including the use of disinfectant solutions or autoclaves for metal instruments.
In addition to the risks associated with inadequate sterilisation, the mechanical process of applying and removing gel nail polish can also cause damage to the nails. This includes roughing up the natural nail with files before application and forcefully scraping off the product during removal, as well as aggressive filing after removal. These actions can lead to tears in the base of the nails, lifting, and peeling back of keratin layers, resulting in mechanical damage.
To minimise the potential for damage, it is recommended to remind your nail technician to avoid aggressive buffing and not to scrape the nail plate forcefully. It is also important to never peel or pick off gel polish, as this can cause further damage to the nail plate. Instead, it is advised to soak nails in acetone to properly remove gel polish, although this can be harsh and damaging, so limited contact time is best.
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Gel nail polish alternatives are available for those seeking less damaging options
Gel nail polishes can cause nail damage, thinning of the nail plates, and mechanical damage due to the use of tools and aggressive filing. The UV or LED lights used to cure the polish emit UV radiation, which has been linked to premature skin aging and skin cancer.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, gel nail polish can cause health problems. The chemicals and removal process can be damaging to nails, causing nail thinning and tearing. Gel nail polish can also cause skin problems such as hives, contact dermatitis, and skin irritation.
The use of gel nail polish has been associated with an increased risk of nail damage, skin irritation, and cancer. The UV or LED lights used to cure gel nail polish emit UV radiation, which has been linked to premature skin aging and skin cancer.
To reduce the health risks of gel nail polish, it is recommended to:
- Allow gel nail polish to be removed professionally.
- Take breaks between manicures to strengthen, repair, and rehydrate nails.
- Avoid aggressive buffing and forceful scraping of the nail plate.
- Avoid peeling or picking off gel polish, as this can cause nail brittleness.
- Wear sunscreen or fingerless gloves during UV treatment to protect the skin.
