Ava Monroe
Gel nail polish is a popular choice for those who want long-lasting, chip-resistant manicures. However, there are concerns about its safety. The concerns include the risk of UV exposure from curing lamps, which can cause DNA damage, premature aging, and possibly skin cancer. Improper use or low-quality products can also lead to gel allergies and nail damage. To ensure safety, it is recommended to use high-quality products, apply sunscreen, and follow proper removal procedures. While gel manicures offer durability, it is important to weigh the risks and take precautions to minimize potential harm to nail and skin health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Longevity | Gel nail polishes last longer than regular nail polishes and are resistant to chipping |
| Application | Gel nail polishes are hardened under UV light |
| Safety | The UV light used to cure the polish can cause DNA damage to the skin, leading to premature aging and possibly skin cancer. |
| Safety Precautions | It is recommended to use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher that contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide before exposing your hands to UV light. |
| Removal | Gel nail polish should be removed by a professional or using the proper removal procedure. Soaking only the fingertips in acetone or using acetone-soaked cotton balls wrapped in aluminum foil are safe ways to remove the polish. |
| Allergies | Prolonged contact with gel nail polish can lead to gel allergies and sensitivities, which can cause contact allergies to other compounds, including those used in medical settings. |
| Nail Damage | Gel nail polish can cause temporary nail damage, such as brittleness, peeling, and cracking. |
| Nail Care | To minimize nail damage, it is recommended to rehydrate nails with a moisturizing product between polishes and take breaks from gel manicures. |
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What You'll Learn
Gel nail polish and UV exposure
Gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, but they can also be tough on nails and increase your risk of skin cancer and premature skin ageing on the hands. The cumulative UV exposure from the curing lamps is a cause for concern, as it can lead to DNA damage and increase the risk of skin cancer.
A recent study found that the light frequencies emitted by nail lamps can cause DNA damage to the skin, which can result in premature ageing and possibly cancer. The study showed that a single 20-minute session under a UV nail dryer resulted in 20-30% cell death, while three consecutive sessions caused 65-70% of the exposed cells to die. This confirms dermatologists' safety concerns about the potential health risks of UV nail dryers.
To minimise the risk of UV exposure during a gel manicure, it is recommended to apply sunscreen to your hands before going under the lamp. Look for an SPF of 30 or higher, and choose a mineral sunscreen that contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. You can also protect your hands by wearing fingerless gloves during the curing process.
Additionally, it is important to be careful when removing gel nail polish, as improper removal can damage your nails. Instead of picking at the polish or using other nails or tools to remove it, soak your fingertips in acetone or use cotton balls soaked in acetone and wrapped in aluminium foil. This will help protect your nails and the surrounding skin.
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The risk of skin cancer
The UV (ultraviolet) lamps used to dry gel nail polish produce artificial UV radiation, similar to the natural UV radiation produced by the sun. This UV light can damage cells and increase the risk of skin cancers, such as squamous cell and basal cell cancer. The risk of skin cancer depends on the frequency of manicures.
A 2014 study in JAMA Dermatology indicated that the level of UVA exposure associated with a gel manicure every two weeks probably isn't high enough to increase the risk of skin cancer significantly. However, repeated use can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands. A recent study found that the cumulative damage from the light frequencies nail lamps emit can cause DNA damage to the skin that can result in premature aging and possibly cancer.
To reduce the risk of skin cancer, it is recommended to protect your hands during a manicure in the same way that you would protect other parts of your body from the sun by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants. You can also wear fingerless gloves to cover your hands as you reach into the UV lamp. Be sure to apply sunscreen to your hands before your manicure. It is recommended to use an SPF 30 or higher mineral sunscreen that contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
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Temporary and long-term nail damage
Gel nail polishes are long-lasting and chip-resistant due to the presence of a long chain of molecules that form a durable yet flexible coat upon hardening. However, the use of gel nail polishes can lead to temporary and long-term nail damage.
Temporary nail damage can occur during the gel removal process. Incorrect removal methods, such as picking at the polish or using tools, can harm the nail. To avoid this, it is recommended to have the polish removed by a manicurist or to use proper removal procedures, such as soaking the fingertips in acetone or using acetone-soaked cotton balls wrapped in aluminium foil.
Long-term nail damage is primarily associated with the UV exposure from curing lamps used to set the gel polish. The cumulative UV exposure from the lamps can cause DNA damage to the skin, leading to premature aging and an increased risk of skin cancer. While the risk of cancer due to nail lamp exposure is considered low, it is still a concern. To mitigate this risk, it is suggested to apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, containing titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, before placing your hands under the curing lamp.
