Isla Bennett
Gel nail polish is a popular choice for those seeking a long-lasting, chip-free manicure. While it offers durability and a glossy finish, there are concerns about its potential impact on natural nail health. Improper removal techniques, such as forceful scraping or peeling, can lead to nail damage, including dehydration, thinning, and breakage. Additionally, the use of UV lamps for curing gel polish has raised questions about possible skin cancer risks. This has sparked debates within the nail industry, with some studies suggesting a potential link while others dismiss it. Proper aftercare and spacing out manicures are recommended to maintain nail health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Durability | Gel nail polish is more durable than regular nail polish and is chip-resistant. |
| Application | It is recommended to have gel nail polish applied and removed by a professional to avoid damage to the natural nail. |
| Removal | Improper removal can weaken or damage nails. Soak-off gel polishes are removed by soaking cotton in acetone, wrapping nails with foil, and gently scraping off the gel. |
| UV Light | Gel nail polish requires UV or LED light to cure and harden. |
| Health Risks | Overextending gel manicures can introduce harmful bacteria and cause nail dehydration, breakage, and thinning. |
| Skin Cancer Risk | There is a potential risk of skin cancer associated with UV light exposure during gel manicures, but the evidence is inconclusive. |
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What You'll Learn
Gel nail polish can be worn for weeks without chipping
Gel nail polish is a popular choice for those who want a manicure that lasts. Compared to regular polish, gel polish is more durable and can be worn for up to two to three weeks without chipping. This is because it forms a harder layer over the natural nail, which can result in increased nail growth.
However, while gel polish can be worn for weeks without chipping, it is not recommended to keep it on for longer than two weeks at a time. By not looking at your natural nail, you won't be able to properly assess its condition, and you might miss infections or, in severe cases, tumours. Additionally, the thick coating of polish can block nails from being able to breathe, leading to nail dehydration and eventual breakage.
To avoid damaging your nail beds and cuticles, it is suggested that you remove gel manicures after a maximum of two to three weeks. Overextending gel manicures can not only lead to weakened nails but also introduce potentially harmful bacteria. Once the gel begins to lift, moisture can get underneath, possibly leading to bacterial growth.
If you are tempted to remove your gel manicure yourself, experts advise against it. The safest way to remove gel polish is by a professional nail technician, who can assess your nail health and determine if your nails need a break from polish. Improper removal can potentially weaken or damage your nails, so it is always recommended to visit a professional to ensure proper care and maintenance.
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Improper removal can weaken or damage nails
Improper removal of gel nail polish can weaken or damage nails. The removal process requires careful attention and time. If you can't make it to the salon for removal, you can first gently file the top of the polish to remove the shine, which allows the acetone to penetrate and dissolve the gel more easily. Next, soak cotton balls in acetone, apply a cotton ball to each nail, and wrap it in tin foil. Leave the wraps on for 10 to 15 minutes, then use a wooden cuticle pusher to gently push the gel off the nail plates. Finally, lightly buff the surface of the nail with a buffing tool, and apply oil to your nails and cuticles to rehydrate them.
If you forcefully peel or pry off the gel nail polish, you will likely strip layers of your natural nail, leaving it thinner and weaker. This can take over six months to repair. Incorrect removal can also cause pits, cracks, and scrapes on the nail plate, which often appear as small white spots on the nails. This is misleadingly attributed to the dehydrating effect of acetone on the nail, but it is actually the keratin layer in the nail that endures trauma when the gel polish is forced off.
To avoid nail damage, it is important to give your nails downtime between gel manicures. By getting gel nails consistently every two weeks, the nail plate gets extremely suffocated, which can lead to nail dehydration and eventual breakage. Therefore, it is recommended to remove a gel manicure after two to three weeks maximum and to go on a gel honeymoon to allow your nails to rehydrate and repair.
Additionally, it is worth noting that there are potential risks associated with the UV lamps used for curing gel nail polish. While the lamps provide a longer-lasting and chip-resistant finish, studies suggest that too much UV light exposure can increase the risk of skin cancer. However, the conclusion is not definitive, and the risk is considered small. To limit the risk of carcinogenesis and photoaging, it is recommended to use physical blocking sunscreens or UVA-protective gloves during the curing process.
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Gel manicures can cause nail dehydration and breakage
To avoid nail damage, it is recommended to space out your manicures and not get back-to-back gel manicures. You should also avoid picking and peeling gel polish, as this can harm your nails by removing layers of your natural nail, leaving it thinner and weaker. Instead, it is advised to gently file the top of the polish to remove the shine, allowing acetone to penetrate and dissolve the gel more easily. You can then soak cotton balls in acetone, apply them to your nails, and wrap them in tin foil. After 10 to 15 minutes, gently push the gel off the nail plates using a wooden cuticle pusher.
