Sophia Delgado
Gel manicures are a popular nail fashion trend, but they can cause several unexpected health issues. The curing process involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin ageing and increase the risk of skin cancer. The chemicals in gel nail polish can also cause allergic reactions, and removing gel polish can temporarily damage nails, leaving them dry and brittle. With these risks in mind, dermatologists recommend reserving gel manicures for special occasions and taking precautions such as wearing sunscreen and ensuring manicure tools are sterilised.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Rashes, hives, permanent loss of fingernails, peripheral neuropathy (tingling or numbness in fingers), and contact dermatitis |
| Nail damage | Cracking, peeling, white spots, grooves, weakening of the nail plate, dryness, brittleness, stripes, changes to capillaries, traumatic onycholysis |
| Increased risk of skin cancer | Exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays during the curing process causes DNA damage that can lead to skin cancer |
| Other health issues | Potential to hide signs of existing health problems |
| Precautions | Wear sunscreen, ensure tools are sterilized, do not push or cut cuticles, remove gel polish carefully, allow nails to recover between manicures, moisturize nails and cuticles |
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What You'll Learn
Allergic reactions
Gel nail polishes contain a variety of chemicals that can cause allergic reactions, such as acrylate and methacrylate. These chemicals can lead to contact dermatitis, a type of rash, and less commonly, hives (urticaria). Some people may experience severe allergic reactions, resulting in the permanent loss of fingernails. Additionally, peripheral neuropathy, characterised by tingling or numbness in the fingers, can occur in some cases and may even be permanent.
The curing process of gel manicures involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin ageing and increase the risk of skin cancer over time. This is true regardless of the type of lamp used, including LED lamps, as they still emit UV radiation. The repeated exposure to UV light during the curing process can also lead to DNA damage, contributing to an elevated risk of skin cancer.
It is important to note that the risk of allergic reactions and other health issues associated with gel nail polishes may be higher for those who are not aware of the proper precautions and application techniques. For example, some people may not realise that gel polish should not come into contact with the skin, and improper curing can further increase the risk of adverse reactions.
To minimise the risk of allergic reactions, it is recommended to only get gel manicures for special occasions and to consult a board-certified dermatologist if any unusual changes or persistent nail problems occur. Additionally, when removing gel nail polish, it is important to avoid picking or using other nails/tools. Instead, consider making an appointment with a manicurist for proper removal, or use acetone sparingly, soaking only the fingertips or applying it with cotton balls wrapped in aluminium foil.
To maintain nail health, it is recommended to take breaks between manicures, allowing nails to recover and rehydrate with moisturising products.
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Nail damage
Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling, cracking, and white spots. The repeated use of gel manicures can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin ageing on the hands. This is due to the curing process involving exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause DNA damage that may lead to cancer. The back of the hands is often unprotected by clothing and is a common place for people to forget to apply sunscreen.
The removal process of gel manicures can also be damaging to the nails. This is because the process often involves peeling or shaving away fragments of the nail plate, which can weaken the nail and cause it to become brittle. The chemicals used for removal, such as acetone, can dry out the nail and surrounding skin and be absorbed into the bloodstream. Additionally, the removal process can result in over-filing, causing stripes across the ends of the nails and changes to the capillaries underneath.
Gel nail polish contains acrylate and methacrylate, which are known to cause allergic reactions, such as rashes and, less commonly, hives. In some severe cases, an allergy to gel nail polish can cause the permanent loss of fingernails. Other reported issues include peripheral neuropathy, which is tingling or numbness in the fingers, and traumatic onycholysis, where the nail is pulled away from the bed underneath.
To minimise nail damage, dermatologists recommend taking breaks between gel manicures to allow the nails to recover. Applying a moisturising product, such as petroleum jelly, to the nails and cuticles several times a day can help to rehydrate the nails and minimise brittleness. It is also important to be proactive with your manicurist, ensuring that tools are sterilised and disinfected after each client. If you notice any unusual changes to your nails, it is recommended to see a board-certified dermatologist.
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Skin cancer risk
While gel nail polishes themselves have not been associated with an increased risk of cancer, the lamps and lightboxes used to seal the polish during professional manicures have raised concerns. These light sources emit high levels of UVA radiation, which is a major contributor to cancer development. The risk of skin cancer depends on the frequency of manicures and the duration of exposure to the light.
