Caleb Foster
Gel manicures are a popular choice for those seeking long-lasting, chip-free nails. While the glossy finish and durability of gel polish are appealing, there are concerns about its potential impact on natural nail health. Some people experience issues such as nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking after gel manicures. Additionally, the use of UV lamps during the curing process has raised questions about the possible risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging. In this article, we will delve into the pros and cons of gel nail polish, explore the science behind its effects on natural nails, and provide tips for minimizing any potential harm.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Removal process | Improper removal can weaken or damage nails |
| UV exposure | UV exposure from curing lamps can cause skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer |
| Nail health | Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking |
| Cuticle health | Cutting or pushing cuticles can lead to inflammation and infection |
| Nail strength | Gel polish can make nails stronger by protecting them from the environment |
| Nail thinning | Back-to-back gel manicures can cause nail beds to become extremely thin |
| Nail chipping | Gel polish offers a longer-lasting and chip-resistant finish |
| Nail dryness | Nails should be allowed to rehydrate between polishes |
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What You'll Learn
Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling and cracking
Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking, but this is usually the result of improper removal or aftercare. The removal process can be time-consuming and requires soaking nails in acetone, and many people opt for the quicker method of peeling the gel polish off. However, this is the most damaging thing you can do to your nails. Instead, it is recommended to have gel polish removed by a manicurist or to carefully do it yourself by roughing up the surface of the nail, then soaking small pieces of cotton ball in acetone and applying them directly to the nail bed.
It is also important to note that the damage caused by gel manicures is mainly mechanical, rather than a result of the product itself. This can include forcefully scraping off the product during removal, roughing up the nail with unsuitable files before application, and aggressive filing after removal. Additionally, cutting or pushing back cuticles can lead to inflammation and infection, as cuticles protect the nail from infection.
To keep your nails healthy before, during, and after gel manicures, it is recommended to take a break between manicures to allow your nails to repair and rehydrate. You can also apply a moisturising product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times a day.
Another important consideration is the use of UV lamps during the curing process, which can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin ageing on the hands. To protect your skin, you can apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher before your appointment or wear dark, opaque gloves with the fingertips snipped off.
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Gel manicures can increase the risk of skin cancer
A recent study by researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and the University of California, San Diego, exposed both human and mouse cells to UVA radiation from nail dryers for up to 20-minute intervals. The results showed that the UV light caused cell damage consistent with potential precursors to skin cancer. While the study was conducted on cells in a lab, it provides compelling evidence to support warnings that dermatologists have been giving patients regarding gel manicures.
Additionally, a former Miss Illinois, Jasko, who was diagnosed with melanoma, believes that her use of UV nail dryers while getting gel manicures may have contributed to her diagnosis. Her case prompted researchers at the University of California, San Diego, to investigate the potential hazards of UV dryers, and they confirmed that these dryers can damage cells and cause mutations associated with skin cancer.
To reduce the risk of skin cancer, it is recommended to take precautions such as wearing UV-protective gloves or applying sunscreen to the hands before a manicure. It is also important to note that your behaviour plays a role in your personal risk; while a single gel manicure is unlikely to cause significant harm, frequent and long-term use may increase the chances of adverse effects.
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Gel manicures can cause premature skin ageing
While gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, they can lead to premature skin ageing. This is due to the cumulative UV exposure from curing lamps used to seal the gel nail polish. A 2023 study in Nature Communications found that chronic use of dryers can damage DNA and cause cell mutations that increase the risk of skin cancer.
To protect your skin from premature ageing and potential skin cancer, it is recommended to apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher before your gel manicure. This will act as a barrier between your skin and the UV radiation. You can also use opaque gloves with the fingertips cut off or special pedicure socks during the curing process. These options provide a physical barrier to protect your skin from UV exposure.
Additionally, it is important to be cautious during the removal process as improper techniques can weaken or damage your nails. It is advisable to visit a professional manicurist for proper care and maintenance. When removing gel nail polish at home, avoid forcefully scraping or peeling it off, as this can harm your nails. Instead, soak your fingertips or small pieces of cotton balls in acetone and wrap your nails with aluminium foil to minimise contact between your skin and the acetone.
By following these precautions, you can help minimise the potential risks associated with gel manicures and reduce the chances of premature skin ageing and nail damage.
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Gel manicures require a lot of effort and time to remove
To properly remove gel nail polish, it is recommended to only soak your fingertips in acetone, instead of your whole hand, to protect the surrounding skin. Another option is to use cotton balls soaked in acetone and wrap small pieces of aluminium foil around your fingertips. This ensures that only your nails come into contact with the acetone. After about 15 minutes, the nail polish should come off.
It is advised to visit a professional nail technician to ensure proper care and maintenance during the removal process. Rough filing, forcefully scraping off the product, or peeling off the gel polish can all cause damage to your nails.
To care for your nails after gel manicures, dermatologists recommend taking a break from nail polish for one to two weeks to allow your nails to repair. Rehydrating your nails with a moisturising product, such as petroleum jelly, can also help.
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Gel manicures can weaken nails if proper aftercare isn't followed
While gel manicures are known to be long-lasting and beautiful, they can weaken nails if proper aftercare is not followed. The removal process can be particularly damaging, especially if the manufacturer's instructions are not adhered to or if different brands are mixed and used. Improper removal can weaken or damage nails, and it is always advisable to visit a professional to ensure proper care.
One of the worst things you can do for your nails is to peel off gel polish. Instead, it is recommended to have the gel polish removed by a manicurist. If removing gel polish yourself, it is important to first rough up the surface of the gel with an emery board, then soak cotton balls in acetone and apply them directly to the nail bed. Soaking only the fingertips in acetone will help protect the surrounding skin.
To keep nails healthy, dermatologists recommend taking a break between gel manicures and allowing nails to repair and rehydrate. Applying a moisturizing product, such as petroleum jelly, to nails and cuticles several times a day can help. Additionally, it is crucial to never cut or push the cuticles, as this could lead to inflammation and infection. Cuticles act as a natural barrier to protect nails from infection. Instead, extra care should be given to cuticles during gel manicures, and they should be moisturized daily along with the nails.
The use of UV lamps for curing gel polish has also raised concerns about the potential risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging. To minimize this risk, it is recommended to apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to the hands before the gel manicure or wear dark, opaque gloves with the fingertips cut off.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends. Gel nail polish can weaken your nails if you don't follow proper aftercare instructions. It is recommended to visit a professional to ensure proper care and maintenance.
To protect your nails, you can apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands before the manicure to prevent skin cancer and premature skin aging caused by UV exposure. You can also put on dark, opaque gloves with the fingertips snipped off before your nail polish is applied.
To properly remove gel nail polish, you should only soak your fingertips in acetone or use cotton balls soaked in acetone and wrap small pieces of aluminum foil around your fingertips. Do not forcefully scrape off the product or pick and peel off the gel polish as this can damage your nails.
It is recommended to space out gel manicures and give your nails a rest in between. You can try not to wear nail polish for one to two weeks or longer to allow your nails time to repair and rehydrate.
