Isla Bennett
Gel nail polish is a popular choice for those wanting a long-lasting manicure, but does it damage nails? The short answer is yes, but only if not applied and removed correctly. The curing process, for example, involves UV exposure, which can increase the risk of skin cancer and cause skin ageing. Removing gel polish can also be damaging to nails if not done carefully, and it's important to avoid picking or peeling it off. So, while gel polish can give you gorgeous nails, it's essential to care for them properly and follow the correct application and removal techniques to keep them healthy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Damage to nails | Temporary damage to nails can occur if gel polish is not removed carefully. Cracking, peeling, white spots, grooves, and an overall weakening of the nail plate are common issues. Nails can be left dry and brittle, especially without sufficient time for recovery between manicures. |
| Cancer Risk | The curing process involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin aging and DNA damage that may lead to cancer. |
| Prep Work | Filing during the preparation process can thin the nail plate. |
| Removal | Gel polish should not be picked at or peeled off, as this can pull away layers of the natural nail, leaving them thin and weak. Soaking fingertips in acetone or using acetone-soaked cotton balls with aluminum foil are recommended removal methods. |
| Nail Care | To maintain nail health, it is important to allow time for nails to recover between manicures and to apply moisturizing products to nails and cuticles. |
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What You'll Learn
Gel polish removal can damage nails
To avoid this, it is important to follow the proper removal process. One method is to soak fingertips in acetone, either by placing a cotton ball soaked in acetone on the nail and wrapping it with foil, or by soaking the fingertips directly in acetone. After a few minutes, the gel polish should come off in flakes and can be gently scraped away. It is also important to be proactive with your manicurist, asking if tools are sterilized and ensuring they are cleaning and disinfecting tools after every client.
In between gel manicures, it is recommended to take a nail polish break and apply a moisturizing product, such as cuticle oil or petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times daily. This will help to minimize brittleness and prevent nails from chipping.
If you are looking for an alternative to gel polish, there are several options available, including traditional nail polish, peel-off polish, gel-effect polish, and non-toxic natural nail polish.
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UV exposure during curing increases skin cancer risk
Gel nail polish can have negative effects on your nails, but the most concerning issue is the increased risk of skin cancer due to UV exposure during curing.
The curing process for gel manicures involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which is a major cause of skin cancer. UVA rays are the main type of light used in most tanning beds, and they can cause skin ageing and DNA damage that may lead to cancer. While UVB rays are typically associated with sunburn, UVA rays penetrate deeper into the inner layer of the skin (the dermis), causing less visible but more long-term damage. This damage can include genetic damage to cells on the innermost part of your top layer of skin, where most skin cancers occur.
The degree of damage caused by UV rays depends on the intensity of the rays, the length of exposure, and whether the skin is protected. Sunbeds and tanning devices are artificial sources of UV rays that have been linked to an increased risk of skin cancer. Similarly, the UV lamps used to cure gel nail polish pose a risk, as they emit UV radiation, even if they are LED lamps.
To reduce the risk of skin cancer, it is important to protect your skin from UV exposure. This can be done by applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands before a gel manicure. You can also wear dark, opaque gloves with the fingertips snipped off during the curing process to shield your skin from the UV rays.
In addition to the UV exposure risks, the process of removing gel nail polish can also damage your nails. It is important to be careful when removing gel polish to avoid issues like cracking, peeling, white spots, grooves, and an overall weakening of the nail plate.
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Filing and prep work can thin nail plates
Gel nail polish is bad for your nails in several ways. Firstly, the curing process involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin ageing and DNA damage that may lead to cancer. Secondly, removing gel polish can damage nails, with cracking, peeling, and an overall weakening of the nail plate being common issues.
One of the steps that can cause nail damage is the filing and prep work. Filing the nail plate can thin and weaken the nail, causing it to become overly flexible and prone to bending and breaking. This can lead to issues such as loss of adhesion of the nail coating and changes in the shape of the nail plate. Overfiling, or using a coarse abrasive or electric file, can quickly remove significant layers of the nail plate, resulting in thinning and weakening of the nail. Even a wooden pusher can damage the nail plate if too much pressure is applied.
To avoid overfiling, it is recommended to use a light touch and a fine grit (240 grit or higher) when filing the natural nail. Coarser files or electric files should not be used directly on the natural nail. Additionally, it is important to regularly check that you are not filing too close to your natural nail to prevent thinning and weakening.
