Sophia Delgado
Gel nail polish is a popular choice for those wanting a long-lasting manicure. However, it has been questioned whether the gel manicure is harmful to nail health. The curing process involves exposure to UV rays, which can cause skin ageing and even skin cancer. The removal process can also be intensive, requiring acetone to remove the polish, which can be overly drying and harsh on nails. It is important to care for your nails properly and use the right products to keep them in good condition.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| UV exposure | Gel polish cures under a UV or LED lamp, which can cause skin ageing and increase the risk of skin cancer |
| Removal process | Removing gel polish can temporarily damage nails, causing cracking, peeling, white spots, grooves, and overall weakening of the nail plate |
| Allergic reactions | Gel polish contains acrylate and methacrylate, which can cause allergic reactions such as contact dermatitis and hives |
| Nail health | Gel polish can leave nails dry, brittle, and weak, especially without proper nail care and time for nails to recover between manicures |
| Nail protection | Avoid getting gel polish on the skin or cuticles, and use gloves when cleaning or washing dishes to protect nails from harsh chemicals and water exposure |
| Nail care | Proper nail care includes using cuticle oil, hydrating hand cream, and nail polish remover that is gentle and nourishing to prevent nail damage and promote healthy nail growth |
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What You'll Learn
The removal process of gel polish can cause nail damage
To avoid nail damage during gel polish removal, it is recommended to only soak the fingertips in acetone instead of the whole hand to minimize skin contact with the chemical. Another option is to use cotton balls soaked in acetone and wrapped in aluminum foil around the fingertips. This ensures that only the nails come into contact with the acetone. After about 15 minutes, the gel polish should come off easily.
It is also important to give your nails a break between gel manicures. During this time, you can nourish your nails with cuticle oil and hand cream to promote healthy nail growth and allow them to recover. Additionally, it is recommended to apply a moisturizing product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times a day to minimize brittleness and prevent chipping.
Furthermore, it is crucial to be proactive with your manicurist. Ask if the tools are sterilized and ensure they are cleaning and disinfecting the tools after each client. You should also never allow your manicurist to push or cut your cuticles, as this can lead to inflammation and infection.
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Gel polish contains harmful chemicals
While gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, they can be tough on nails. The intensive process of applying and removing gel nail polish involves harmful chemicals and radiation.
Gel nail polish contains photoinitiators, molecules that initiate a chemical reaction upon light absorption, which creates the long polymer chains that harden on the nail. One of the most common photoinitiators in gel nail polish is benzoyl peroxide, which breaks down into free radicals upon exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. These free radicals can cause damage to the skin and nails, and UV radiation itself may cause cancer following repeated exposure.
Additionally, acetone is required to remove gel polish. Soaking fingertips in acetone or using cotton balls soaked in acetone wrapped in aluminium foil are recommended for removing gel polish. However, prolonged exposure to acetone can lead to skin irritation, photosensitivity, allergic reactions, and potential endocrine disruption.
Other harmful chemicals found in nail polish include parabens, which are suspected of interfering with hormonal balance and disrupting the endocrine system, and ethyl tosylamide, which is linked to skin irritation, photosensitivity, allergic reactions, and potential endocrine disruption.
To minimize the harm caused by gel nail polish, it is recommended to apply sunscreen or wear opaque gloves with the fingertips cut off before the procedure to protect the skin from UV radiation. It is also important to choose a reputable nail salon that uses sterile tools and follows proper cleaning and disinfection protocols.
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Gel manicures require UV or LED light, which can be harmful
Gel manicures require curing under a UV or LED lamp, which can be harmful to your skin and nails. The UV or LED light emitted by gel nail lamps can cause skin ageing and increase the risk of skin cancer. While the UV exposure from gel nail lamps is minimal, it is still important to protect your skin by applying sunscreen or wearing gloves during the curing process.
The curing process involves the use of UV or LED light to quickly dry and harden the gel polish, which allows for a long-lasting and chip-resistant manicure. However, this exposure to UV or LED light can be damaging to the skin, especially with frequent gel manicures. The light can cause an increased risk of skin cancer and premature skin ageing, with some people noticing an increased sign of ageing on their fingers compared to the rest of their hand.
To protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV or LED light during a gel manicure, it is recommended to apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands before the nail-painting process. You can also wear gloves with the fingertips cut off to shield your hands from UV rays. Additionally, some companies offer anti-UV gloves specifically designed for use during gel manicures.
