Sophia Delgado
Gel nail polish has become increasingly popular due to its long-lasting and chip-free finish. However, concerns have been raised about its potential negative impact on nail health, especially regarding damage to toenails. While some argue that gel polish is more damaging than regular polish, others believe that it is a safer alternative. In this article, we will explore the potential risks associated with gel nail polish and provide insights into maintaining nail health while enjoying the benefits of gel manicures and pedicures. We will also discuss the removal process, which is often cited as the most critical step in preventing nail damage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Damage to nails | Gel nail polish may damage nails during the preparation and removal process. Filing during the preparation process may thin the nail plate and the removal process may cause dents and split nails. |
| Damage to skin | The UV or LED lights used to cure gel nail polish emit UV radiation, which may cause premature skin aging and increase the risk of skin cancer. |
| Sanitation | If the tools used to apply and remove gel nail polish are not properly sterilized, there is a risk of fungal or bacterial infections. |
| Allergic reactions | Some people may have or develop allergic reactions to the chemicals in the UV curing process or to acetone, which is required to remove gel polish. |
| Nail care | To prevent damage to nails, it is recommended to space out gel manicures, keep nails hydrated, and avoid picking at the gel polish. |
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What You'll Learn
Gel nail polish removal can damage toenails
The process of removing gel polish can also involve aggressive buffing, scraping, and peeling, which can further injure the nail plate and cuticle. Therefore, it is advised to avoid picking at the polish or using other nails or tools to remove it. Instead, a manicurist should be able to safely remove the polish.
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. Prolonged and frequent use of these lights can potentially increase the risk of skin damage and cancer.
To minimise the risk of damage to toenails, it is recommended to space out gel manicures and give nails a rest. Nails should be kept hydrated and moisturised, and signs of damage, such as chipping, peeling, thinning, dryness, and white spots, indicate the need for a break from gel polish.
Additionally, it is important to ensure that the tools used for gel nail polish application and removal are properly sterilised to prevent the risk of fungal or bacterial infections.
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UV light used to cure gel nail polish can cause skin ageing and cancer
The UV light used to cure gel nail polish has been a cause for concern in recent years, with some studies suggesting that it can cause skin ageing and increase the risk of skin cancer.
UV light from gel nail polish lamps is mostly UVA, the longest wavelength of UV light, which can penetrate deeply into the skin. UVA light is largely responsible for signs of ageing like hyperpigmentation and wrinkles, as well as skin cancer. While the risk of developing skin cancer from UV nail lights is considered low, the probability increases with cumulative use.
A 2014 study by Shipp et al. found that the UV irradiance values emitted by 17 different nail lamps from 16 salons were different and not evenly distributed over the exposed hands. However, multiple visits to the nail salon with a threshold of eight to 208 nail lamp sessions still only impose a low carcinogenic risk.
Another study by Stern et al. used human cadaveric nails and found that the nail plate completely blocks UVB and allows only 0.5% to 2.5% of UVA to penetrate. Eumelanin is responsible for this photo-protection, which absorbs, reflects, and scatters UVR.
Despite these findings, it's important to note that the current literature on the risk of UV nail lamps causing skin cancer is limited and controversial. While gel manicures can theoretically increase the risk of developing skin cancer, all the experts agree that there aren't enough studies yet to definitively make a cause-and-effect connection.
To minimize the potential risks associated with UV light exposure during gel nail polish curing, it is recommended to limit your exposure and, when getting a manicure or pedicure, consider applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands and wearing gloves for added protection.
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Prep work for gel nail polish can thin toenails
Gel nail polish is unlikely to have long-term negative effects on nail health if used sporadically or for special occasions. However, the prep work and removal process can be damaging to the nails.
The prep work for gel nail polish typically involves filing the nail plate to remove the shiny top layer, which can thin the nail plate. This makes the nail sensitive and susceptible to damage, especially if the natural nail has been stripped too much.
To minimise the thinning of toenails during the prep work for gel nail polish, it is important to:
- Ensure that your manicurist is cleaning and disinfecting their tools after every client. Dirty tools can cause bacterial or fungal infections.
- Avoid letting your manicurist push or cut your cuticles, as this can lead to inflammation and infection.
- Use a peel-off base coat underneath the gel nail polish. This creates a protective layer between the gel polish and your natural nail, making it easier to remove the gel polish without damaging your natural nail.