To maintain nail health before, during, and after gel manicures, it is recommended to apply a moisturising product to nails and cuticles to minimise brittleness and prevent chipping. It is also important to be proactive with your manicurist by asking about tool sterilisation and disinfection practices and refusing any attempts to push or cut your cuticles, as this can lead to inflammation and infection.
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Picking and peeling gel polish harms nails
While gel nail polish may not be the best option for your nails, there are ways to mitigate the risks involved and keep your nails healthy. One of the most important things to remember is to avoid picking and peeling gel polish, as this can cause significant harm to your nails.
The process of removing gel polish can temporarily damage your nails, and picking and peeling it off is one of the worst things you can do. When you pick or peel gel polish, you are removing layers of your nail plate, making your nails weaker and more prone to chipping. This can lead to white spots, grooves, and an overall thinning and weakening of the nail. These issues can take months to resolve as the damaged nail grows out.
So, what should you do if your gel polish starts to peel? First and foremost, resist the temptation to pick at it. Instead, follow the proper polish-removal procedure. You can rough up the surface of the gel with an emery board, then soak cotton balls in acetone and apply them directly to your nail bed, making sure they don't touch the surrounding skin as this can be drying and irritating. Wrap your nails with aluminium foil to hold the cotton balls in place and keep the acetone from evaporating.
To keep your nails healthy, it's important to give your cuticles extra care when you have gel polish on. Moisturise your hands and nails and apply cuticle oil daily to help keep the nail strong underneath the gel and reduce the risk of peeling during removal. Additionally, be sure to apply sunscreen to your hands before going under the UV lamp used in the curing process, as this can expose you to UV radiation, increasing your risk of skin cancer and premature skin ageing.
In summary, while gel nail polish can be a fun and long-lasting option, it's important to be aware of the potential risks and take the necessary precautions to keep your nails healthy. Avoiding picking and peeling gel polish is crucial, as it can cause significant damage to your nails. By following proper removal procedures and caring for your nails before, during, and after your manicure, you can minimise the potential harm and enjoy the benefits of gel polish.
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Proper application and removal techniques are key
Application Techniques:
- Avoid getting gel polish on your skin or cuticles: If gel polish touches these areas, use an Orangewood Cuticle Stick or a Nail Art Brush dipped in nail polish remover to clean it off before curing. This prevents lifting, reduces the risk of irritation or allergies, and ensures a clean, professional finish.
- Be cautious with prep work: Filing your nails can thin your nail plate, so it's important to be gentle and not overdo it.
- Allow time for recovery: Give your nails a break between manicures. Apply a moisturising product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times daily to minimise brittleness and prevent chipping.
Removal Techniques:
- Avoid picking, peeling, or forcefully removing gel polish: This can lead to temporary nail damage, such as cracking and peeling. It can also cause an overall weakening of the nail plate, making it prone to breakage.
- Be patient: Soak your fingertips in acetone or use cotton balls soaked in acetone and wrapped in aluminium foil. If the polish isn't lifting off easily, give it more time to soak.
- Use the right tools: The Gelous E-File Pen is a great tool for removing gel polish, but it should be used correctly and only for manicures that include Builder Gel. Never use it directly on your natural nails to avoid thinning and damage.
- Follow a removal guide: Refer to a trusted removal guide, such as the Gelous Removal Guide, to ensure you are using the correct process and protecting your nails from unnecessary harm.
Remember, moderation is essential when it comes to gel manicures. Allow your nails time to recover and always prioritise their health.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel polish itself does not damage nails, but improper application and removal can. The repeated UV exposure from curing lamps also increases the risk of skin cancer and causes skin ageing.
Gel polish should be removed carefully to avoid damaging your nails. Avoid picking, peeling, or forcefully removing the polish, as this can cause cracking, peeling, and weakening of the nail plate. Instead, follow the proper removal process, such as the Gelous Removal Guide, and be patient during the process.
To protect your skin from UV exposure during the curing process, you can apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands before the manicure. You can also wear dark, opaque gloves with the fingertips cut off during the curing process.
To care for your nails between gel manicures, you can apply a moisturising product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times daily. This will help minimise brittleness and prevent your nails from chipping. Taking a break between manicures will also allow your nails to recover.
During a gel manicure, be proactive and ask your manicurist if their tools are sterilised and cleaned after each client. Ensure that they do not push or cut your cuticles, as this can lead to inflammation and infection. Avoid getting gel polish on your skin or cuticles, and clean it off with a cuticle stick or nail art brush if necessary.
