Noah Sinclair
Gel nail polish has become increasingly popular due to its long-lasting, chip-resistant finish. However, concerns have been raised about its potential negative impact on nail health. While some people claim that gel manicures have caused their nails to become flaky, yellow, and weakened, others argue that the polish itself does not damage the nails. Instead, improper removal techniques, such as aggressive filing or scraping, are often cited as the main culprits for nail damage. Additionally, the UV or LED lights used during the curing process have been linked to premature skin aging and an increased risk of skin cancer. To ensure nail health, it is crucial to prioritize proper care and maintenance, including adequate hydration and spacing out manicures to give nails a break.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Damage to nails | Some claim that gel manicures are responsible for flaky, yellow, and weakened nail beds. However, others argue that the gel polish itself is unlikely to affect natural nails and that improper removal is the main cause of damage. |
| Removal process | Improper removal can weaken or damage nails. It is recommended to visit a professional to ensure proper removal. |
| UV exposure | UV lamps used to cure gel nail polish emit UV radiation, which can contribute to skin damage, premature aging, and potentially increase the risk of skin cancer. |
| Nail thinning | Gel manicures have been linked to nail thinning, with some individuals experiencing extremely thin and brittle nail beds. |
| Allergic reactions | Some people may develop allergic reactions to the chemicals in the UV curing process. |
| Infections | Improperly sterilized tools used for application and removal can cause fungal or bacterial infections. |
| Aftercare | Proper aftercare, including hydration and moisturization, is essential to maintain nail health after gel manicures. |
| Spacing manicures | It is recommended to space out gel manicures and allow nails to rest and recover between treatments. |
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What You'll Learn
- Gel nail polish itself is unlikely to damage nails
- However, improper removal can weaken or damage nails
- UV or LED lamps used to cure gel polish emit UV radiation, which may cause skin damage
- Prep work (filing) can thin the nail plate
- Tools used to apply and remove gel nails can cause damage if not properly sterilised
Gel nail polish itself is unlikely to damage nails
While some people claim that gel manicures are responsible for flaky and brittle nail beds, weakened nails, and skin damage, the nail polish itself is unlikely to damage nails. However, improper removal can potentially weaken or damage your nails.
According to Dana Stern, M.D., a dermatologist and nail specialist, most of the damage from gel manicures comes from the removal process, especially if the manufacturer's instructions are not followed or if two different brands are mixed and used. Similarly, nail artist Michelle Nguyen asserts that gel polish itself is unlikely to affect natural nails. Instead, it can make them even stronger by protecting them from the environment.
To prevent nail damage, it is crucial to remove gel polish with extra care. It is recommended to visit a professional to ensure proper care and maintenance. Additionally, spacing out gel manicures can give nails a much-needed rest.
The type of salon you go to can also impact the health of your nails. Some salons may use special nail-sized pads that easily wipe off the polish, while others may use tools and aggressive scraping, which can cause damage.
It is worth noting that gel manicures require exposure to UV light, which can contribute to skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. Therefore, it is advisable to protect your hands with sunscreen or gloves before exposure to UV light during the curing process.
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However, improper removal can weaken or damage nails
Improper removal of gel nail polish can weaken or damage nails. It is important to note that the gel polish itself is unlikely to affect natural nails and can even make them stronger by protecting them from the environment. However, the removal process often involves the use of acetone, which can dry out the nails and nail beds. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that acetone is only applied to the nail polish and not to the surrounding skin.
One recommended removal method is to buff off the top layer of polish without filing or prying at the nail. Once the 'seal' is buffed off, a cotton pad soaked in acetone is placed on the nail and wrapped with foil for about 15 minutes. The gel polish should then lift off the nail with minimal effort. Another method is to use a hand file to remove as much of the gel as possible and then use the acetone/cotton pad/clip removal technique.
It is also important to space out gel manicures and give nails a rest. Signs that your nails need a break include chipping and peeling nail beds, ragged cuticles, thinning of the nails, dryness, and white spots. If you are experiencing any of these issues, it is recommended to take a break from gel nails for at least two weeks to a month.
Additionally, the tools used for gel nail polish application and removal can cause damage if they are not properly sterilized. There is a risk of fungal or bacterial infections if the tools are contaminated. Furthermore, the UV or LED lights used to cure gel nail polish emit UV radiation, which has been linked to premature skin ageing, wrinkles, age spots, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Therefore, it is advisable to protect your hands with sunscreen or gloves before exposure to these lights.
