Sophia Delgado
Gel pedicures are a long-lasting and durable way to keep your toenails looking great. However, there are some potential risks and complications associated with this type of pedicure that you should be aware of before deciding whether it is the right choice for you. One of the main concerns with gel pedicures is the use of UV or LED light to cure the nail polish, which can lead to skin damage and an increased risk of skin cancer. Additionally, the strong chemicals and harsh techniques used during gel pedicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking, as well as more serious conditions such as onychogryphosis, paronychia, and pyogenic granuloma. While gel pedicures can be safe if proper techniques and hygiene practices are followed, it is important to consider the potential risks and take precautions to protect your nail health.
Does gel pedicure ruin your nails?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pros | Long-lasting, durable, good-looking |
| Cons | Risk of skin cancer, premature skin aging, nail brittleness, peeling, cracking, onychogryphosis, subungual exostosis, bone infection, paronychia, pyogenic granuloma, allergic reactions |
| Precautions | Use traditional nail polish instead, wear sunscreen, don't pick gel nail polish, take a nail polish holiday, rehydrate nails, use cuticle oil, proper sterilization techniques, proper removal |
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$12.01 $14.95
What You'll Learn
- Gel pedicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking and temporary nail damage
- The curing process involves exposure to UV radiation, which can cause skin ageing and increase the risk of skin cancer
- The use of harsh chemicals and rough nail preparation techniques can cause skin damage and increase the risk of infection
- Removal of gel nail polish can be damaging to nails if not done properly
- The application process can introduce bacteria, leading to an infection
Gel pedicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking and temporary nail damage
While gel pedicures can be long-lasting, durable, and aesthetically pleasing, they can also cause temporary nail damage. Dermatologists have identified several issues with gel nail polish, including nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking.
The temporary nail damage caused by gel pedicures can be attributed to the harsh chemicals and prolonged UV light exposure during the curing process. The strong chemicals used in gel pedicures can irritate and traumatize the nail bed, leading to conditions such as onychogryphosis, where the nail becomes thickened, curved, and resembles a ram's horn. This condition is permanent and may require medical intervention. Improper sterilization techniques or injuries during the gel application can introduce bacteria, leading to infections such as paronychia, which causes pain, redness, swelling, and pus-filled blisters around the nail bed.
Additionally, the removal process of gel nail polish can be damaging to the nails. Acetone, which is used to remove gel polish, 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 dip the hands or feet in acetone. Improper removal, such as peeling off the gel polish, can also cause temporary nail damage.
To minimize nail damage, it is recommended to space out gel pedicures and prioritize proper removal techniques. Taking a break from nail polish between gel pedicures allows nails to repair and rehydrate. Applying moisturizing products, such as petroleum jelly, to the nails and cuticles can help minimize brittleness and prevent chipping.
While gel pedicures can cause temporary nail damage, following these recommendations can help maintain nail health and reduce the risk of complications.
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The curing process involves exposure to UV radiation, which can cause skin ageing and increase the risk of skin cancer
The curing process of gel pedicures involves exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) or LED light. This exposure to UV radiation can cause skin ageing and increase the risk of skin cancer. This is because UV rays cause DNA damage, which can lead to cancer. Dermatologists have confirmed that repeated use of gel manicures can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin ageing on the hands.
The use of UV or LED light during the curing process has raised concerns about potential skin damage from prolonged exposure. This is known as "cumulative UV exposure". While LED lamps are often marketed as a safer alternative, it is important to note that they still emit UV radiation. As a result, there is no risk-free nail lamp currently available.
To protect your skin from UV radiation, it is recommended to apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher before your gel manicure. Alternatively, you can wear dark, opaque gloves with the fingertips cut off before the nail polish is applied.
It is worth noting that the removal process of gel polish can also be damaging to the nails. Acetone is typically used to remove gel polish, and it can dry out the nails and nail beds. Therefore, proper removal is crucial to maintaining nail health.
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The use of harsh chemicals and rough nail preparation techniques can cause skin damage and increase the risk of infection
While gel pedicures can be long-lasting and durable, they may not be the best option for your feet due to the use of harsh chemicals and rough nail preparation techniques, which can cause skin damage and increase the risk of infection.
Gel pedicures involve the application of gel nail polish to the toenails, which is then cured and hardened using UV or LED light. This process can lead to prolonged exposure to UV light, which can cause skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging. The use of UV light during gel pedicures has also been associated with the development of pyogenic granuloma, a benign vascular tumor that can occur due to trauma or injury to the nail bed.
