Noah Sinclair
Gel manicures are appealing because they promise a chip-free, long-lasting manicure. However, they can be tough on nails and cause brittleness, peeling, and cracking. The UV or LED lamps 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 modern gel polish formula is harmless, improper removal and mechanical damage during the manicure process can harm your nails. Therefore, it is essential to follow proper aftercare instructions and be mindful of the potential risks associated with gel manicures to maintain healthy nails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temporary nail damage | Gel nail polish can leave nails dry and brittle |
| Cumulative UV exposure | UV or LED lamps used to cure gel nail polish emit UV radiation, which has been linked to premature skin aging and skin cancer |
| Mechanical damage | Filing, forceful scraping, and aggressive filing after removal can cause damage |
| Nail protection | Gel polish can help protect natural nails from environmental elements |
| Nail weakness | Improper removal of gel polish can weaken or damage nails |
| Nail repair | Nails need time to recover between manicures |
| Nail rehydration | Applying a moisturizing product between polishes can minimize brittleness and help prevent chipping |
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What You'll Learn
Gel polish can leave nails dry and brittle
Gel nail polish can leave your nails dry and brittle, especially if you don't allow time for your nails to recover between manicures. The UV or LED lights used to cure gel nail polish emit UV radiation, which has been linked to premature skin ageing and an increased risk of skin cancer. Therefore, it is recommended to apply sunscreen to your hands before a gel manicure and to space out gel manicures to give your nails time to repair.
The damage to nails from gel manicures is mainly mechanical, caused by the use of tools such as files and aggressive scraping during the removal process. To prevent this, it is important to be mindful of the tools being used and to ensure they are suitable for natural nails. It is also recommended to avoid forcefully scraping off the gel polish and to allow it to release instead.
Additionally, it is advised not to pick or peel the gel polish off, as this can damage the nails. Soaking the nails in acetone is a gentler method of removal. However, it is worth noting that acetone is required to remove gel polish, so those with an allergy to acetone should consider traditional nail polish instead.
While gel polish can leave nails dry and brittle, it is important to note that the modern gel polish formulas themselves are considered virtually harmless. In fact, they can help protect your natural nails from environmental elements. Therefore, with proper aftercare and moderation, the negative effects of gel manicures on nail health can be minimised.
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UV exposure from curing lamps can cause premature skin ageing
While gel nail polish is not inherently harmful to your natural nails, the curing process can be. The curing process involves placing your nails under a UV or LED lamp for 60 to 90 seconds, which hardens the gel polish and creates a long-lasting manicure. However, these lamps emit UV radiation, which has been linked to premature skin ageing and an increased risk of skin cancer.
The UV radiation from curing lamps can accelerate skin ageing, leading to wrinkles and age spots on the hands. This is due to the cumulative UV exposure from frequent and prolonged use of these lamps. While the risk of skin cancer from sun exposure is higher, the repeated exposure to UV rays from curing lamps can still contribute to the development of skin cancer. Therefore, it is crucial to take precautions to minimise the potential harm to your skin.
To protect your skin from the effects of UV radiation 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 nail-painting process. This will act as a barrier between your skin and the UV rays, reducing the potential damage. Additionally, you can purchase UV-protective fingerless gloves that expose your nail beds while shielding the rest of your hands from the light.
It is worth noting that the damage to your nails from gel manicures is primarily mechanical. This can occur during the preparation process, such as rough filing, and the removal process, such as forceful scraping or picking. Allowing time between manicures for your nails to recover and following proper aftercare instructions are essential to maintaining healthy natural nails.
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Gel manicures can increase the risk of skin cancer
While gel manicures are beautiful and long-lasting, they can be tough on nails, causing brittleness, peeling, and cracking. However, the most concerning issue is the potential risk of skin cancer. The UV or LED lights used to cure gel nail polish emit UV radiation, which has been linked to an increased risk of skin cancer. This radiation can damage cells and lead to skin cancers such as squamous cell and basal cell carcinoma.
It is important to note that the link between gel manicures and skin cancer is still controversial. Some studies suggest that the nail plate blocks most of the UV radiation, and the incidence of melanoma among young adults with a history of gel manicures is very low. However, the limited research in this area warrants further investigation.
To reduce the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging, it is recommended to space out gel manicures and allow nails to recover. Additionally, wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, or using UV-protective gloves, can provide protection from UV radiation during the manicure process.
While the convenience and durability of gel manicures are appealing, it is crucial to be mindful of the potential risks and take the necessary precautions to protect your skin and nail health. This includes being proactive with your manicurist, ensuring proper sterilization, and avoiding cuticle cutting or pushing, which can lead to inflammation and infection.
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Prep work and improper removal can weaken nails
While gel nail polish is not inherently harmful to your nails, improper preparation and removal can weaken your natural nails.
The preparation process for gel nails typically involves filing the natural nail, which can thin the nail plate. This filing step is important as it helps the gel polish adhere to the nail and prevents chipping. However, it is crucial to use the appropriate files meant for natural nails and to avoid over-filing, as this can compromise the integrity of your natural nails.
Additionally, improper removal of gel nail polish can also weaken your nails. Forcefully scraping or picking at the gel polish during removal can cause damage. Instead, it is recommended to allow the gel polish to release by soaking the nails in acetone or using a peel-off base coat. Aggressive filing after removal should also be avoided, as the nails are already in a weakened state.
To maintain healthy natural nails, it is important to allow them to recover between manicures. This means spacing out gel manicures and giving your nails a break from polish for a period of time. During this recovery period, it is beneficial to apply moisturizing products, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles to minimize brittleness and prevent chipping.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that the UV or LED lamps used to cure gel nail polish emit UV radiation, which has been linked to premature skin aging and an increased risk of skin cancer. To mitigate this risk, it is recommended to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands before the manicure process or to wear UV-protective fingerless gloves.
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Gel manicures can cause nail peeling and cracking
To prevent this, it is recommended to space out gel manicures and allow nails to recover. You can rehydrate your nails by applying a moisturising product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times daily. This will minimise brittleness and help prevent chipping.
Additionally, the UV or LED lights used to cure gel nail polish emit UV radiation, which has been linked to premature skin ageing and an increased risk of skin cancer. To protect your skin, it is advised to apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands before your appointment. You can also purchase UV-protective fingerless gloves, which expose your nail bed while shielding the rest of your hand.
Furthermore, it is important to note that the preparation process for gel manicures, such as filing, can thin your nail plate and lead to sensitivity in your natural nails. Therefore, it is recommended to be proactive with your manicurist by asking if tools are sterilised and ensuring they are cleaning and disinfecting tools after each client.
Overall, while gel manicures can provide a long-lasting and chip-resistant finish, improper removal and lack of aftercare can weaken or damage your nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel nails can weaken your natural nails, but this is usually due to improper removal or a lack of proper aftercare. 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. Additionally, the prep work and filing involved in gel manicures can thin your nail plate and cause temporary nail damage.
To protect your nails, it is recommended to space out gel manicures and allow your nails to recover between treatments. You can also apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands before the appointment to minimize the risk of skin cancer and premature aging.
The safest way to remove gel nail polish is by visiting a professional nail technician who can ensure proper care and maintenance. If removing gel nail polish at home, it is important to follow instructions carefully and avoid forcefully scraping or picking at the polish, as this can damage your nails.
Some alternatives to gel nail polish include traditional manicures with regular nail polish, peel-off polish, gel-effect polish, non-toxic natural nail polish, dip powder nails, and press-on nails. These options may offer a more gentle approach to nail care while still providing a polished look.