- Be mindful of the frequency of your gel manicures. Space them out to give your nails a rest and prevent sensitivity.
- Keep your nails hydrated and moisturised between manicures. This will help minimise brittleness and prevent your nails from chipping.
- Wear sunscreen before your gel manicure to protect your skin from the UV radiation used to cure the gel nail polish.
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Gel nail polish can cause allergic reactions
While gel nail polish itself may not damage your nails, the preparation and removal process can. The curing of gel nail polish under a UV or LED lamp can cause allergic reactions in some people. The UV or LED lamps emit UV radiation, which is a known cause of cellular damage, premature skin aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
To minimize the risk of allergic reactions and skin damage, it is recommended to apply broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands before the gel manicure. This will act as a protective barrier against the UV radiation. Additionally, consider using alternative lamps that emit LED light, although it is important to note that they may still emit some UV light.
The removal process of gel nail polish can also be a concern for those with sensitive skin. Soaking nails in acetone, a common method for removing gel polish, can be harsh and damaging to the nail plate, skin, and cuticles. It is advisable to minimize the contact time with acetone and use alternative methods such as cotton balls soaked in acetone and wrapped in aluminum foil to reduce direct skin exposure.
To maintain nail health, it is recommended to take breaks between gel manicures and keep nails hydrated with moisturizing products. This will help prevent brittleness, chipping, and other signs of nail damage.
In summary, while gel nail polish can cause allergic reactions and skin damage due to UV exposure, proper precautions and moderate use can minimize these risks. It is important to be proactive and informed about the potential hazards to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience with gel nail polish.
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Toenails need breaks from gel nail polish
Toenails, just like fingernails, need breaks from gel nail polish. While gel nail polish is a great way to ensure your nails look their best for longer, it's important to be mindful of the potential risks associated with its application and removal.
The preparation and removal processes of gel nail polish can be particularly damaging to nails. The filing involved in the prep work can thin your nail plate, and the removal process, which involves aggressive buffing, scraping, and peeling of polish, can injure the nail plate and cuticle. As a result, your nails may become thin, brittle, and prone to chipping and peeling.
To maintain healthy toenails, it is recommended to take breaks between gel manicures. Celebrity manicurist Jin Soon Choi suggests looking out for signs that your nails need a break, such as chipping and peeling nail beds, ragged cuticles, thinning of the nails, dryness, and white spots. If you experience any of these issues, it's advisable to take a break from gel nail polish for at least two weeks to a month. This will allow your nails to recover and promote healthy nail growth.
During your break from gel nail polish, it's important to keep your nails and cuticles well-moisturized. Applying a moisturizing product, such as petroleum jelly, several times a day can help minimize brittleness and prevent nails from chipping. It's also crucial to be cautious during the removal process. Soaking your nails in acetone can effectively remove gel polish, but it's important to only soak your fingertips and protect the surrounding skin. Alternatively, you can use cotton balls soaked in acetone and wrapped in aluminum foil around your fingertips to minimize skin contact with the acetone.
While gel nail polish can enhance the appearance of your toenails, it's important to prioritize their health and give them occasional breaks. By taking breaks, keeping your nails moisturized, and practicing safe removal techniques, you can maintain the health and beauty of your toenails while still enjoying the benefits of gel nail polish.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel nail polish can damage toenails if not used correctly. The UV or LED lights used to cure the polish emit UV radiation, which has been linked to skin cancer and premature skin aging. The removal process can also be damaging to the nail plate and cuticle if done incorrectly.
To avoid damage to your toenails, dermatologists recommend the following:
- Ensure your manicurist is cleaning and disinfecting tools after every client.
- Do not allow your manicurist to push or cut your cuticle, as this can lead to inflammation and infection.
- Do not pick at the polish when it starts to come off.
- Only soak your fingertips in acetone when removing the polish.
- Rehydrate your nails with a moisturising product between polishes.
Signs that your toenails need a break from gel nail polish include chipping and peeling nail beds, ragged cuticles, thinning of the nails, dryness, and white spots.
It is recommended to wait at least two weeks to a month between gel nail polish applications to give your nails a break.
Traditional nail polish is a good alternative to gel nail polish, especially if you experience recurring nail problems or are allergic to acetone, which is required to remove gel polish.
