Noah Sinclair
Gel manicures are a popular choice for those seeking long-lasting, chip-resistant nail colour. However, the process of curing gel nail polish involves exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, which has been linked to an increased risk of skin cancer. While the gel polish itself is not the concern, the UV lamps and light boxes used to seal the polish during professional manicures emit high levels of UVA radiation, a major contributor to the development of cancer. This has sparked discussions about the potential risks associated with frequent gel manicures and the need for protective measures, such as sunscreen application and the use of fingerless gloves during the manicure process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do gel nails cause cancer? | There is no definitive answer, but some studies suggest that the UV lamps used during gel manicures may increase the risk of skin cancer |
| How does the risk increase? | The UV lamps emit UV radiation, which can damage cells and cause DNA mutations, potentially leading to skin cancer |
| What type of UV radiation is emitted? | Ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation, which constitutes about 90% of the UV radiation that reaches the Earth's surface and penetrates the skin more deeply |
| How can the risk be mitigated? | By reducing exposure to UV radiation, such as by using traditional nail polish that air dries, applying sunscreen to the hands before a manicure, or wearing fingerless UV protection gloves during the manicure |
| Are there any alternatives to gel manicures? | Yes, there are new alternatives like stick-on gel nail strips and dip powder manicures that do not require UV light |
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What You'll Learn
- The gel polish itself is not associated with an increased risk of cancer
- UV nail lamps and lightboxes emit high levels of UVA radiation, which plays a major role in the development of cancer
- The level of risk depends on the frequency of manicures
- You can protect your hands during a manicure by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, fingerless gloves, and sunscreen
- Alternatives to gel nail polish include regular nail polish, stick-on gel nail strips, and dip powder manicures
The gel polish itself is not associated with an increased risk of cancer
While gel manicures have been associated with an increased risk of skin cancer, the nail polish itself does not pose a risk. The concern lies primarily with the UV lamps and light boxes used to seal the polish during professional manicures. These lamps emit high levels of UVA radiation, which plays a significant role in the development of cancer.
UVA radiation is a type of ultraviolet light that constitutes about 90% of the UV radiation that reaches the Earth's surface. It penetrates the skin more deeply and, while it causes less direct damage, it is still harmful due to its ability to induce DNA damage and potentially cancer-causing mutations. The UV lamps used in gel manicures can expose both the nails and hands to this radiation for up to 10 minutes per session.
However, it's important to note that the gel polish itself is not the direct cause of increased cancer risk. The 2014 study in JAMA Dermatology indicated that the level of UVA exposure associated with a gel manicure every two weeks is probably insufficient to significantly increase the risk of skin cancer. Nevertheless, the frequency of manicures and cumulative exposure to UVA radiation can impact the level of risk.
To minimize the potential risks associated with gel manicures, it is recommended to take proactive measures. This includes applying sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to your hands before your manicure or wearing fingerless UV protection gloves to shield your hands from the UV light.
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UV nail lamps and lightboxes emit high levels of UVA radiation, which plays a major role in the development of cancer
While the gel polish itself has not been associated with an increased risk of cancer, UV nail lamps and lightboxes used to seal the polish during professional manicures have raised concerns. These lamps emit high levels of UVA radiation, which plays a major role in the development of cancer.
UVA radiation constitutes about 90% of the UV radiation that reaches the Earth's surface. It penetrates the skin more deeply and causes less direct damage since it is poorly absorbed by DNA. However, studies have shown that it can still lead to DNA damage and potentially cancer-causing mutations. The UV lamps used for gel manicures irradiate both the nails and hands with UVA rays for up to 10 minutes per session.
The level of risk from UVA radiation delivered by these lamps depends on the frequency of manicures. The more frequent the manicures, the higher the cumulative exposure to UVA radiation, and the greater the potential risk of developing skin cancer. While a single gel manicure may not significantly increase the risk, regular and frequent gel manicures can contribute to a higher cumulative UV dose, increasing the chances of adverse effects.
To reduce the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging, it is recommended to limit your exposure to UV radiation from these sources. This can be achieved by reducing the frequency of gel manicures, wearing fingerless UV-protective gloves during the process, or opting for alternative manicure methods that do not require UV light, such as traditional nail polish or dip powder manicures.
