Sophia Delgado
Gel manicures are a popular choice for those seeking a long-lasting, chip-free manicure. However, the process of curing gel nail polish under UV or LED lamps has raised concerns about their potential negative effects on nail health. While modern gel polish formulas are considered virtually harmless, the cumulative UV exposure and improper application or removal techniques can lead to temporary nail damage, such as brittleness, peeling, and cracking. Additionally, the use of unsterilized tools may increase the risk of fungal or bacterial infections. Repeated UV exposure during the curing process has been linked to premature skin aging and an elevated risk of skin cancer. To minimize the potential harm, dermatologists recommend spacing out gel manicures, allowing nails to recover, and practicing proper removal techniques, such as avoiding picking or peeling the polish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temporary nail damage | Nails can become dry, thin, and brittle |
| Cumulative UV exposure | Increases risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging |
| Removal process | Can be difficult and time-consuming, potentially damaging nails if not done properly |
| Nail health | Damage is mainly mechanical, caused by rough filing, forceful scraping, and aggressive filing |
| Tools | If not properly sterilized, there is a risk of fungal or bacterial infections |
| Application | If not applied correctly, there is a concern around the chemicals in the products being harmful to skin and nails |
| Nail coating | Cuticle oil should be used at least twice daily to keep the natural nails and nail coating flexible and hydrated |
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What You'll Learn
- The curing process involves exposure to UV radiation, which can lead to skin cancer and premature skin ageing
- Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling and cracking
- The removal process can be harsh on nails, especially if done incorrectly
- The tools used to apply and remove gel nails can cause damage if not properly sterilised
- Dermatologists recommend spacing out gel manicures to give nails time to recover
The curing process involves exposure to UV radiation, which can lead to skin cancer and premature skin ageing
The curing process for gel manicures involves exposure to ultraviolet radiation, which can have harmful effects on the skin. This exposure occurs when the gel polish is cured under a UV or LED lamp, and it is this UV radiation that poses potential risks to skin health. Dermatologists have warned that the UV radiation from gel nail lamps can cause skin ageing and increase the risk of skin cancer.
The UV radiation emitted by these lamps can lead to premature skin ageing. This is because the UV rays cause damage to the skin, including DNA damage, which can result in wrinkles, age spots, and other signs of ageing. Additionally, the repeated use of gel manicures can further increase the risk of premature skin ageing due to cumulative UV exposure.
The elevated risk of skin cancer associated with gel manicures is a significant concern. The UV radiation from the curing lamps can cause DNA damage to the skin cells, which can lead to the development of skin cancer. While the risk is lower than from sun exposure, the frequent and prolonged use of gel manicures could potentially increase the chances of developing skin cancer. This is similar to the risks associated with tanning beds, which also utilise UVA rays.
It is important to note that the risk of skin cancer and premature ageing is not limited to UV lamps alone. LED lamps, which are often marketed as a safer alternative, also emit UV radiation. Therefore, it is recommended to take precautions when using any type of gel manicure curing lamp. Applying sunscreen or wearing gloves with the fingertips snipped off can help protect the hands from UV exposure during the curing process.
To minimise the potential harm to nail health, it is suggested to space out gel manicures and allow nails to recover between treatments. This gives nails time to rehydrate and repair any damage caused by the manicure process. Moderation is key when it comes to gel manicures, and considering alternative options, such as traditional nail polish or peel-off polish, can help reduce the cumulative UV exposure and associated risks.
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Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling and cracking
Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking, but this is not always the case. The damage that occurs is mainly mechanical, according to OPI Global education design director Heather Reynosa. This can happen in several ways, including roughing up the nail with files not meant for natural nails prior to application, forcefully scraping off the product during removal instead of allowing it to release, aggressive filing again after removal, and picking and peeling off the gel polish.
Dermatologist Harikiran Chekuri, MBBS, MS, adds that the tools used to apply and remove gel nails can also cause damage. "If tools are not properly sterilized, there's a risk of fungal or bacterial infections," Chekuri says.
To prevent nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking, dermatologists recommend taking a nail polish holiday between gel manicures. Try not to wear nail polish for one to two weeks or longer to allow nails time to repair. Rehydrating your nails with a moisturizing product, such as petroleum jelly, several times daily can also help minimize brittleness and prevent chipping.
