Sophia Delgado
Gel manicures are a popular choice for those wanting long-lasting, chip-resistant nail colour. However, some research suggests that the process may increase the risk of skin cancer. The UV light used to cure the polish is associated with skin cancer and premature ageing of the skin. While the gel polish itself has not been linked to cancer, the lamps and lightboxes used to seal the polish during professional manicures have raised concerns. This is because they emit high levels of UVA radiation, which plays a significant role in the development of cancer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Risk of cancer | Exposure to UV radiation from lamps and light boxes used to seal the polish during professional manicures increases the risk of skin cancer |
| UVA radiation | The lamps and light boxes emit high levels of UVA radiation, which plays a major role in the development of cancer |
| Frequency of manicures | The level of risk depends on the frequency of manicures. The more frequent the manicures, the higher the exposure to UVA radiation |
| Protection | Sunscreen, fingerless gloves, and clothing can protect hands from UV radiation during manicures |
| Breaks between manicures | Taking breaks between manicures, going polish-free for a week or two, and applying moisturizer can help nails recover and reduce the risk of cancer |
| Special occasions | Considering gel manicures for special occasions only can reduce the frequency of UV radiation exposure and lower the risk of cancer |
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What You'll Learn
- The gel polish itself is not associated with an increased risk of cancer
- UV nail lamps can cause skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer
- Sunscreen and gloves can protect hands from UV radiation during manicures
- Take breaks between manicures to allow nails time to recover
- Traditional nail polish does not expose your hands to UV radiation
The gel polish itself is not associated with an increased risk of cancer
While there is some concern that gel manicures may increase the risk of skin cancer, the gel polish itself has not been associated with an increased risk. The concern primarily lies with the lamps and light boxes used to seal the polish during professional manicures, as these emit fairly high levels of UVA radiation, which is a major contributor to the development of cancer.
UVA radiation from the sun, tanning beds, and other sources is known to increase the risk of skin cancer. Similarly, the UV lamps used in nail salons emit this type of radiation, and frequent exposure can raise the risk of cancer on the hands. However, it is important to note that the link between gel manicures and cancer has not been conclusively proven. A 2014 study indicated that the level of UVA exposure from a gel manicure every two weeks is likely insufficient to significantly increase the risk of skin cancer.
To put it into perspective, sunbathers and tanning bed users expose their entire bodies to UV radiation, while gel manicures only involve the hands. Nevertheless, any exposure to UV radiation has the potential to increase the risk of skin cancer, and frequent gel manicures can result in cumulative UV exposure over time. As such, it is recommended to take precautions when getting gel manicures to minimize UV exposure and reduce the potential risk.
To protect your hands during a gel manicure, you can apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher before the procedure. You can also wear fingerless gloves or special UV-protective gloves designed for this purpose. Additionally, consider limiting gel manicures to special occasions and opting for traditional polish or dip manicures that do not require UV light exposure. Taking breaks between manicures and allowing your nails to recover without polish can also help minimize the potential risks associated with gel manicures.
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UV nail lamps can cause skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer
While the gel polish itself has not been associated with an increased risk of cancer, the UV nail lamps used to seal the polish during professional manicures have raised concerns. These lamps emit high levels of UVA radiation, which plays a significant role in the development of cancer. The level of risk is dependent on the frequency of manicures, with regular exposure increasing the potential for skin damage and the risk of skin cancer.
Research has found that UV nail lamps can damage DNA and cause mutations in cells, even after a single session. Long-term exposure to these lamps may increase the risk of cancer and accelerate skin ageing. This is because UV light can damage the skin's elastin, leading to premature ageing and an increased risk of skin cancers such as squamous cell and basal cell carcinoma.
To put it into perspective, a 2014 study in JAMA Dermatology concluded that the level of UVA exposure from a gel manicure every two weeks was probably insufficient to significantly increase the risk of skin cancer. However, another paper profiled two women who had regular exposure to UV nail lights and developed squamous cell carcinoma on their fingers and hands.
Additionally, a 2017 study discovered that some nail melanomas contained mutations with a UV signature, indicating a potential link between nail melanoma and UV exposure. While the gel manicure process only exposes the hands to radiation, frequent gel manicures can result in cumulative UV exposure, similar to that from tanning beds or sun exposure, which are known risk factors for skin cancer.
