Caleb Foster
Gel nail polish is a popular choice for those seeking a long-lasting, durable manicure. However, there are concerns about the potential health risks associated with its use. The process of curing gel nail polish under UV or LED light has raised worries about the possible damage caused by exposure to UV rays, including an increased risk of skin cancer and premature skin ageing. Additionally, the chemicals present in gel nail polish and the aggressive removal methods can lead to nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking. While the long-term negative effects of gel nail polish are uncertain, taking precautions such as proper removal techniques, moderation in usage, and the application of sunscreen during manicures, can help minimise potential harm to nail and skin health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pros | Durable, long-lasting, scratch-resistant, massively popular |
| Cons | Requires a lot of effort and time to remove, Damage to nails due to mechanical reasons, exposure to UV rays, risk of skin cancer, premature aging, and DNA damage |
| Chemicals Involved | Methacrylates, acrylates, nail glue, formaldehyde, alcohol, cyanoacrylate, photo-bonded methacrylate |
| Safety Recommendations | Avoid aggressive buffing, avoid forceful scraping of the nail plate, wear sunscreen, use gloves, take breaks between manicures, get polish professionally removed |
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What You'll Learn
Gel nail polish and skin cancer risk
Gel nail polish has become a popular choice for many due to its durability and long-lasting nature. However, its application and removal can be time-consuming and may cause damage to the nails. The process of curing gel nail polish under UV or LED light has raised concerns about potential health risks, particularly the risk of skin cancer.
The curing process involves hardening the gel nail polish using ultraviolet light, which has been linked to an increased risk of skin cancer. This is because the UV rays emitted by the lamps can cause cellular damage and increase the risk of skin cancer and premature aging. While the exposure time during a gel manicure is relatively short, the concern arises from the cumulative effect of regular and frequent manicures.
A study published in Nature Communications in January 2023 adds to these concerns. The study found that radiation emitted by UV nail polish dryers caused cell death, damage, and DNA mutations in human and mouse cell lines. This suggests a potential link between gel manicures and an increased risk of skin cancer. However, it is important to note that the study did not establish a direct causal relationship between gel manicures and skin cancer.
To minimize the potential risks associated with gel nail polish, dermatologists recommend taking precautions such as wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen on the hands or using fingerless gloves during the manicure process. Additionally, it is advised to have gel polish professionally removed and to allow nails to recover between manicures.
While gel nail polish can provide a durable and aesthetically pleasing manicure, it is important to be mindful of the potential risks and take appropriate precautions to protect nail health and minimize the risk of skin cancer.
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Mechanical damage to nails
One of the most significant causes of mechanical damage is the forceful scraping or peeling of gel polish during removal. Instead of forcefully removing the product, it is crucial to allow it to release gently. Soaking nails in acetone is a recommended method to safely remove gel nail polish. However, it is essential to soak only the fingertips in acetone and not the entire hand to protect the surrounding skin. Alternatively, cotton balls soaked in acetone can be applied to the nails and wrapped in aluminum foil.
Aggressive buffing or filing, especially with tools not intended for natural nails, can also lead to mechanical damage. Electric buffing should be avoided, and nail technicians should refrain from scraping the nail plate forcefully. Additionally, the use of improper tools that are not properly sterilized can increase the risk of fungal or bacterial infections.
Leaving a gel manicure on for too long can cause mechanical damage as the extra weight can pull on the edge of the nail, leading to tears at the base. It is recommended to not exceed two to three weeks before safely removing the gel polish.
While gel manicures can cause mechanical damage to nails, taking proper precautions and following recommended removal techniques can help minimize the risk of nail health issues.
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Dermatological issues
While gel manicures are popular for their durability and appearance, they can be tough on nails and cause dermatological issues. The damage that occurs is often mechanical, which can happen in several ways. Firstly, roughing up the nail with files not meant for natural nails prior to the application can cause harm. Forcefully scraping off the product during removal instead of allowing it to release, aggressive filing again after removal, and picking and peeling off the gel polish can all result in nail damage. The tools used to apply and remove gel nails can also cause mechanical damage if they are not properly sterilized, as this can lead to fungal or bacterial infections.
Gel nail polish contains various chemicals, and some may cause adverse effects. For instance, gel nail polish contains methacrylates and acrylates, which can cause skin irritation, such as hives and contact dermatitis. Additionally, gel manicures require exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light to harden the polish, raising concerns about the risk of skin cancer and premature aging on the hands. While the exposure time during a manicure is short, the concern is that the cumulative effect of regular gel manicures may increase the risk over time. A 2023 study in Nature Communications found that radiation emitted by UV nail polish dryers caused cell death, damage, and DNA mutations in human cells.