It is also important to note that UV lamps used for curing gel polish have been associated with an increased risk of skin cancer. While some studies have dismissed this risk, others suggest that too much UV light exposure can lead to skin cancers. Therefore, it is recommended to use physical blocking sunscreens or UVA-protective gloves to limit the risk of carcinogenesis and photoaging.
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UV lamps used to cure gel polish may increase the risk of skin cancer
While gel manicures are popular due to their longevity and glossiness, concerns have been raised about the potential health risks associated with the ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted by the light boxes used during these procedures. These lamps, commonly known as UV or LED lamps, are essential for curing and drying gel nail polish. The debate centres on whether exposure to UV radiation during gel manicures increases the risk of skin cancer.
UV radiation, specifically UVA rays, has been linked to an increased risk of skin cancer and premature skin ageing. A 2014 study in JAMA Dermatology found that the level of UVA exposure from a gel manicure every two weeks was likely insufficient to significantly elevate the risk of skin cancer. However, it is still a cause for concern, and some patrons worry about the potential cancer risk from UV exposure during manicures.
The literature on the subject is limited and controversial. While some studies suggest that UV exposure from gel manicures may contribute to the increasing incidence of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer in young adults, others disagree. A 2020 study in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found no reported cases of patients under 40 with a history of chronic gel manicures being diagnosed with skin cancer on their hands or nails. Similarly, a 2023 study in Nature Communications linked chronic dryer use to DNA damage and cell mutations but could not conclude a definitive link to skin cancer.
To mitigate potential risks, protective measures can be taken. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends applying a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen to the hands before UV light exposure during manicures. Additionally, fingerless gloves can be worn during the procedure to shield the skin from UV radiation. While these precautions can reduce the risk, they do not eliminate the possibility of subungual squamous cell carcinoma, a rare but aggressive form of skin cancer that can occur under the nail.
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Peeling and lifting of gel polish can cause water to seep into the nail
Gel nail polish is a popular choice for those seeking a long-lasting, chip-free manicure. While it offers durability and a glossy finish, improper removal can lead to nail damage. One common issue is the peeling and lifting of gel polish, which can cause water to seep into the nail.
When gel polish begins to peel and lift, it creates an entry point for water to penetrate beneath the polish and reach the nail. This can lead to several issues, including nail plate trauma and potential bacterial or fungal infections. As water seeps in, it can affect the adhesion of the gel polish to the nail, causing further peeling and lifting. This can create a cycle of damage, with each layer of peeling exposing more of the nail to water and potential pathogens.
The impact of water seepage can be particularly harmful if the gel polish has not been properly cured during application. Under-curing the polish can result in a weaker bond, making it more susceptible to peeling and lifting. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the gel polish is adequately cured under a UV or LED light to minimize the risk of water seepage.
To prevent water seepage and potential nail damage, it is essential to address peeling and lifting promptly. Instead of picking or peeling the gel polish, it is recommended to soak the nails in acetone, which will help soften the polish for easy removal. This process should be followed by proper nail hydration to restore moisture and strengthen the nails.
Additionally, seeking professional assistance for gel polish removal can help minimize the risk of water seepage. Nail technicians are equipped with the knowledge and tools to safely remove gel polish, reducing the chances of nail damage. By addressing peeling and lifting early and with the appropriate techniques, individuals can maintain nail health while enjoying the benefits of gel manicures.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel nail polish itself does not ruin natural nails. However, improper removal can cause nail damage.
First, gently file the top of the polish to remove the shine, which allows the acetone to penetrate and dissolve the gel more easily. Next, soak cotton balls in acetone, apply a cotton ball to each nail, and wrap it in tin foil. Leave the wraps on for 10 to 15 minutes, then use a wooden cuticle pusher to gently push the gel off the nail plates. Finish by lightly buffing the surface of the nail and applying oil to rehydrate.
It is recommended to space out your gel manicures to avoid damaging your nail beds and cuticles. Give your nails downtime between gels to prevent nail dehydration and breakage.
Gel nail polish is longer-lasting and more chip-resistant than regular nail polish. It also provides a harder layer of protection over the natural nail, which can result in increased nail growth.
Yes, there are some potential health risks associated with gel nail polish. The removal process can be damaging to the nails, especially if not done properly. Additionally, the UV light used to cure the polish has been linked to an increased risk of skin cancer, although the evidence is inconclusive.