Additionally, prolonged contact with gel nail polish can lead to the development of contact allergies. This can result in sensitivities to compounds used in medical settings and even dental fillings. It is important to use high-quality gel polishes and lamps to reduce the risk of adverse reactions and ensure proper curing.
To minimise temporary and long-term nail damage, dermatologists recommend moderation in the use of gel manicures and taking breaks between applications. Proper nail care, such as rehydrating nails with moisturising products, can also help prevent brittleness, peeling, and cracking.
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Allergies and sensitivities
While gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, they can be harmful to your nails and skin in several ways. One of the main concerns is the development of allergies and sensitivities due to improper use or low-quality products.
Gel nail polish allergies and sensitivities can occur when uncured gel comes into prolonged contact with the skin or nails. This can happen if the gel is not cured properly due to the use of low-quality products and lamps. Cheap gel polishes, especially those purchased from unverified sources like Amazon, may contain low-quality ingredients that do not cure properly even with a high-quality lamp. As a result, the gel may remain wet on the skin or nails, leading to potential allergic reactions.
The consequences of gel allergies can be significant. Prolonged contact with uncured gel can lead to a contact allergy, making individuals allergic to many compounds used in medical settings. These compounds are also found in dental fillings, so an allergy could result in adverse reactions to one's own teeth. This underscores the importance of using high-quality gel polishes manufactured for professionals and ensuring proper curing to minimize the risk of allergic reactions.
To avoid gel nail polish allergies and sensitivities, it is crucial to prioritize safe and correct application and removal techniques. This includes using high-quality products, understanding the proper curing process, and seeking skilled professionals for application and removal. Additionally, individuals should be cautious when purchasing gel polishes from unverified sources, as the low prices may indicate the use of inferior ingredients that can compromise both nail health and the overall aesthetic outcome.
While gel nail polish can pose risks, these can be mitigated through education and proper use. Understanding the potential dangers and taking the necessary precautions can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience with gel nail polish.
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Safe removal
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 ageing on the hands due to cumulative UV exposure from the curing lamps.
To safely remove gel nail polish at home, you can use either the traditional method with acetone or a gel nail polish remover. The traditional method is more time-consuming and requires more tools, but it is preferred by some to maintain healthy nail beds and avoid brittleness between gel manicures. Here are the steps for the traditional method:
- File down the gel top coat layer with a coarse nail file until it is no longer shiny and smooth.
- Cut 10 squares of aluminium foil, big enough for each fingertip.
- Tear off 10 pieces of cotton balls that fit just the nail bed of each nail.
- Soak the cotton balls in acetone and apply them to your nails.
- Wrap the pieces of aluminium foil around your fingertips to keep the cotton balls in place.
- After about 15 minutes, remove the foil and cotton balls. The gel polish should be soft and might look bubbly or curled.
- Use a metal cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick to gently push off the gel polish. If the polish is not coming off easily, keep soaking your nails with the acetone for another 5 minutes.
- Gently buff your nails to smooth out ridges and remove any small bits of gel polish left. Be careful not to over-buff, as this can make your nails thin and weak.
- Wash your hands with a gentle, fragrance-free soap and water to remove the acetone.
- Apply petroleum jelly to your cuticles and the skin around your nails for the next seven days to reduce any irritation caused by the acetone.
Alternatively, you can simply let your nails grow out and clip them once a week to remove the gel nail polish. This method is slower and requires patience, but it helps prevent damage to your nails. It takes about six months for fingernails to grow out and 12 to 18 months for toenails.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel nail polish is not the safest option when it comes to nail cosmetics. The curing lamps used to set the polish expose your skin to UV rays, increasing your risk of skin cancer and premature aging.
Traditional manicures, peel-off polish, gel-effect polish, non-toxic natural nail polish, dip powder nails, and press-on nails are all alternatives to gel nail polish.
To reduce the risks associated with gel nail polish, you can apply sunscreen to your hands before using a curing lamp. You should also avoid picking at your gel nail polish and only soak your fingertips in acetone when removing it.
Prolonged contact with gel nail polish can lead to the development of a contact allergy. Symptoms of an allergy include adverse reactions such as itching, redness, or swelling of the skin.
It is recommended to invest in higher-quality gel polishes manufactured for professionals. These products are designed with safety and quality in mind, reducing potential risks to your health.
