Noah Sinclair
Gel manicures are a popular choice for those wanting long-lasting, beautiful nails. However, the process of curing gel polish involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin ageing and DNA damage that may lead to skin cancer. Additionally, gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking, and the removal process can also damage nails. Some people experience an allergic reaction to gel nail products, which can cause onycholysis, the painful separation of the nail plate from the nail bed. To minimise the risks associated with gel manicures, dermatologists recommend taking breaks from gel polish, moisturising nails and cuticles, and being proactive with your manicurist about any concerns.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Risk of skin cancer | The curing process involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which cause skin ageing and DNA damage that can lead to cancer. |
| Temporary nail damage | Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking. |
| Allergic reaction | Gel nail polish can cause an allergic reaction when it touches the skin. |
| Onycholysis | Separation of the nail plate from the nail bed, which can be painful. |
| Heat spikes | Some people experience a burning sensation during gel manicures, known as "heat spikes". |
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What You'll Learn
Gel nail polish can increase the risk of skin cancer
The use of UV-emitting nail polish dryers and gel manicures has been linked to an increased risk of skin cancer. While the gel nail polish itself is not directly associated with an increased risk of cancer, the curing process involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin aging, DNA damage, and potentially cancer-causing mutations.
UVA radiation plays a significant role in the development of cancer. The lamps and lightboxes used to seal the polish during professional manicures emit high levels of UVA radiation. This radiation can damage cells and increase the risk of skin cancers such as squamous cell and basal cell cancer. The level of risk is dependent on the frequency of manicures, with regular exposure potentially leading to a higher chance of developing skin cancer.
To protect your hands during a gel manicure, you can take several precautions. One recommendation is to wear fingerless gloves that expose the nail bed while covering the rest of your hand. Applying sunscreen to your hands before the manicure can also provide protection. It is advised to use a waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Additionally, minimizing exposure to acetone, the solvent used to remove old gel polish, is important as it can dry out the skin and nails.
While gel manicures can increase the risk of skin cancer, there are alternative options available. Regular nail polish air dries and does not require a UV light. Longer-lasting nail polishes that can last up to 10 days, similar to gel polish, are now available. There are also new alternatives to gel nails, such as stick-on gel nail strips and dip powder manicures. Although dip powder is not associated with UV damage, it may pose other risks, including the use of adhesives, which can damage the nails and cause irritant dermatitis.
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Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling and cracking
Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking, and repeated use can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands.
Dermatologists attribute these issues to frequent use and the chemicals in the gel nail polish or the acetone soaks needed to remove the polish. Acetone is required to break down the chemical bonds of gel polish, and it is very drying to the nails and irritating to the surrounding skin. An allergic reaction to acetone could also cause contact dermatitis.
To keep nails healthy before, during, and after gel manicures, dermatologists recommend the following tips:
- Be proactive with your manicurist. Ask if tools are sterilized, and ensure they are cleaning and disinfecting tools after every client.
- Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher on your hands before the gel manicure to prevent skin cancer and premature skin aging.
- Take a break from nail polish for one to two weeks or longer to allow your nails time to repair.
- Rehydrate your nails with a moisturizing product, such as petroleum jelly, several times daily to minimize brittleness and help prevent chipping.
It is important to note that gel manicures can also cause discomfort during the curing process due to UV exposure. This can range from a burning sensation to unbearable pain. To minimize this discomfort, you can purchase UV-protective fingerless gloves or apply sunscreen to protect your hands from UV radiation.
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Heat spikes can be caused by the incorrect nail lamp being used
The curing reaction that hardens gels always releases some heat, known as the "heat of polymerization". If the cure is slow and controlled, the heat dissipates, and the client feels little to no warming. However, if the cure is fast, the heat is released all at once, resulting in a heat spike.
Additionally, over-filing the natural nail can make the nail bed extra sensitive, leading to the client feeling heat. To avoid heat spikes, it is recommended to use a lamp that is matched to the product and to avoid applying gel too thickly, especially on clients with thin or damaged nails. If necessary, the curing process can be spread out by partially curing the gel with short flashes of UV light before the final cure.