To maintain nail health, it is recommended to take breaks between manicures and keep nails bare for at least one to two weeks in between gel manicures. This helps strengthen, repair, and rehydrate the nails. When removing gel nail polish, it is crucial to avoid picking or peeling it off, as this can damage the nail plate and lead to brittleness. Instead, it is advised to soak only the fingertips in acetone or use cotton balls soaked in acetone wrapped in aluminum foil to ensure that only the nails come into contact with the acetone.
While gel nail polish can cause dermatological issues, these can be mitigated by following proper removal techniques, taking breaks between manicures, and being mindful of the potential risks associated with UV exposure.
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Carcinogens in nail glue
While gel nail polish itself does not contain glue, the process of applying and removing it can involve exposure to carcinogenic substances.
The application of gel nail polish involves curing the polish under a UV or LED lamp, which emits ultraviolet radiation. This radiation has been linked to premature skin aging and an increased risk of skin cancer. A 2023 study published in Nature Communications found that radiation emitted by UV nail polish dryers can damage DNA and cause mutations in human cells.
In addition to the risks associated with UV light exposure, there are also concerns about the chemicals used in gel nail polish and the removal process. One of the main chemicals of concern is formaldehyde, a known carcinogen often used as a nail-hardening agent and disinfectant for nail care tools. Other chemicals of concern include butyl acetate, a solvent, and ethyl methacrylate, the main ingredient in acrylic nails. Exposure to these chemicals has been linked not only to cancer but also to central nervous system damage and reproductive harm.
It is important to note that the risk of developing cancer or other health issues from exposure to these substances depends on the level and duration of exposure. Low-level exposure to carcinogens, even those found in nail products, may not necessarily lead to cancer. However, prolonged and frequent exposure to certain chemicals and UV radiation during the application and removal of gel nail polish can potentially increase the risk of adverse health effects.
To minimize the risks associated with gel nail polish, it is recommended to allow the polish to release instead of forcefully scraping it off during removal. Additionally, proper sterilization of tools is crucial to prevent fungal or bacterial infections. When visiting a nail salon, it is advisable to opt for salons that offer alternatives to UV lamps, such as fingerless gloves with titanium dioxide or regular manicures that do not require UV light exposure. Taking occasional breaks from gel manicures allows for the inspection of natural nails for any abnormalities.
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Nail health maintenance
While gel manicures are popular for their durability and appearance, they can damage your nails over time. The damage that occurs is mainly mechanical and can happen in several ways. Firstly, filing nails with tools not meant for natural nails prior to the application of gel polish can cause harm. Forcefully scraping off the product during removal instead of allowing it to release, aggressive filing after removal, and picking and peeling off the gel polish can also cause damage. The UV or LED lights used to cure gel nail polish emit UV radiation, which has been linked to premature skin ageing and skin cancer. Additionally, the chemicals in gel nail polish can irritate the skin and cause dermatitis.
To maintain nail health, it is recommended to take breaks between manicures and have gel polish professionally removed. You should never leave a gel manicure on for longer than two to three weeks, as the extra weight can start pulling on the edge of your nail, causing tears in the base. It is also important to be proactive with your manicurist and ask if their tools are sterilised. Ensure that they are cleaning and disinfecting their tools after every client, and never let them push or cut your cuticle, as this could lead to inflammation and infection.
If you notice any unusual changes to your nails or have a persistent nail problem, see a board-certified dermatologist. To improve and maintain nail health, you can apply a moisturising product to your nails and cuticles several times daily. This will minimise brittleness and help prevent your nails from chipping.
When removing gel nail polish, only soak your fingertips in acetone, as soaking your whole hands can be damaging to the surrounding skin. Alternatively, you can use cotton balls soaked in acetone and wrap small pieces of aluminium foil around your fingertips. After about 15 minutes, the nail polish should come right off.
To keep your nails healthy, it is recommended to take a nail polish vacation at least once every couple of months to inspect your natural nails for abnormalities.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, gel nail polish can damage nails over time. This is mainly due to the mechanical action of filing and forceful scraping during the application and removal process. The UV or LED lights used to cure gel nail polish emit UV radiation, which has been linked to premature skin aging and skin cancer.
The chemicals in gel nail polish can cause skin irritation, such as hives and contact dermatitis. The nail glue used to attach acrylics to natural nails may contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. The weight of gel manicures can also cause tears in the base of nails if left on for longer than two to three weeks.
To reduce the risk of damage, it is recommended to have gel polish professionally removed. It is also important to ensure that tools are properly sterilized to prevent the risk of fungal or bacterial infections. To minimize exposure to UV radiation, wear sunscreen or fingerless gloves during the curing process.
