Liam Carter
Gel nail polish is a popular choice for those seeking a long-lasting, chip-resistant manicure. However, one common issue with gel polish is fading, which can leave nails looking discoloured and dull. This occurs due to the UV exposure in the curing process, as well as from everyday sources like sunlight and computer screens. Additionally, certain chemicals and solvents, such as insect repellent and chlorine, can further accelerate fading. To prevent gel nail polish from fading, precautions such as applying a clear top coat, using sunscreen, and avoiding excessive UV exposure are recommended. Despite the convenience and durability of gel manicures, it's important to be aware of the potential for fading and take the necessary steps to mitigate it.
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What You'll Learn
The effects of UV exposure
Additionally, the UV rays from the sun are bleaching agents, and their effect is intensified when combined with chlorine, as experienced during swimming. This can result in a faster fading of the gel nail polish colour. To mitigate this, it is recommended to dry nails after swimming and before sun exposure, and to use solar oil daily. Applying a clear nail polish over the gel polish or using gloves can also help prevent direct contact with these bleaching agents.
Furthermore, the UV exposure from gel nail polish curing lamps has been linked to an elevated risk of skin cancer. To minimise this risk, it is advisable to apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to the hands before the gel manicure process. This protective measure is often not provided by nail salons, so customers may need to bring their own sunscreen and request its application.
The cumulative UV exposure from various sources can also lead to premature service breakdown, causing the gel nail polish to chip or crack earlier than expected. This can result in the need for more frequent touch-ups or manicures, potentially impacting the health of the nails due to repeated exposure to chemicals and removal processes.
Overall, while UV exposure is essential for curing gel nail polish, excessive or prolonged UV exposure can lead to discolouration, fading, and potential health risks. It is important to be mindful of these effects and take the necessary precautions to minimise any negative consequences.
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The fading process
Additionally, exposure to chlorine, chemicals, and solvents can also contribute to the fading of gel nail polish. Swimming pools, for example, contain chlorine, which acts as a bleaching agent and can intensify the fading process. Similarly, certain chemicals found in insect repellents, hair colours, and sun tan lotions can dissolve and cause problems with gel nail polish.
To prevent or slow down the fading process, precautions can be taken. These include drying nails after swimming and before sun exposure, applying a clear nail polish over the gel polish when using certain chemicals, and wearing gloves or applying sunscreen to protect the nails from direct UV exposure.
It is also worth noting that while any colour of gel nail polish can fade, pinks are particularly prone to fading, and cheaper products may also be more susceptible to fading.
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How to prevent fading
Although some amount of UV exposure is inevitable, excess exposure to UV rays from sunbeds, natural sunlight, chlorine, chemicals, and solvents can cause gel nail polish to fade and discolour. Therefore, it is important to take precautions to minimise UV exposure and protect your nails.
Firstly, it is recommended to dry your nails thoroughly after swimming and before sun exposure, as both chlorine and sunlight act as bleaching agents that can intensify fading. Additionally, applying two coats of a UV-protective top coat can help shield the gel colour from direct UV penetration. While this may not completely eliminate fading, it can provide some defence.
Furthermore, certain solvents like insect repellent and sunscreen contain DEET, which can dissolve and affect nail products. Thus, it is advisable to wipe or wash your nails immediately after applying these products. If you plan to use chemicals such as insect repellent, hair dye, self-tanner, or if you are a smoker, consider wearing gloves to avoid direct contact with the gel polish. Alternatively, you can apply a clear nail polish over the gel polish, reapplying it every few days or as needed.
To maintain nail health, it is also important to rehydrate your nails between polishes by applying a moisturising product like petroleum jelly to your nails and cuticles. This will reduce brittleness and prevent chipping. Additionally, consider giving your nails a break from polish now and then to keep them healthy.
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Gel polish removal
Gel nail polishes can fade due to exposure to UV light, which causes the colour to undergo a chemical change. Other factors that can cause discolouration include chlorine, chemicals, solvents, and insect repellent.
Gel nail polish removal can be done at home or at a salon. At-home removal methods include:
- Using a coarse nail file to rough up the nail surface, followed by soaking cotton pads in nail polish remover and placing them on the nails. This method can take up to 45 minutes.
- Filing the gel cleaner off each nail and waiting 2-5 minutes for the polish to burst and come off.
- Applying a gel polish remover, waiting 10 minutes, and then peeling off the gel.
If removing gel nail polish at a salon, a manicurist may use a drill or the following method:
Soaking cotton balls in acetone and wrapping them in aluminium foil around the fingertips. This method usually takes around 15 minutes.
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Health concerns
Gel nail polishes are popular for their quick-drying, long-lasting, and chip-resistant properties. However, they can have adverse effects on nail health, and there are also concerns about their impact on overall health.
The use of ultraviolet (UV) light to cure gel nail polishes is a cause for concern due to the potential health risks associated with UV exposure. Firstly, UV exposure can cause discolouration and fading of the gel nail polish. This is because UV rays can alter the chemical structure of the colourant ingredients, resulting in a permanent change in colour. While some UV exposure is unavoidable, excessive exposure to sources such as sunbeds, natural sunlight, chlorine, and certain chemicals can accelerate discolouration and fading.
More importantly, the use of UV nail lamps during the curing process has raised concerns about the potential risk of skin cancer on the hands and skin ageing. A study published in Nature Communications in January 2023 found that the radiation emitted by UV nail polish dryers can damage DNA and cause mutations in human cells. This has led to worries about the regular exposure of hands, cuticles, and nails to UV rays during gel manicures. As a result, it is recommended to apply sunscreen to the hands before undergoing a gel manicure to protect the skin from UV radiation.
In addition to skin cancer risks, gel manicures can also cause temporary nail damage, such as nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking. Repeated use of gel nail polishes can increase the likelihood of these issues. To mitigate this, it is advised to rehydrate nails between polishes by applying moisturising products to the nails and cuticles.
Furthermore, it is important to be cautious when removing gel nail polish. Picking at the polish or using other nails or tools to remove it can damage the nails. Instead, it is recommended to see a professional manicurist for proper polish removal. Alternatively, one can follow the correct removal procedure at home, such as soaking only the fingertips in acetone or using cotton balls soaked in acetone wrapped in aluminium foil to minimise contact between the skin and acetone.
Overall, while gel nail polishes offer convenience and durability, it is essential to be aware of the potential health concerns associated with their use and take the necessary precautions to minimise these risks.
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Frequently asked questions
UV exposure from sunlight, chlorine, and computer screens can cause gel nail polish to fade. Solvents such as insect repellent and sunscreen can also cause the polish to dissolve.
You can apply two gel top coats to prevent UV from reaching the colour. You can also apply a clear nail polish over the gel polish to prevent staining.
Make an appointment with your manicurist to have the polish removed. Only soak your fingertips in acetone and use cotton balls to remove the polish.