Heat spikes can cause onycholysis and nail infections, so it is important to take precautions to avoid them.
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Onycholysis is a condition caused by an irritation or allergen
Onycholysis is a condition in which the nail separates from the nail bed. It is usually not painful, but it can be contagious if caused by a fungus. Onycholysis can be caused by an injury to the nail or nail matrix, such as bumping or hitting the nails, wearing tight shoes, or keeping nails in water for too long. Regular manicures can also cause onycholysis due to the force applied during trimming, buffing, and polishing. Even something as simple as tapping your nails on a hard surface over a long period can lead to this condition.
One of the main causes of onycholysis is exposure to irritants or allergens, such as chemicals in nail products like nail polish, nail gloss, nail hardener, nail polish remover, and fake nails. These chemicals can cause an allergic reaction, leading to the nail bed epithelium keratinizing to protect the nail bed and matrix. This reaction can be identified by a burning sensation or "heat spikes" during gel manicures. The presence of an irritant or allergen can also create a cavity under the nail, providing an ideal environment for infectious microorganisms to grow.
Fungal infections are another common cause of onycholysis, as fungi can enter through cracks or cuts in the finger or toe, leading to nail separation. It is important to identify the underlying cause of onycholysis to effectively treat the condition. Treatment may involve cutting away the separated nail, taking antifungal medications, or discontinuing the use of certain nail products.
In addition to localised nail issues, onycholysis can also indicate a more serious underlying condition. It has been associated with yeast infections, thyroid disease, vitamin deficiencies, and psoriasis. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider to determine the cause of onycholysis and receive appropriate treatment.
To prevent and manage onycholysis, it is crucial to avoid irritants and allergens that can trigger the condition. This includes wearing gloves during activities that may damage nails, such as washing dishes or playing sports. Additionally, maintaining clean nails and exposing them to dry air can help prevent fungal growth.
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Nails should be allowed time to repair between manicures
While some sources claim that there is no need to let your nails breathe between gel manicures, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to maintain nail health.
Gel manicures involve exposure to UV light, which can increase the risk of skin cancer and cause skin ageing. This exposure can be cumulative, so it is important to consider the long-term effects. Additionally, the curing process can cause an intense burning sensation, known as "heat spikes", which can be extremely uncomfortable. To mitigate this risk, you can apply sunscreen or use UV-protective fingerless gloves before the curing process.
Another issue with gel nail polish is the potential for nail damage during the removal process. Peeling off gel polish can cause significant damage to the nails, and it can take up to three months for this damage to grow out completely. Therefore, it is recommended to have gel polish removed by a professional to minimise harm to the nails.
To maintain nail health between manicures, it is important to take care of your natural nails. This includes using cuticle oil to hydrate, strengthen, and condition the nails, as well as applying hand cream to keep your hands and nails moisturised. Nail serums can also help repair any damage. Additionally, it is recommended to keep your hands and nails as dry as possible to prevent chipping, and to use a nail file for touch-ups.
While the benefits of gel manicures are appealing, it is important to be mindful of the potential risks and take appropriate measures to care for your nails. Allowing time for repair between manicures can help maintain nail health and prevent cumulative damage.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not safe to let nail gel touch your nail bed. Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking, and repeated use can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands.
The curing process for gel nail polish involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can lead to skin aging, DNA damage, and skin cancer. Additionally, gel nail polish can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking.
To protect your nail bed, it is recommended to apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands before the gel manicure. You can also wear UV-protective fingerless gloves to keep your hands protected while exposing your nail bed.
A gel manicure involves curing the nail polish under a UV lamp, which sets and dries the gel for a long-lasting manicure. Regular nail polish does not require curing under a UV lamp and is typically less durable than gel polish.
If you notice any unusual changes to your nails, such as persistent nail problems, onycholysis (separation of the nail plate from the nail bed), or allergic reactions, it is recommended to consult a board-certified dermatologist.
