Liam Carter
Gel nail polish is a popular choice for many people due to its long-lasting finish and quick-drying formula. However, the process of curing gel polish under a UV or LED lamp has raised concerns about its potential impact on nail health. In this article, we will explore the question Does gel nail polish ruin your toenails? by examining the risks associated with gel polish application and removal, and providing expert recommendations for maintaining healthy nails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Risk of skin damage | Prolonged exposure to UV or LED light during the curing process may cause skin damage. |
| Risk of nail damage | Removing gel polish involves soaking nails in acetone, which can strip nails of natural oils, leaving them dry, thin, and brittle. |
| Risk of infection | Improper sterilization techniques or injury during the application process can introduce bacteria, leading to infections. |
| Risk of bone infection | Although rare, a severely infected foot ulcer can spread to the bone if left untreated. |
| Risk of allergic reactions | Gel polish contains acrylate and methacrylate, which can cause allergic reactions such as rashes and hives. |
| Increased nail brittleness | Nails coated in gel polish lose access to oxygen, making them more brittle. |
| Temporary nail damage | Gel polish can cause temporary nail issues like cracking, peeling, and overall weakening of the nail plate. |
| Longevity | Gel polish lasts longer than regular polish and is less likely to chip. |
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What You'll Learn
Gel nail polish removal can damage toenails
Toenails need to breathe, and by coating them with gel nail polish, they lose access to oxygen, which makes them brittle and susceptible to damage. The removal process can be particularly damaging to toenails. This is because removing gel polish often involves soaking the nails in acetone for an extended period. The acetone can strip the nails of their natural oils, leaving them dry, thin, and brittle. This can make the nails more prone to breaking, splitting, and damage.
The process of removing gel polish can also cause temporary nail damage, such as cracking and peeling. People also report finding white spots and grooves or an overall weakening of the nail plate. These issues can take months to resolve as the damaged nail needs to grow out.
The use of UV or LED light during the curing process may also cause concerns about potential skin damage from prolonged exposure. The curing process involves repeated exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which cause skin ageing and DNA damage that can lead to skin cancer.
In addition, the strong chemicals used in gel pedicures and prolonged exposure to UV light can result in onychogryphosis, a permanent condition where the nail becomes thickened, curved, and resembles a ram's horn. This condition can be aesthetically unappealing and may require medical intervention.
Therefore, it is recommended to take breaks between salon visits and allow nails to regrow and become healthy. Regular nail polish is generally considered safer than gel polish as it does not involve UV light, and the removal process is typically less damaging.
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Toenail cancer risk from gel curing process
Toenail cancer is a risk, albeit a small one, from the gel curing process. The process of curing gel nail polish involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin ageing and DNA damage that may lead to skin cancer. This risk is present regardless of the type of lamp used during the curing process, as even LED lamps emit UV radiation.
The use of UV or LED light during the curing process has also raised concerns about potential skin damage from prolonged exposure. Onychogryphosis, a condition where the nail becomes thickened, curved, and resembles a ram's horn, can result from prolonged exposure to UV light during the gel pedicure process. This condition is permanent and can be aesthetically unappealing, requiring medical intervention to address it.
In addition to the risks associated with UV exposure, the gel curing process can also introduce bacteria if proper sterilisation techniques are not used. This can lead to infections such as paronychia, an infection that occurs around the nail bed, and cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection that can occur if the skin is broken during the gel pedicure process.
To minimise the risk of toenail cancer and other potential issues associated with the gel curing process, it is essential to visit reputable salons that adhere to proper techniques and hygiene practices. Allowing time between manicures for nails to recover and choosing alternatives such as regular polish or dip powder can also reduce the risk of toenail cancer and other nail damage.
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Gel pedicures can cause toenail infections
While gel pedicures are a great, long-lasting way to decorate your toenails, they can also cause toenail infections. The process of applying and removing gel nail polish can lead to various issues, including infections. During the application, improper sterilisation techniques or injury can introduce bacteria, leading to an infection. This can cause pain, redness, swelling, and pus-filled blisters around the nail.
One such infection is paronychia, which occurs around the nail bed. It is caused by chronic irritation or trauma to the nail bed, and the use of harsh chemicals and rough nail preparation techniques during gel pedicures can increase the risk of developing this condition. In addition, the strong chemicals used in gel pedicures and prolonged exposure to UV light can result in onychogryphosis, a permanent condition where the nail becomes thickened, curved, and resembles a ram's horn. This condition can be aesthetically unappealing and may require medical intervention.
Another risk associated with gel pedicures is the development of pyogenic granuloma, a benign vascular tumour that can occur due to trauma or injury to the nail bed. The use of UV light during the curing process increases the risk of this condition, characterised by a red, raised, and bleeding bump on or near the nail. Furthermore, if the skin around the nails is cut or nicked during the gel pedicure process, bacteria can enter and cause cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection.
