Caleb Foster
Bleach is a common household product used to kill germs and whiten surfaces. It is a strong chemical that can be harmful to the skin and nails. Gel nail polish is a popular choice for manicures due to its long-lasting, chip-resistant finish. However, gel nail polish has been linked to several health concerns, including nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking, and increased risk of skin cancer due to UV exposure during the curing process. This raises the question: does bleach ruin gel nails?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bleach ruining gel nails | Bleach can cause gel nails to lift and peel |
| How to prevent nail damage | Wear gloves when handling bleach |
| Gel nail damage prevention | Avoid gel manicures for special occasions only, apply sunscreen before the manicure, and do not pick at the polish |
| Gel nail damage treatment | Take breaks from manicures, rehydrate nails with a moisturizing product, and follow dermatologist recommendations |
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What You'll Learn
Bleach can cause gel nails to lift and peel
Bleach can indeed ruin gel nails, causing them to lift and peel. Gel manicures are known to cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking, and the use of bleach can accelerate these issues.
Gel manicures are renowned for their durability and long-lasting nature. They can feel indestructible, but they are not immune to the effects of bleach. Bleach is a powerful chemical that can break down the structure of proteins, and as our nails contain a lot of protein, they are susceptible to damage.
The impact of bleach on gel nails is twofold. Firstly, bleach can cause the gel polish itself to lift and peel away from the nail. This is because bleach breaks down the molecules in the gel polish, weakening its adhesion to the nail. Secondly, bleach can also damage the nail itself, making it more prone to peeling and breakage. This is because the proteins in the nail, such as keratin, are broken down by the bleach, compromising the nail's strength and structure.
The frequency and duration of bleach exposure play a role in the extent of damage. For those who work with bleach regularly, the constant exposure can be particularly harmful to gel nails. Even occasional contact with bleach can cause issues, though the effects may be less noticeable.
To mitigate the impact of bleach on gel nails, it is essential to prioritize proper aftercare. This includes wearing gloves when handling bleach to create a protective barrier for the nails. Additionally, following a nail care routine that includes hydration and nourishment can help strengthen the nails, reducing their vulnerability to the damaging effects of bleach.
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Gel manicures can increase the risk of skin cancer
Bleach can damage nails, breaking them apart at the cellular level. Gel nails are less likely to be affected by bleach than acrylic nails, as gel is non-porous. However, bleach can cause gel nails to peel off within a few days.
Gel Manicures and Skin Cancer
While the link between gel manicures and skin cancer is not conclusive, and the real-world risk is challenging to determine, the science behind the potential dangers is clear. UV light is known to cause mutations in DNA repair mechanisms in skin cells, including melanocytes, which can lead to melanoma.
To reduce the risk of skin cancer, it is recommended to take certain precautions when getting a gel manicure. This includes wearing UV-protective gloves and sunscreen on the hands to block ultraviolet light from reaching the skin. Additionally, it is important to be vigilant for any signs of cancer on the hands, such as brown, black, blue, or red spots, which may appear under the nail or on the cuticle.
It is worth noting that the frequency of gel manicures can impact the level of risk. Occasional gel manicures are unlikely to be significantly harmful, but regular manicures over an extended period may increase the chances of developing skin cancer.
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Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness and cracking
While gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, they can be tough on nails. Dermatologists have confirmed that gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking. The curing process involves repeated exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin ageing and DNA damage that may lead to skin cancer. The UV exposure also increases the risk of UV-induced skin damage.
Additionally, gel manicures can be challenging to remove, and if not done carefully, can temporarily damage your nails. The removal process typically involves acetone, which can be harsh on the nails and surrounding skin. To avoid this, it is recommended to return to your manicurist to have the polish removed professionally.
To maintain nail health, it is suggested to take breaks between gel manicures and allow your nails to repair. During these breaks, you can apply moisturising products such as petroleum jelly to your nails and cuticles to minimise brittleness and help prevent chipping.
It is also important to be mindful of everyday activities that can damage your manicure. For example, opening packages, letters, or cans with your nails can cause cracking and chipping. Similarly, increased handwashing can expose your nails to additional moisture, making them softer and more prone to breaking.
While gel manicures can provide a beautiful and durable finish, it is crucial to be aware of the potential risks to nail health and take the necessary precautions to minimise damage.
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Gel manicures can cause premature skin ageing
Bleach can be damaging to the nails, as it breaks down the structure of proteins, and our nails contain a lot of protein, specifically keratin. This can cause nails to become damaged, peeling, and gross. Gloves are recommended to protect the nails from the effects of bleach.
The curing process of gel manicures involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which causes skin ageing and DNA damage that can lead to cancer. This is true regardless of the type of lamp being used. Even LED lamps, which are marketed as a safer option, still emit UV radiation. The cumulative bursts of UV exposure during the curing process increase UV-induced skin damage and the risk of skin cancer.
The application process of gel nail polish also involves a lot of chemicals that can be harmful to the hands. Gel polish contains acrylate and methacrylate, which are known to cause allergic reactions, such as rashes and hives. Removing gel polish can also temporarily damage nails if not done carefully.
To reduce the risk of premature skin ageing, it is recommended to wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher on your hands before getting a gel manicure. This will help protect the skin from the ultraviolet radiation used to seal gel nail polish. Another option is to wear dark, opaque gloves with the fingertips snipped off before applying the nail polish.
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Hand sanitiser can ruin gel nails
Bleach can damage nails as it breaks down the structure of proteins, and nails contain a lot of protein in the form of keratin. This can cause peeling and gross, damaged nails.
Hand sanitiser can also ruin gel nails. The purpose of hand sanitiser is to break down bacteria and germs, which can also affect the nail coating. The alcohol in hand sanitiser can weaken the bond between the gel and the natural nail, leading to lifting over time. Metta Francis, an award-winning mobile nail technician, says that hand sanitiser can "wreak havoc" on a manicure. She suggests that nail salons should update their aftercare information to inform clients about the possible impact of hand sanitiser on their manicure and how to reduce it. For example, by wiping away any excess hand sanitiser from the nail, and washing hands with soap and water after using hand sanitiser to minimise its effect on the nails.
To avoid damage to gel nails, it is recommended to use gloves when using detergents and cleaning products at home. This will also protect the skin, which can become irritated.
It is also worth noting that gel nails are ideal for those who work with bleach as the gel is not porous, so it will not be eaten away.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, bleach can cause gel nails to lift and peel. Bleach works to kill germs by breaking down their structure, and because our nails contain a lot of protein, bleach can break down the protein in our nails, causing damage.
Wear gloves when cleaning with bleach.
Yes, dermatologists recommend taking breaks from gel manicures to allow your nails to repair and rehydrate. You should also wear sunscreen on your hands before getting a gel manicure to prevent skin cancer and premature skin aging.
Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking, and repeated use can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging due to UV exposure.
