Isla Bennett
Gel nail polish is a popular choice for those seeking a long-lasting, chip-resistant manicure. However, concerns have been raised about its potential negative impact on nail health. The application and removal processes, in particular, have come under scrutiny, with some suggesting that they can lead to temporary nail damage and even increase the risk of skin cancer due to UV exposure. While gel polish can provide protection and strength to natural nails, improper techniques or frequent use may result in nail thinning, micro-traumas, and allergic reactions. The presence of certain chemicals and the need for UV curing also contribute to safety concerns.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Damage to nails | Temporary nail damage can occur, but cumulative UV exposure is a concern |
| Cancer risk | The curing process involves UV exposure, which can cause skin aging and DNA damage that may lead to cancer |
| Allergic reactions | Gel polish contains acrylate and methacrylate, which can cause allergic reactions like rashes and hives |
| Removal | Removing gel polish can damage nails if not done carefully; cracking, peeling, and overall weakening of the nail plate are common issues |
| Nail health | Gel polish can leave nails dry and brittle, especially if not allowing time between manicures for nail recovery |
| Nail preparation | Over-buffing of natural nails before gel application can thin nails over time |
| Nail protection | A base coat protects the natural nail from pigments in the polish and prevents discolouration |
| Nail hydration | Hydration is important when applying gel polish; use a moisturising product like petroleum jelly to minimise brittleness and prevent chipping |
| Nail strength | Gel polish can provide an additional layer of protection and strength to natural nails, allowing them to grow longer and appear stronger |
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What You'll Learn
- Gel nail polish can cause temporary nail damage and cumulative UV exposure
- The curing process involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin ageing and DNA damage
- Gel nail polish contains acrylate and methacrylate, which can cause allergic reactions
- Over-buffing of the natural nail prior to application can thin the nails over time
- Aggressive removal can leave micro-traumas on the nail plate or damage to the natural nails
Gel nail polish can cause temporary nail damage and cumulative UV exposure
Gel nail polish can cause temporary nail damage, particularly during the preparation and removal processes. The application and removal of gel nail polish typically involve the use of a UV lamp, which exposes your hands to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays. This repeated exposure to UVA rays can cause skin ageing and DNA damage that may lead to skin cancer. Therefore, it is crucial to take precautions, such as applying sunscreen to your hands before the manicure and using gloves when coming into contact with detergents or water, to minimise potential harm.
The curing process of gel nail polish under a UV lamp is a significant source of concern. This process involves exposing the gel polish to UV light, which hardens the polish and gives it its long-lasting shine. While LED lamps are sometimes touted as a safer alternative, it is important to remember that they still emit UV radiation. The accumulation of UV exposure from regular gel manicures can lead to increased risk over time.
The chemicals present in gel nail polish can also be detrimental. Traditional gel polishes contain methacrylate monomers, which can cause allergic reactions, such as contact dermatitis, resulting in rashes or, less commonly, hives. Additionally, improper removal of gel polish can lead to temporary nail damage, including cracking, peeling, white spots, grooves, and a weakened nail plate. These issues may take months to resolve as the damaged nail grows out.
To mitigate the potential for nail damage, it is essential to follow the correct application and removal procedures. This includes proper nail preparation, such as using a base coat to protect the natural nail, and careful removal techniques, such as using a gentle, acetone-free remover or professional removal methods like soaking fingertips in acetone or using cotton balls. Allowing your nails to recover between manicures is also crucial for maintaining their health.
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The curing process involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin ageing and DNA damage
The curing process for gel nail polish involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays. This can cause skin ageing and DNA damage that may lead to skin cancer. This is similar to the risks associated with tanning beds, which also use UVA light. Even LED lamps, which are often marketed as a safer alternative, still emit UV radiation.
The elevated risk of skin cancer associated with the curing process has generated significant concern in recent years. It is important to note that our hands are frequently used and rarely protected, increasing the potential for UV exposure. Dermatologists recommend applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to the hands before a gel manicure to mitigate these risks. Alternatively, wearing dark, opaque gloves with the fingertips snipped off can provide protection.
In addition to the potential for UV exposure, the curing process may also contribute to temporary nail damage. This is due to the presence of chemicals in gel nail polish, such as acrylate and methacrylate, which can cause allergic reactions like contact dermatitis and, less commonly, urticaria. Improper removal of gel polish can further damage the nails, with cracking, peeling, white spots, grooves, and a weakened nail plate being common issues.
While gel nail polish can provide a long-lasting and durable manicure, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with the curing process and take the necessary precautions to protect the health of your skin and nails.
