Ava Monroe
Gel manicures are a popular choice for those seeking long-lasting, chip-free nail polish. However, there are concerns about their impact on nail health. While gel nail polish itself does not inherently damage nails, improper application or removal can lead to weakened, brittle, and thin nails. The UV or LED curing process exposes your hands to UV radiation, which has been linked to premature skin aging and an increased risk of skin cancer. Additionally, the tools used for application and removal can cause damage if not properly sterilized, leading to potential fungal or bacterial infections. To minimize nail damage, it is crucial to follow proper preparation, application, and removal techniques, as well as spacing out manicures to give nails a rest.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Damage to Nails | The damage to nails is caused by the prep work (filing) which can thin the nail plate, and improper removal methods such as filing off the polish or soaking nails in acetone for too long. |
| UV Exposure | The curing process involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin aging, DNA damage, and potentially lead to skin cancer. |
| Allergic Reactions | Some people may have or develop allergic reactions to the chemicals in the UV curing process. |
| Nail Health | Nails that have become too dry, thin, and brittle due to gel manicures can be treated with cuticle oil and nourishing hand cream to accelerate the recovery process. |
| Prevention | To prevent damage, it is recommended to space out gel manicures, follow proper removal procedures, and ensure correct application techniques such as gentle buffing, shaping, and cleaning of the nail plate. |
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What You'll Learn
Prep work and removal
The damage from gel nail polish comes from the prep work and removal. The prep work for gel nails involves pushing back the cuticles and filing the nails into the desired shape. Filing can thin your nail plate and cause sensitivity, especially if you remove the gel completely.
When it comes to removal, it is important to take your time. Dermatologists recommend against picking, scraping, or filing off gel nail polish, as this can damage your nails and cause white spots. The best way to remove gel nail polish is to let your nails grow out and clip them once the gel has grown out. This is a slow process and can take up to six months for fingernails and 12 to 18 months for toenails.
If you want to remove the gel nail polish faster, you can use acetone. Soak small pieces of cotton in acetone and place them on your nails, then wrap your nails with plastic food wrap to create a tight seal. Leave the plastic wrap on for about 10 minutes, then remove it and rub off any remaining polish with a wet washcloth. Be careful to only rub the nail and avoid the surrounding skin. Wash your hands with gentle soap and water to remove the acetone, and apply petroleum jelly to your cuticles and the skin around your nails for the next seven days to reduce any irritation.
Alternatively, you can use hand files or E-files to remove the gel. However, this method can be risky and may severely damage your nails. When using an E-file, make sure to do your research first and only use it for soak-off gels, not hard gels.
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UV exposure
While gel manicures can cause temporary nail damage, the primary concern is the cumulative UV exposure from curing lamps. Dermatologists worry about the elevated risk of skin cancer posed by the curing process, which involves repeated exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays. This is true regardless of the type of lamp used, as both UV and LED lamps emit UV radiation. In addition to the potential cancer risk, frequent and prolonged UV exposure can also accelerate skin ageing, leading to wrinkles and age spots.
To mitigate the risks associated with UV exposure during gel manicures, it is recommended to apply sunscreen to your hands before going under the lamp. The Skin Cancer Foundation specifically advises rubbing a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen into your hands about 20 minutes beforehand.
It is worth noting that the UV or LED-curing process of gel manicures does have a protective effect on nails. By creating a hard, durable layer, the process safeguards your nails from breakage and external damage. However, incorrect application or removal of gel polish can lead to weakened, brittle, and thin nails. Therefore, proper preparation, application, and removal techniques are crucial to minimising potential harm to your nails.
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Thinning of nail beds
Gel manicures can lead to weak and thin nail beds. The thinning of nail beds can occur due to several reasons, including the preparation, application, and removal of gel nails. During the preparation stage, filing the natural nail can thin the nail plate, causing sensitivity and nail bed thinning. Additionally, the repeated pressure or friction applied during the gel application process can weaken the nail bed, making it more susceptible to peeling and breakage.
The removal process is another critical factor contributing to nail bed thinning. Aggressive removal methods, such as peeling or scraping, can damage the surface layers of the natural nails, making them thinner and weaker over time. The use of harsh chemicals and acidic cleaners during gel removal can also erode the nail beds, further exacerbating the problem.
