Caleb Foster
Gel manicures are a popular nail fashion trend, but they can have negative effects on nail health. The application and removal processes can cause nail brittleness, peeling, cracking, and thinning. The UV light used to cure gel nail polish can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands. Additionally, the chemicals in gel nail polish and the nail removal process can cause skin irritation and dermatitis. While gel manicures may seem like a harmless way to express personal style, it is important to be aware of the potential health risks and take precautions to minimize harm.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| UV exposure | Increases risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging |
| Removal process | Can damage nails and lead to traumatic onycholysis and paronychia |
| Nail health | Can cause nail brittleness, dryness, white spots, thinning, peeling, and cracking |
| Allergic reactions | Some people may be allergic to the chemicals in the UV curing process |
| Protection | Gel nails can protect your natural nails from environmental elements |
| Nail damage | Can be caused by rough filing, forceful removal, and picking/peeling of gel polish |
| Moisturization | Nails should be moisturized and cuticles oiled to prevent damage |
| Sun protection | Applying sunscreen to hands before the appointment can reduce the risk of UV exposure |
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What You'll Learn
UV exposure and skin cancer risk
Gel manicures involve curing the nail polish under a UV or LED lamp, which emits UVA rays. These rays are the most mutagenic wavelength range of the UV spectrum, penetrating the skin more deeply than UVB rays and playing a role in skin cancer development. While the exact link between gel manicures and skin cancer is still being studied, there have been cases of people developing skin cancer after regular exposure to UV nail lights.
In a 2014 paper, longer exposure times were linked to increased potential for skin damage, but the risk for developing cancer was deemed small. Another paper profiled two women who developed squamous cell carcinoma on their fingers and hands after years of gel manicures. While it was only deemed a possible risk factor, this case study highlights the potential dangers of cumulative UV exposure from gel manicures.
To put this into perspective, researchers at the University of California San Diego exposed human and mouse cell lines to a UV nail polish dryer. They observed cell death, damage, and DNA mutations after both acute and chronic exposure to the device. This study did not provide direct evidence for an increased cancer risk in humans, but it did suggest that the radiation emitted by UV nail polish dryers may cause cancers of the hand and increase the risk of early-onset skin cancer.
Additionally, there is currently no standard for how long hands should be kept under the lamp, and the devices are not regulated. This means that each proprietary gel polish has its own lamp and curing time recommendations, which may or may not be followed by salons. As a result, it is difficult to determine the exact amount of UV exposure received during a gel manicure.
To mitigate the potential risks associated with UV exposure during gel manicures, it is recommended to take precautions such as applying sunscreen to your hands before the procedure, wearing gloves with the fingertips cut off, or choosing alternative gel-like polish formulas that do not require curing under a UV lamp.
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Premature skin ageing
Gel manicures can cause premature skin ageing on the hands. This is due to the ultraviolet radiation used to seal gel nail polish to the nail. The UV exposure from the curing lamps increases the risk of premature skin ageing and skin cancer.
To prevent premature skin ageing, you can apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands before your manicure. Mineral-based sunblocks, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, are also effective at blocking UV radiation. It is important to apply sunscreen 30 minutes before UV exposure, as this is how long it takes for chemical sunscreens to start working.
Wearing gloves during your manicure is another way to protect your hands from UV exposure. Opaque thick gloves with the fingertips cut off can be worn during the curing process to block the UV light from affecting the skin. Gloves made from UPF 50+ fabric offer the highest level of protection from UV rays.
To care for your nails between manicures, dermatologists recommend taking a break from nail polish to allow your nails to repair. Applying a moisturising product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times a day will minimise brittleness and help prevent chipping.
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Nail damage
Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling, dryness, white spots, thinning, cracking, and splitting. This is due to the mechanical action of filing and scraping the nail during the application and removal process. The removal process for gel manicures can wear down natural nails, causing stripes across the ends of the nails, changes to the underlying capillaries, and traumatic onycholysis, where the nail is pulled away from the bed underneath. Leaving gel nails on for too long can also cause moisture to build up underneath the nail, creating an ideal environment for onychomycosis, or fungal growth.
The UV or LED lamps used to cure gel nail polish emit UV radiation, which has been linked to premature skin aging, wrinkles, age spots, and skin cancer. While the risk is lower than from sun exposure, prolonged and frequent use could potentially increase the risk of skin cancer. Additionally, some people may have or develop allergic reactions to the chemicals in the UV curing process.
To care for your nails after a gel manicure, dermatologists recommend taking a break from nail polish for one to two weeks to allow your nails time to repair. You should also rehydrate your nails by applying a moisturising product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times daily to minimise brittleness and help prevent chipping.
To reduce the risk of UV exposure during gel manicures, it is recommended to apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands before the appointment. You can also wear dark, opaque gloves with the fingertips snipped off during the manicure to protect your hands from UV radiation.
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Allergic reactions
While gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, they can be tough on nails and may cause allergic reactions in some people. The UV or LED lamps used to cure gel nail polish emit UV radiation, which has been linked to premature skin ageing, wrinkles, age spots, and skin cancer.
To reduce the risk of UV exposure, it is recommended to apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to the hands before the manicure. This will help protect the skin from UV radiation during the curing process. Another option is to wear dark, opaque gloves with the fingertips cut off during the manicure.
Additionally, it is important to be proactive with your manicurist. Ask if their tools are sterilised and ensure they are cleaning and disinfecting their tools after each client. It is also recommended to never let your manicurist push or cut your cuticles, as this can lead to inflammation and infection.
To care for your nails between gel manicures, dermatologists suggest taking a break from nail polish for one to two weeks to allow your nails to repair. Rehydrating your nails with a moisturising product, such as petroleum jelly, several times a day can also help minimise brittleness and prevent chipping.
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Fungal infections
To prevent fungal infections, it is important to keep your nails clean and dry. Nails should be properly prepped before gel application, and tools should be disinfected. It is also important to choose a reputable salon that maintains high hygiene standards and follows proper sanitation practices.
If you notice any signs of a fungal infection, such as dark spots on the nails, it is important to seek treatment. Fungal nail infections can be treated with antifungal medications, such as antifungal creams, medicated nail lacquers, oral antifungals, or laser therapies. In most cases, these infections are not serious and can be cleared up with home remedies or over-the-counter treatments. However, if the infection is severe or does not respond to treatment, it is important to consult a doctor for prescription medication.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel nails can cause nail brittleness, peeling, cracking, dryness, white spots, and thinning. The UV exposure from curing lamps increases the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands. Removing gel nails can also damage the nails, causing stripes across the ends of the nails, changes to the capillaries underneath, and in some cases, traumatic onycholysis.
Dermatologists recommend applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands before your appointment to prevent skin cancer and premature skin aging. You can also wear dark, opaque gloves with the fingertips cut off during your manicure. Ask your manicurist to ensure their tools are sterilized, and do not let them push or cut your cuticles, as this could lead to inflammation and infection.
Try not to wear nail polish for one to two weeks or longer to give your nails time to repair. Apply a moisturizing product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times daily to minimize brittleness and help prevent chipping.