In addition to the risks associated with UV light exposure, the harsh chemicals used in gel pedicures can also cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, such as contact dermatitis and hives. Improper sterilization techniques or injuries during the gel application process can introduce bacteria, leading to infections such as paronychia, which occurs around the nail bed and can cause pain, redness, swelling, and pus-filled blisters.
Furthermore, the rough nail preparation techniques used in gel pedicures, such as cutting the cuticles, can increase the risk of developing subungual exostosis, a bony outgrowth that occurs underneath the nail due to chronic irritation or trauma to the nail bed. While bone infections are rare, they can occur if a foot ulcer becomes severely infected and spreads to the bone if left untreated. This condition requires immediate medical attention.
To minimize the risk of infection and other complications associated with gel pedicures, it is essential to visit a reputable salon that adheres to proper techniques and hygiene practices. Spacing out gel pedicures and allowing nails to repair and rehydrate between treatments can also help reduce nail damage. Proper removal of gel polish is crucial, as peeling it off can damage the nails. Instead, use an acetone-soaked cotton ball and aluminum foil to remove the polish gently.
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Removal of gel nail polish can be damaging to nails if not done properly
Gel nail polish can be damaging to nails, and the removal process is often more damaging than the application. The polish contains acrylate and methacrylate, which can cause allergic reactions, and the removal process usually involves acetone, which can dry out nails and nail beds. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the technician only applies acetone to the nail polish, rather than dipping your nails in it.
If gel nail polish is not removed properly, it can cause temporary damage to the nails. One way to remove gel nail polish is to cover the nails in acetone-soaked cotton balls and wrap them in aluminium foil. After 10 to 15 minutes, the foil and polish can be gently removed, and any remaining polish can be filed off or removed with a wooden stick.
It is important to note that gel nail polish involves exposure to UV light, which can cause skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. This is true regardless of the type of lamp used, as all nail lamps emit UV radiation. Therefore, it is recommended to apply sunscreen to the hands before a gel manicure to protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation.
To care for your nails after a gel manicure, dermatologists recommend taking a break from nail polish to allow your nails to repair. Applying a moisturising product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles can help minimise brittleness and prevent chipping.
Overall, while gel nail polish can be a long-lasting and attractive option, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and take proper precautions to minimise damage to the nails during the removal process.
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The application process can introduce bacteria, leading to an infection
While gel pedicures can be long-lasting and durable, they may introduce bacteria, leading to an infection. This is because the application process can involve harsh chemicals and prolonged exposure to UV light, which may result in onychogryphosis, a condition where the nail becomes thickened, curved, and resembles a ram's horn. This permanent condition may require medical intervention.
Paronychia, an infection that occurs around the nail bed, can also be caused by improper sterilisation techniques or injury during the gel application process. This can cause pain, redness, swelling, and pus-filled blisters around the nail. To avoid this, it is essential to ensure that proper hygiene practices are followed during the application process and that tools are adequately sterilised.
In addition, those with diabetes should take extra caution when considering a gel pedicure. Diabetes can lead to poor blood circulation and nerve damage in the feet, increasing the risk of infection and causing problems with wound healing if any accidental cuts occur during the pedicure.
Furthermore, the removal process of gel polish can be damaging to the nails. This often involves soaking the nails in acetone, which can strip the nails of their natural oils, leaving them dry, thin, and brittle, and more susceptible to breaking and splitting.
To minimise the risk of infection, it is recommended to visit a reputable salon with experienced technicians who follow proper safety protocols. Consulting a podiatrist or dermatologist may provide further guidance on safety and potential risks.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, gel pedicures can be bad for your nails. The curing process involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin ageing and DNA damage that may lead to cancer. The strong chemicals and prolonged UV light exposure can also cause onychogryphosis, a condition where the nail becomes thickened, curved, and resembles a ram's horn.
Traditional nail polish is generally considered safer than gel polish as it does not involve UV light, and the removal process is typically less damaging to the nails.
To care for your nails after a gel pedicure, try not to wear nail polish for one to two weeks or longer to allow your nails time to repair. Apply a moisturising product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times daily to minimise brittleness and help prevent chipping.
To remove a gel pedicure, cover the nails in an acetone-soaked cotton ball and aluminium foil. Wait 10 to 15 minutes before removing the foil, then gently file off or use a wooden stick to remove any remaining polish.