Additionally, it is important to be proactive with your manicurist. Ask if tools are sterilized and look around to ensure they are cleaning and disinfecting tools after every client. It is also recommended to never let your manicurist push or cut your cuticle, as this could lead to inflammation and infection.
While gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking, proper care and moderation can help mitigate these issues.
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The removal process can be harsh on nails, especially if done incorrectly
The removal process for gel manicures can be harsh on nails, especially if done incorrectly. Gel manicures require a lot of effort and time to remove, usually involving soaking nails in acetone. If you get lazy, you might be tempted to peel off the gel polish, which is the most damaging thing you can do to your nails.
To properly remove gel polish, you should go to a salon where a skilled nail technician can safely remove the polish without damaging your nails. However, if you are removing the gel polish yourself, you should first buff or lightly file off the shiny top coat of the gel. This helps the acetone penetrate through the gel. It is important to be careful not to file too close to your natural nail. Once you have filed the top coat, soak your nails in acetone to remove the rest of the gel polish.
If you are removing the gel polish yourself, it is crucial to be gentle and patient during the removal process. Forcefully scraping off the product or aggressively filing your nails can cause damage. Additionally, if the tools used to remove the gel polish are not properly sterilized, there is a risk of fungal or bacterial infections.
To maintain nail health, it is recommended to space out gel manicures and give your nails a break in between. This allows your nails time to recover and repair. You can also apply a moisturizing product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles to minimize brittleness and help prevent chipping.
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The tools used to apply and remove gel nails can cause damage if not properly sterilised
Gel manicures can have negative effects on your nails, causing them to become dry and brittle, and potentially leading to nail peeling and cracking. However, the tools used by manicurists can also cause damage if not properly sterilised or disinfected.
It is important to ensure that your manicurist is practicing good hygiene and using clean tools to prevent the spread of bacteria and disease-causing organisms. While disinfection is often sufficient, sterilisation is necessary if the tools have come into contact with blood or body fluids. For example, if a client is accidentally cut during a manicure, the tools must be sterilised to prevent the spread of pathogens.
There are various methods and products available for sterilising and disinfecting manicure tools. Some manicurists use ultrasonic cleaners, hot air sterilisers, or UV sanitizers. Others prefer to use liquid disinfectants such as Lucas-Cide, Barbicide, or Mundo Products. It is important to note that UV sanitizers have limitations and may not effectively sanitise all surfaces of the tools.
To ensure your safety, it is recommended to ask your manicurist if their tools are sterilised and to observe their cleaning practices. It is also advised to avoid allowing your manicurist to push or cut your cuticles, as this can lead to inflammation and infection.
By being proactive and informed, you can help protect yourself from potential nail damage and health risks associated with gel manicures.
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Dermatologists recommend spacing out gel manicures to give nails time to recover
While gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, they can be tough on nails. Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking, and repeated use can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands. Dermatologists recommend spacing out gel manicures to give nails time to recover.
To care for your nails in between gel manicures, dermatologists advise taking a nail polish holiday. Try not to wear nail polish for one to two weeks or longer. This will allow your nails time to repair. Rehydrate your nails by applying a moisturising product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times daily. This will minimise brittleness and help prevent your nails from chipping.
Additionally, it is important to be proactive with your manicurist. Ask if their tools are sterilised, and ensure they are cleaning and disinfecting tools after each client. It is also crucial that your manicurist does not push or cut your cuticles, as this can lead to inflammation and infection.
If you are committed to getting gel manicures, there are ways to mitigate potential damage. Firstly, consider using a cuticle oil at least twice daily to keep your natural nails and nail coating flexible and hydrated. Secondly, ensure that your gel nails are applied and removed properly by a skilled nail technician. Improper use of tools and chemicals in at-home gel kits can be harmful to the skin and nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, gel manicures can cause temporary nail damage, but the cumulative UV exposure is worse and can lead to skin cancer and premature skin aging.
Some alternatives to gel manicures are traditional manicures using regular nail polish, peel-off polish, gel-effect polish, non-toxic natural nail polish, dip powder nails, and press-on nails.
To protect your nails from gel manicures, 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.
It is recommended to space out gel manicures to give your nails a rest. Dermatologists recommend taking a nail polish holiday for one to two weeks or longer to allow your nails to repair and rehydrate.