The removal process of gel nail polish can also contribute to toenail infections. Soaking the nails in acetone for an extended period can strip the nails of their natural oils, leaving them dry, thin, and brittle, making them more susceptible to damage. This damage can include cracking and peeling, and people have reported finding white spots and grooves or an overall weakening of the nail plate. Therefore, it is crucial to follow proper hygiene practices and safety protocols during the gel pedicure process to minimise the risk of infection.
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Toenail damage from gel nail polish chemicals
Toenail damage from gel nail polish is a well-known issue, and it is mainly caused by the chemicals used in the gel polish and the removal process. While gel nail polish can give your toenails a long-lasting shine, the trade-off is the potential for temporary and, in some cases, long-term damage.
The chemicals in gel nail polish, such as acrylate and methacrylate, can cause allergic reactions like contact dermatitis, presenting as rashes, and, less commonly, hives. The removal process, which often involves soaking the nails in acetone, can strip the nails of their natural oils, leaving them dry, thin, and brittle. This makes the toenails more prone to breaking, splitting, and other types of damage. The cracking and peeling that can occur during gel polish removal can weaken the nail plate, and issues like white spots and grooves may take months to resolve as the damaged nail grows out.
The use of UV or LED light during the curing process is another concern. Prolonged exposure to UV light can lead to skin damage and increase the risk of developing conditions like onychogryphosis, where the nail becomes thickened and curved, resembling a ram's horn. This condition can be permanent and may require medical intervention. Additionally, the cumulative UV exposure from gel manicures can cause skin ageing and DNA damage, potentially leading to skin cancer.
The application and removal process of gel nail polish can also introduce bacteria if proper sterilisation techniques are not followed. This can lead to infections such as paronychia, cellulitis, and, in rare cases, bone infections.
To minimise toenail damage, it is recommended to allow time between manicures for toenails to recover and to follow proper hygiene practices during nail polish application and removal. Regular nail polish is generally considered safer than gel polish, as it does not involve UV light exposure and has a less damaging removal process. Ultimately, consulting with a podiatrist or dermatologist can provide guidance on nail care and help weigh the potential risks and benefits of different nail polish options.
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Toenail brittleness from lack of oxygen
Toenail brittleness can be caused by a variety of factors, including external and internal factors. If your toenails are strong but your fingernails are brittle, an external factor is likely the cause. One such factor is exposure to UV light, which is present in the curing process of gel nail polish. While LED lamps are marketed as a safer alternative, they still emit UV radiation, which can cause skin ageing and DNA damage that may lead to cancer. The use of UV light during gel pedicures can also increase the risk of developing a benign vascular tumour called a pyogenic granuloma, which appears as a red, raised, and bleeding bump on or near the nail.
Additionally, the removal process of gel nail polish can contribute to toenail brittleness. Removing gel polish often involves soaking the nails in acetone, which can strip the nails of their natural oils, leaving them dry, thin, and brittle. This makes the nails more susceptible to breaking, splitting, and other damage. The process of removing gel polish can also result in temporary nail damage, with cracking and peeling being the most common issues. People may also experience white spots and grooves or an overall weakening of the nail plate, which can take months to resolve as the damaged nail grows out.
Furthermore, gel pedicures use strong chemicals that can lead to chronic irritation or trauma to the nail bed. The use of harsh chemicals and rough nail preparation techniques can increase the risk of developing onychogryphosis, a permanent condition where the nail becomes thickened, curved, and resembles a ram's horn. This condition can be aesthetically unappealing and may require medical intervention.
To prevent and treat toenail brittleness caused by a lack of oxygen, it is important to ensure proper nail care. This includes wearing protective gloves when doing household chores or using chemical products and moisturising your nails regularly. Applying lotions that contain lanolin or alpha-hydroxy acids can help to rehydrate dry, brittle nails. Additionally, taking a biotin supplement or consuming foods rich in iron and zinc can help to strengthen brittle nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, gel nail polish is bad for toenails. The curing process involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin ageing and DNA damage that may lead to skin cancer. The use of UV or LED light during the curing process may also cause potential skin damage from prolonged exposure.
The process of curing gel nail polish involves using a UV or LED lamp, which can cause skin damage from prolonged exposure. The removal process often involves soaking the nails in acetone, which can strip the nails of their natural oils, leaving them dry, thin, and brittle. This makes the nails more susceptible to breaking, splitting, and other damage.
Toenails can take months to recover after removing gel nail polish. Dr. Ranasinghe states that "cracking and peeling are the most common issues" after gel polish removal, and these issues can take months to resolve as the damaged nail needs to be regrown.
To minimise the risks of gel nail polish, it is important to ensure that proper hygiene practices are followed during the application and removal process. It is also recommended to allow time between manicures for your nails to recover and to give your nails decent breaks between polish.
Regular nail polish is generally considered safer than gel polish as it does not involve UV light and the removal process is typically less damaging. Dip powder is another alternative that is healthier for your nails than gel polish.