It is worth noting that the removal process of gel nail polish can also be damaging to your nails. The intensive process of removing gel polish can leave nails weak, brittle, and prone to splitting. Therefore, it is recommended to give your nails a break between gel manicures and nourish them with cuticle oil and hand cream to promote healthy nail growth.
While gel manicures may be convenient and long-lasting, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with UV or LED light exposure. By taking proper precautions, such as using sunscreen or gloves, you can minimise the harmful effects and enjoy your gel manicure while maintaining healthy nails and skin.
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Gel polish can cause allergic reactions
While gel nail polish is a popular choice for its long-lasting and smudge-proof manicure, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with its use. One significant concern is the elevated risk of allergic reactions. Gel polish contains acrylate and methacrylate, which are known allergens that can trigger contact dermatitis, causing rashes, and, in rare cases, hives (urticaria).
To minimize the risk of allergic reactions, it is crucial to be vigilant during the application process. Ensure that the gel polish does not come into contact with your skin or cuticles. If any polish touches these areas, use an Orangewood Cuticle Stick or a Nail Art Brush dipped in nail polish remover to gently wipe it away before curing. This simple step can significantly reduce the chances of experiencing irritation or an allergic reaction.
Additionally, it is important to prioritize nail health between gel manicures. Allow your nails to recover by taking a break from polish and nourishing your nails with cuticle oil and hydrating hand cream. This will help strengthen your nails and promote healthy nail growth.
It is also worth noting that the removal process of gel polish can be intensive and, if not done carefully, can lead to temporary nail damage. To avoid this, opt for professional removal services or use alternative methods such as cotton balls soaked in acetone and wrapped in aluminum foil. This minimizes direct contact between acetone and your skin, reducing the potential for irritation.
While gel polish can enhance the appearance of your nails, it is important to be mindful of the potential for allergic reactions and take the necessary precautions to protect your nail health.
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Proper nail care can help prevent damage
Gel manicures can be tough on nails. The UV light used to seal the polish may cause skin ageing and the intensive removal process can also damage nails, leaving them weak, dented, and prone to splitting. However, proper nail care can help prevent damage.
Firstly, it is important to keep nails clean and dry. Bacteria and fungi thrive in a moist environment, so maintaining clean, dry nails prevents bacteria from growing underneath. When washing hands or doing chores that involve water, wear gloves to protect your nails from excessive moisture, which can cause them to split, peel, or break.
Secondly, nails should be trimmed regularly and cut straight across with sharp nail scissors or clippers. Nails are less prone to snags and breakage when kept at a uniform length. Round the nails slightly at the tips for maximum strength. Filing nails with an emery board can help keep them shaped and free of snags, but be sure to file in one direction to avoid causing nails to peel and snag. Glass (crystal) nail files are a good alternative as they create an even edge and can be used on weak, brittle, and damaged nails.
Thirdly, cuticles should be left intact as they serve the important purpose of sealing the area at the base of the nail. Pushing or cutting the cuticle can lead to inflammation and infection. Instead, use a wooden orange stick to gently push back your cuticles once a week after showering when the skin is soft, and finish by massaging cuticles and nails with a cuticle oil or treatment.
Additionally, avoid using your nails as tools, such as for opening cans, as this can cause chipping, splitting, or lifting of the nail bed. Protect your nails from harsh chemicals and acidic cleaners when cleaning, as these can erode your natural nails.
Finally, moisturize your nails regularly. Dry, brittle nails are a cry for moisture, so consider proper moisture the foundation of your nail care routine. There are plenty of moisturizing nail products on the market, such as petroleum jelly, which can be applied several times daily to minimize brittleness and help prevent chipping.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, gel nail polish can be bad for your nails. The curing process involves UV exposure, which can cause skin ageing and increase the risk of skin cancer. The intensive removal process can also damage your nails, leaving them dented, weak, and prone to splitting.
Traditional manicures using regular nail polish, peel-off polish, gel-effect polish, non-toxic natural nail polish, dip powder nails, and press-on nails are all alternatives to gel nail polish.
To protect your nails when using gel nail polish, it is recommended to apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands before the gel application. You can also wear gloves with the fingertips snipped off during the curing process.
To safely remove gel nail polish, only soak your fingertips in acetone or use cotton balls soaked in acetone and wrapped in aluminium foil. This ensures that only your nails come into contact with the acetone.
After removing gel nail polish, it is important to give your nails time to recover. You can apply cuticle oil and hand cream to nourish your nails and promote healthy nail growth.