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UV or LED lamps used to cure gel polish emit UV radiation, which may cause skin damage
The UV or LED lamps used to cure gel nail polish emit UV radiation, which has been linked to potential skin damage. The two types of nail lamps used to cure gel nail polish are classified as either LED or UV, with the difference being the type of bulbs inside the unit and the kind of light they emit. While the risk of skin damage from these lamps is lower than from sun exposure, prolonged and frequent use could potentially increase the risk of skin cancer, according to dermatologist Harikiran Chekuri, MBBS, MS.
A 2023 study in Nature Communications found that chronic use of UV nail polish dryers can damage DNA and cause human cell mutations that could increase the risk of skin cancer. Similarly, a 2014 study in JAMA Dermatology found that the level of UVA exposure associated with a gel manicure every two weeks probably isn't high enough to increase the risk of skin cancer significantly. However, the study also noted that it is still wise to be aware of the issue.
Additionally, repeated exposure to UV rays from nail lamps can accelerate skin aging, leading to wrinkles and age spots. To protect the skin from the aging effects of UV light, Dr. Stern recommends applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen to the hands 15 minutes before exposure or wearing fingertip-less gloves during the manicure.
It is worth noting that improper removal of gel nail polish can also potentially weaken or damage nails. Dana Stern, a dermatologist and nail specialist, states that most of the damage from gel manicures comes from the removal process, especially if the manufacturer's instructions are not followed or if two different brands are mixed and used. Therefore, it is advisable to visit a professional who can ensure proper care and maintenance regardless of the type of polish chosen.
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Prep work (filing) can thin the nail plate
While gel nail polish itself is unlikely to damage nails, the preparation process can potentially weaken them. Filing the nail plate during the prep work can thin it out, reducing its overall strength and making it overly flexible. This can cause the nail to bend too easily, leading to stress fractures near the sidewalls.
Over-filing, or using a heavy hand with a coarse abrasive or an electric file, can quickly remove layers of the nail plate, leaving it thin and weak. Even a wooden pusher can damage the nail plate if excessive downward pressure is applied. Therefore, it is important to be cautious and use only a light touch when filing. A good rule to remember is that the lower the grit, the easier it is to damage the nail. For instance, it is unwise to use a grit coarser than 180 on the natural nail plate, and even then, a 240 grit is preferable.
Additionally, under-filing can cause adhesion problems, so proper and thorough preparation techniques are necessary. It is important to hold the file with the correct pressure and at the right angle to avoid nail thinning and weakening. When using a file, ensure that you do not press it onto areas that have already been filed.
To maintain nail health, it is recommended to take a break from gel nail polish for at least two weeks to a month. This allows the nails to recover and grow out any damage, such as chipping, peeling nail beds, ragged cuticles, thinning, dryness, and white spots.
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Tools used to apply and remove gel nails can cause damage if not properly sterilised
While gel nail polish itself is unlikely to damage nails, the tools used to apply and remove it can cause harm if not properly sterilised.
When getting a gel manicure, it is important to ensure that the manicurist is cleaning and disinfecting their tools after every client. It is also recommended to ask if the tools are sterilised before use. Metal tools, in particular, can damage nails if they are not properly sterilised. Instead, an orange stick or plastic cuticle pusher can be used to reduce the risk of damage.
Additionally, it is advised not to let the manicurist push or cut your cuticles, as this can lead to inflammation and infection. The prep work for gel nails, such as filing, can also thin the nail plate, so it is crucial to be cautious during this step.
When removing gel nail polish, it is important to avoid picking, scraping, or filing it off, as these methods can damage the nails. Instead, it is recommended to soak the nails in acetone or use cotton balls soaked in acetone, wrapped in aluminium foil, to remove the polish. However, acetone can irritate and damage the skin, so it is crucial to protect the surrounding skin during removal.
Overall, while gel nail polish can provide a longer-lasting and chip-resistant finish, proper care and maintenance are necessary to avoid potential nail damage.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel nail polish itself is unlikely to damage nails. However, improper removal can weaken or damage your nails. It is recommended to visit a professional to ensure proper care and maintenance.
To avoid damaging your nails, it is important to remove gel nail polish with extra care. You can soak your nails in acetone to help lift the polish off, but make sure it is only applied to the nail polish and not your actual nails. You can also try using a hand file to take off as much of the gel as possible before using acetone.
Yes, the UV or LED lights used to cure gel nail polish emit UV radiation, which has been linked to premature skin aging and an increased risk of skin cancer. It is recommended to apply sunscreen to your hands before exposure to these lights or to use fingerless gloves to protect your skin. Additionally, the tools used to apply and remove gel nail polish can cause damage if they are not properly sterilized, leading to a risk of fungal or bacterial infections.