Therefore, while the direct link between gel manicures and skin cancer requires further investigation, it is clear that UV nail lamps can cause skin damage and potentially increase the risk of skin cancer.
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Sunscreen and gloves can protect hands from UV radiation during manicures
While the gel polish itself has not been associated with an increased risk of cancer, the UV lamps used to seal the polish during professional manicures have raised concerns. These lamps emit high levels of UVA radiation, which plays a significant role in the development of cancer. The risk of cancer depends on the frequency of manicures.
To protect your hands from harmful UV radiation during manicures, you can take several precautions. One option is to apply sunscreen to your hands before your manicure. It is recommended to use a waterproof, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and to apply it at least 15 minutes before your appointment. This will give the sunscreen enough time to absorb into your skin.
Another option is to wear gloves during your manicure. Fingerless UV gloves are a popular choice, as they provide protection while still allowing access to the fingertips for painting. These gloves are typically made with fabrics like nylon or polyester and have different UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) ratings, indicating their level of protection against UVA and UVB rays.
You can also take a break from gel manicures and give your nails some time to recover. During these breaks, you can apply petroleum jelly or a moisturizer to your nails to keep them strong and healthy.
While the risk of cancer from gel manicures is relatively small, taking precautions to protect your hands from UV radiation is always a good idea. By using sunscreen, gloves, or both, you can reduce your exposure to harmful UV rays and maintain the health and youthfulness of your skin.
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Take breaks between manicures to allow nails time to recover
While gel manicures are convenient and provide long-lasting, chip-resistant colour, they can be tough on nails and may increase the risk of skin cancer. This is because the UV light from the nail lamps used to cure the polish can damage cells and increase the risk of skin cancers such as squamous cell and basal cell cancer. The level of risk depends on the frequency of manicures.
To keep your nails healthy, dermatologists recommend taking breaks between manicures to allow your nails time to recover. Try not to wear nail polish for one to two weeks or longer several times a year. During these breaks, apply a moisturising product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times a day. This will help prevent your nails from becoming brittle, peeling, or cracking and will also help prevent chipping.
You can also protect your hands during a manicure by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Some companies sell special fingerless gloves to provide UV protection during gel manicures. You can also apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands before your manicure to prevent skin cancer and premature skin ageing.
If you love gel manicures, consider changing your habits to lower your cancer risk. For example, you could save gel manicures for special occasions or only get them once or twice a year. Less exposure to UV radiation should lower your risk of skin cancer.
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Traditional nail polish does not expose your hands to UV radiation
While gel manicures are convenient and provide long-lasting, chip-resistant colour, they expose your hands to UV radiation. This is because the gel polish must be cured or hardened under a UV lamp. The level of risk from this UV radiation depends on the frequency of manicures.
Traditional nail polish, on the other hand, does not expose your hands to UV radiation. Unlike gel manicures, traditional nail polish does not require exposure to ultraviolet light to harden. Therefore, you can avoid UV radiation exposure and use an acetone-free remover with traditional nail polish.
It is important to note that the UV lamps used in gel manicures emit fairly high levels of UVA radiation, which plays a major role in the development of cancer. While there is no strong connection between getting gel manicures and developing skin cancer, any exposure to UV radiation has the potential to increase the risk.
To protect your hands from UV exposure during a gel manicure, you can apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher before your manicure. You can also wear fingerless gloves or dark, opaque gloves with the fingertips cut off.
If you are concerned about the potential risks of gel manicures, consider opting for traditional nail polish or saving gel manicures for special occasions. Taking breaks between manicures and applying moisturizer to your nails can also help keep them healthy.
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Frequently asked questions
Research suggests that the UV lamps used to dry gel nail polish emit UV radiation, which increases the risk of skin cancer. However, there is no conclusive evidence that gel nails directly cause cancer.
UV radiation from gel nail lamps can cause premature skin ageing, wrinkles, and other skin damage. It can also lead to nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking.
Yes, you can apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to your hands before the manicure. You can also wear fingerless gloves or UV-protective gloves during the process to shield your hands from the UV light.
It is recommended to limit gel manicures to special occasions or once or twice a year. Taking breaks between manicures and allowing your nails to recover is essential.