There have been reported cases of skin cancer in individuals who have had frequent gel manicures. In 2009, two women over the age of 40 were diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma on their hands after years of gel manicures. Additionally, two cases, one of a 25-year-old man and another of a 30-year-old woman, were reported in 2012 with subungual melanoma, although neither had a history of gel manicures.
To reduce the risk of skin cancer, it is recommended to take certain precautions when getting gel manicures. This includes wearing fingerless gloves or using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher on your hands before the manicure. You can also opt for LED lights, which emit lower levels of UV radiation and harden the polish faster, reducing exposure time.
It is worth noting that more studies are needed to fully understand the link between gel manicures and skin cancer. The development of skin cancer can take decades, and the long-term effects of gel manicures may not be fully known yet. Dermatologists recommend moderation when it comes to gel manicures and suggest considering traditional nail polish instead.
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Infections
Gel manicures can cause nail issues like brittleness, peeling, and cracking. However, they do not inherently cause fungal infections. The risk of fungal infections arises from unsanitary practices or inadequate nail preparation.
Fungus thrives in warm and moist environments, and this can occur if the nail technician does not properly sanitize their tools or if the nails are improperly prepped before the gel application. Moisture can increase the risk of fungal infections, so it is important to keep nails dry and use gloves when doing tasks involving prolonged water exposure.
To protect your nail health while enjoying gel manicures, it is recommended to choose a reputable salon that maintains high hygiene standards and follows proper sanitation practices. It is also important to ensure your nail technician properly prepares your nails before applying the gel. This includes cleaning, shaping, and gently roughing the nail surface.
In addition, it is important to prioritize the health and maintenance of your nails between gel manicures. Apply a moisturizing product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times daily to minimize brittleness and help prevent your nails from chipping.
When it comes to removing gel polish, it is important to be careful as improper removal can temporarily damage your nails. Soaking fingertips in acetone or using cotton balls soaked in acetone and wrapped in aluminum foil are recommended methods.
While gel manicures do not inherently cause fungal infections, it is important to follow proper hygiene practices and choose reputable salons to minimize the risk of infection.
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Absorption into the bloodstream
While gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, they can be harmful to your nails and overall health in several ways, including the absorption of chemicals into the bloodstream.
The removal process for gel manicures can wear down natural nails, causing them to become brittle and dry. This is due to the chemicals used in gel nail polish, such as acetone, acrylate, and methacrylate, which can strip the nail of its natural moisture and be absorbed into the bloodstream. In addition, improper removal methods, such as picking or using other nails or tools, can further damage the nail's keratin layers, leading to issues such as cracking, peeling, and white spots that can take months to resolve.
The curing process of gel nail polish under a UV lamp also poses risks. The UV exposure from the lamps can lead to cumulative DNA damage, increasing the risk of developing melanoma or skin cancer over time. This is because the lamps emit ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which are known to cause skin aging and DNA damage. The back of the hands, often unprotected by clothing or sunscreen, is particularly vulnerable to this type of radiation.
Furthermore, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to the chemicals in gel nail polish, such as methacrylate. These reactions can range from skin rashes to more severe symptoms like nail loss and breathing difficulties.
To minimize the potential harm caused by gel manicures, it is recommended to limit their use to special occasions and consult a dermatologist if any unusual changes or persistent nail problems occur. Additionally, practicing safe removal techniques, such as soaking only the fingertips in acetone or using cotton balls wrapped in foil, can help reduce nail damage and minimize the absorption of chemicals into the bloodstream.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, gel nails can cause several health issues. The curing process involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin ageing and increase your risk of skin cancer. The chemicals in gel nail polish can also cause allergic reactions, such as rashes and hives, and removing gel polish can damage your nails, leaving them dry and brittle.
To minimise the risks, dermatologists recommend getting gel manicures for special occasions only and wearing sunscreen on your hands before getting a gel manicure. You should also be proactive with your manicurist, asking if tools are sterilised and ensuring they are cleaning and disinfecting tools after each client.
When the colour begins to come off, don't 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. To remove the polish, you can soak your fingertips in acetone or use cotton balls soaked in acetone and wrapped in aluminium foil.