Furthermore, the cumulative UV exposure from curing lamps used in gel manicures can lead to premature photoaging of the skin around the nail bed, causing loss of collagen, changes in pigmentation, and wrinkles. This UV exposure also increases the risk of skin cancer, as the lamps emit ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which cause DNA damage that may lead to cancer.
To mitigate the thinning of nail beds, it is essential to prioritize proper nail care. This includes ensuring adequate hydration, as all nail polishes, including gel, can severely dehydrate nail beds. Soaking nails in vitamin E oil before and after gel manicures can help protect the nail beds and speed up recovery. Additionally, using a cuticle oil daily and applying sunscreen before UV exposure can provide extra protection.
In summary, while gel manicures offer a long-lasting and chip-free option, they can contribute to nail bed thinning through various mechanisms. Proper nail care and protection are crucial to minimize the potential damage caused by gel nails and maintain the health and strength of the nail beds.
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Incorrect application
The first step in the gel manicure process is preparation, which involves gentle buffing, shaping, and cleaning the nail plate to ensure the polish adheres properly. Over-buffing can damage the nail surface, and using files not meant for natural nails can cause mechanical damage.
The next step is applying the UV gel polish in thin, even layers, avoiding the cuticles. Getting polish on the cuticles can cause lifting and weaken the nails. Under-curing or applying too thick a layer of polish can lead to improper hardening, which may cause the polish to peel or irritate the skin.
The final step is removal, which should be done with extra care. Avoid forceful scraping, aggressive filing, or picking and peeling off the gel polish, as these can all cause damage. Issues typically arise from improper removal methods, such as filing off the polish or soaking nails in acetone for too long, which can weaken and damage the nail plate.
In addition, the UV or LED-curing process used in gel manicures exposes your hands to UV radiation, which has been linked to premature skin aging and an increased risk of skin cancer. Therefore, it is recommended to apply sunscreen to your hands before going under the lamp and to moisturize extensively afterward.
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Fungal or bacterial infections
Gel manicures can increase your risk of skin cancer due to the repeated exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays during the curing process. However, the more immediate concern is the potential for nail damage during the gel removal process. This can leave your nails feeling sensitive and stripped.
Fungal infections are a common complication of gel nails. This is due to the warm and moist environment that is created when nails are improperly prepped before the gel application, or when tools are not properly sanitized. Fungi thrive in such environments and may start to grow around the trapped moisture. A group of fungi called dermatophytes, particularly the fungus Trichophyton rubrum, are the most common culprits of nail fungal infections.
To minimize the risk of fungal infections, it is important to choose a reputable salon that maintains high hygiene standards and follows proper sanitation practices. Ensure your nail technician properly prepares your nails before applying the gel. This includes cleaning, shaping, and gently roughing the nail surface.
Keep your nails dry and use gloves when doing tasks involving prolonged water exposure. Moisture can increase the risk of fungal infections. It is also important to keep your nails and cuticles moisturized to prevent dryness and cracking, as this can create openings for fungal infections.
If you develop a fungal infection, the first step is to have the gel nails removed and to wash your fingernails with soap and water. Most nail fungal infections will clear up on their own or with home remedies like vinegar, Vicks VapoRub, or tea tree oil. For more serious infections, antifungal medications may be necessary.
Bacterial infections are less common than fungal infections, but people with artificial nails tend to be more prone to developing them. Staphylococcus aureus and streptococci bacteria are the most common causes of bacterial nail infections.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel nail polish itself does not damage nails, but improper application or removal can. Issues typically arise from incorrect removal methods, such as filing off the polish or soaking nails in acetone for too long, which can weaken and damage the nail plate.
To avoid damaging your nails, it is recommended to space out gel manicures to give nails a rest and accelerate the waiting period by applying a good cuticle oil. It is also important to follow the proper removal procedure and not pick at the polish.
Yes, gel manicures do increase the risk of skin cancer due to UV exposure from the curing lamps. This is true regardless of the type of lamp used, as both UV and LED lamps emit UV radiation. To mitigate this risk, it is recommended to apply sunscreen to your hands before going under the lamp.
Gel nail polish offers a long-lasting finish with minimal chipping, and vibrant colours can remain intact for up to 3-4 weeks. It can also protect your nails from breakage and external damage when applied correctly.