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Gel nail polish contains acrylate and methacrylate, which can cause allergic reactions
While gel nail polish has a long-lasting immaculate finish and is very popular, it contains acrylate and methacrylate, which can cause allergic reactions. These chemicals are known to cause contact dermatitis, which presents as a rash, and, less commonly, urticaria, which presents as hives.
The curing process of gel nail polish also involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin ageing and DNA damage that may lead to skin cancer. Dermatologists have warned of the risks posed by these controversial molecules, and since 2021, it has been prohibited to sell gel polish containing HEMA and DI-HEMA-TMHDC methacrylate monomers to the public in Europe. However, these products can still be used by professionals in beauty salons and nail bars under certain conditions.
Other gel polish formulas branded as HEMA-free may contain isobornyl acrylate (IBOA), benzyl methacrylate, or bis(2-methacryloyloxyethyl) phosphate, which present the same risks to human health. In addition, the removal process of gel nail polish can damage nails if not done carefully. According to Dr. Ranasinghe, cracking and peeling are the most common issues, and people also report finding white spots and grooves or an overall weakening of the nail plate. These issues can take months to resolve as the damaged nail grows out.
To avoid nail damage, it is important to follow the correct gel polish application process, from nail prep to the final moisturising step using a plant oil. A base coat that protects the natural nail from the pigments in the polish and prevents discolouration is also essential. It is recommended to not use gel polish if your nails are already weakened, as the polish may not adhere properly and make your nails more fragile. Allowing time between manicures for your nails to recover is crucial, and wearing gloves when coming into contact with detergents or water can help prevent chipping and lifting.
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Over-buffing of the natural nail prior to application can thin the nails over time
Over-buffing the natural nail before applying gel nail polish can thin the nails over time. This is one of the reasons why some people believe that gel manicures ruin their nails.
The process of applying gel nail polish involves repeated exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin ageing and DNA damage that may lead to cancer. The curing process, therefore, poses an elevated risk of skin cancer. The UV exposure and the chemicals in gel nail polish can cause temporary nail damage, and an overall weakening of the nail plate.
However, gel polish is not necessarily bad for your nails, provided it is applied, cared for, and removed correctly. It can be a great coating for healthy natural nails, providing an additional layer of protection and strength.
To avoid nail damage, it is important to carefully follow all the steps of the gel polish application process, from nail prep to the final moisturising step. A base coat is essential as it protects the natural nail from the pigments in the polish and prevents discolouration. It is also recommended to use a cuticle oil at least twice daily to keep the natural nails and nail coating flexible and hydrated. This will help to prevent chipping and cracking.
When removing gel polish, it is important to do so carefully to avoid damaging your nails. Soaking the fingertips in acetone or using cotton balls are recommended methods.
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Aggressive removal can leave micro-traumas on the nail plate or damage to the natural nails
Aggressive removal of gel nail polish can cause micro-traumas to the nail plate and damage to the natural nails. This can occur when the gel polish or shellac is picked off or caught and comes off prematurely. Cracking and peeling are the most common issues, and people may also experience white spots and grooves or an overall weakening of the nail plate. These issues can take months to resolve as the damaged nail grows out.
To avoid aggressive removal, it is recommended to have gel nail polish removed by a skilled nail technician. When the colour begins to come off, do not pick at the polish or use other nails or tools to remove it. Instead, make an appointment with your manicurist to have the polish removed. Only soak your fingertips in acetone, as soaking the whole hand can cause damage to the surrounding skin. Another option is to use cotton balls to remove the polish.
To prevent damage to the natural nail, it is important to follow the correct steps during the application process, from nail prep to the final moisturising step. This includes using a base coat to protect the natural nail from the pigments in the polish and prevent discolouration. It is also recommended to not use gel polish if your nails are already weakened, as this can make your nails more fragile.
Additionally, it is advised to take breaks between gel manicures to allow your nails to recover. Dermatologists recommend trying not to wear nail polish for one to two weeks or longer to give your nails time to repair. During this time, apply a moisturising product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times daily to minimise brittleness and help prevent chipping.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel nail polish can be bad for your nails if it is not applied, maintained, or removed correctly. The curing process involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin ageing and DNA damage that may lead to cancer. The gel polish also contains chemicals that can cause allergic reactions and temporary nail damage, such as cracking and peeling.
To reduce the risks of using gel nail polish, you can apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands before your manicure. You can also wear dark, opaque gloves with the fingertips cut off during the curing process. Additionally, it is important to carefully follow the application and removal process, including using a base coat to protect your natural nails.
To care for your nails between gel manicures, try to take a break from wearing nail polish for one to two weeks or longer. During this time, apply a moisturising product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times daily to minimise brittleness and help prevent chipping.