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The level of risk depends on the frequency of manicures
The level of risk associated with gel manicures depends on the frequency of manicures. The more often a person gets a gel manicure, the more often their hands are exposed to UV radiation. This cumulative exposure to UV radiation increases the risk of skin cancer.
A 2014 study in JAMA Dermatology indicated that the level of UVA exposure associated with a gel manicure every two weeks probably isn't high enough to increase the risk of skin cancer significantly. However, the study also noted that there are ways to protect your hands from UVA exposure during a gel manicure. For example, applying a waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands before your manicure can protect your skin from UV radiation. Similarly, wearing fingerless gloves during your manicure can also shield your hands from UV rays.
Additionally, it is recommended to limit the frequency of gel manicures and to opt for traditional nail polish instead. Traditional nail polish does not require a UV light to dry and therefore does not expose your hands to UV radiation. Taking breaks of one to two weeks or longer between manicures can also help to reduce the risk of skin cancer by limiting UV exposure.
While the gel polish itself has not been associated with an increased risk of cancer, the lamps and lightboxes used to seal the polish during professional manicures have raised concerns due to their emission of high levels of UVA radiation. Therefore, it is important to consider the potential risks associated with frequent gel manicures and take appropriate precautions to protect your hands from UV radiation exposure.
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You can protect your hands during a manicure by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, fingerless gloves, and sunscreen
While the gel polish itself has not been associated with an increased risk of cancer, the UV lamps used to dry the polish emit high levels of UVA radiation, which can increase the risk of skin cancer. The level of risk depends on the frequency of manicures.
- Long-sleeved shirts and long pants can provide protection from UV rays. You can wear a long-sleeved shirt that covers your hands up to the fingers, or size up several sizes so that the fabric covers your hands, providing protection as you reach into the UV lamp.
- Fingerless gloves can also be worn to cover your hands when reaching into the UV lamp. Gloves like ManiGlovz are made with UPF 50+ fabric and can protect your hands from UV damage during a gel manicure.
- Sunscreen offers protection from UV rays. It is recommended to apply a waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands before your manicure.
It is important to note that while these measures can help reduce the risk of UV exposure during a manicure, they may not completely eliminate the risk. Taking additional precautions, such as limiting the frequency of gel manicures or using alternative nail polish options, can further reduce the risk of UV-related skin damage.
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Alternatives to gel nail polish include regular nail polish, stick-on gel nail strips, and dip powder manicures
While gel nail polish is incredibly long-lasting, it can be damaging to your nails if not removed properly. So, what are some alternatives to gel nail polish?
Regular nail polish is a great alternative. While it may take longer to dry and may chip sooner, there is essentially zero damage to your nails throughout the application and removal process. You can even transform your regular nail polishes into long-lasting manicures with a 2-step formula like Gel Lab Pro, which includes green tea to nourish, biotin to stimulate growth, and Aucoumea klaineana extract to fortify nails.
Another alternative is stick-on gel nail strips, which are trending and perfect for at-home manicures. These wraps are semi-cured and flexible, and can be cured with an LED lamp. They are applied directly on top of the nail and are secured without any UV light curing.
Finally, there are dip powder manicures, which are also called SNS (short for Signature Nail Systems). This option is long-lasting and cost and time-effective, as it can last three weeks or longer. Dip powder is also more lightweight than acrylic, allowing it to wear and tear better and last longer. However, hygiene is an important consideration as dip powder carries a greater risk of infection if the powder comes into contact with your skin and is then reused.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel nails themselves have not been associated with an increased risk of cancer. However, the UV lamps used to seal the polish during professional manicures have been known to emit high levels of UVA radiation, which plays a major role in the development of cancer.
You can protect your hands from UVA exposure by applying a waterproof sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher to your hands before your manicure. You can also wear fingerless gloves during your manicure to cover your hands as you reach into the UV lamp.
Some alternatives to gel manicures include regular nail polish, which can air-dry and does not require a UV light, and dip powder manicures, which offer chip-resistant nails without exposing your hands to UV radiation.
