Ava Monroe
Gel manicures are beloved for their durability, high-gloss finish, and long-lasting nature. However, the very features that make gel manicures so appealing can also be detrimental to nail health. The curing process, for instance, involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin ageing and DNA damage that may lead to cancer. Additionally, the removal process can weaken nails, leading to issues such as splitting, white spots, and grooves. While modern gel polish formulas are considered relatively harmless, the mechanical process of applying and removing gel nails can cause nail damage.
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What You'll Learn
Gel nail polish can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking
The damage caused by gel nail polish can occur during the application or removal process. During application, some people may experience itchiness, swelling, and burning. During removal, participants in a survey reported weakened nails, splitting, white spots, grooves, and changes to the nail plate. The removal process involves soaking the fingertips in acetone, which can be harsh on the nails. It is recommended to have gel nails removed by a professional to minimize nail damage.
To care for your nails after a gel manicure, dermatologists recommend taking a nail polish break for one to two weeks to allow nails to repair. Applying a moisturizing product, such as petroleum jelly, to the nails and cuticles several times a day can help to minimize brittleness and prevent chipping. It is also important to protect the hands from UV exposure during the curing process, such as by wearing sunscreen or gloves.
While gel nail polish formulas alone are considered virtually harmless, the damage that occurs is mainly mechanical. This includes roughing up the nail with files prior to application, forcefully scraping off the product during removal, aggressive filing after removal, and picking and peeling off the gel polish. Additionally, the tools used to apply and remove gel nails can cause damage if they are not properly sterilized, as this can lead to fungal or bacterial infections.
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Gel manicures can increase the risk of skin cancer
While modern gel polish formulas are considered harmless, and gel manicures are not associated with non-melanoma skin cancer or melanoma, the UV or LED lamps used to cure the nail polish emit UV radiation, which has been linked to skin cancer.
The UV light emitted from the lamps can damage cells and increase the risk of skin cancers, such as squamous cell and basal cell cancer. Research has shown that melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer in young adults are increasing, which could be related to UV exposure.
To reduce the risk of skin cancer, it is recommended to apply sunscreen to your hands before your manicure. Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants can also protect your hands during the manicure. Additionally, you can wear fingerless gloves to cover your hands when you reach into the UV lamp.
It is also important to note that nail damage is more likely to occur during the removal process. To maintain nail health, it is recommended to visit a professional for the safe removal of gel nails. This involves properly soaking the fingertips in acetone and can be done at home or in a salon.
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The removal process can weaken nails
It is best to have gel nails removed by a professional, as improper removal can lead to nail damage. For instance, forcefully scraping off the product or peeling it off can cause nail weakness, splitting, white spots, grooves, and changes to the nail plate.
To avoid nail damage, it is recommended to space out gel manicures and give nails a rest. This allows nails time to repair and rehydrate. In addition, it is important to be proactive with manicurists and ensure that their tools are sterilized and cleaned after every client.
The cumulative UV exposure from gel manicures can also be harmful. The curing process involves repeated exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin ageing and increase the risk of skin cancer. Therefore, it is advisable to limit UV exposure and protect the hands with sunscreen or gloves during the curing process.
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Gel manicures can cause premature skin ageing
While gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, they can be tough on nails and cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking. However, the more pressing concern is the potential damage to the skin due to the UV exposure from the curing process.
The curing process of gel manicures involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause premature skin ageing and DNA damage that may lead to skin cancer. Dermatologist Chey Ranasinghe, MD, notes that the hands already get regular UV exposure from various sources, such as holding the steering wheel while driving. The additional UV bursts during the curing process of gel manicures further increase UV-induced skin damage and the risk of premature ageing.
To put it simply, as Dr. Ranasinghe states, "The less UV exposure you give your hands, the better." Studies indicate that the risk of developing skin cancer from UV manicures is low, but it is still present. Therefore, it is recommended to minimise UV exposure during the curing process as much as possible.
To protect your hands from UV radiation during gel manicures, you can take several precautions. One option is to apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands before the manicure. Alternatively, you can wear dark, opaque gloves with the fingertips cut off before applying the nail polish. It is also important to remember that the tools used during the application and removal of gel nails can cause damage if they are not properly sterilised.
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At-home gel polish kits may be more harmful than salon manicures
Gel manicures can be tough on nails and can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking. Repeated use can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands. The UV or LED lights used to cure gel nail polish emit UV radiation, which has been linked to premature skin aging and skin cancer. Dermatologists recommend taking a break from gel manicures to give nails time to repair and rehydrate.
While gel manicures can be damaging to nail health, the damage is mostly mechanical and caused by improper application and removal. Roughing up the nail with files, forcefully scraping off the product, aggressive filing after removal, and peeling off the gel polish can all cause damage. The tools used to apply and remove gel nails can also cause damage if they are not properly sterilized.
At-home gel polish kits may pose a higher risk than professional salon manicures. The products in home kits are not tightly regulated, and people do not have the proper training to apply them safely. People using at-home nail kits often have longer periods of contact with irritants in nail products. For example, peeling off gel polish is one of the worst things you can do to your nails, and people may be more likely to do this at home than in a salon.
To minimize the risk of damage, it is important to use gel nail polish correctly and to take proper care of your nails before, during, and after a gel manicure. When getting a gel manicure, ask your manicurist if their tools are sterilized and look for signs that they are cleaning and disinfecting tools after every client. Never let your manicurist push or cut your cuticles, as this can lead to inflammation and infection.
If you are doing your nails at home, make sure to follow the instructions carefully and use a high-quality polish. Do not peel off the gel polish, as this can damage your nails. Instead, rough up the surface of the gel with an emery board, soak cotton balls in acetone, and apply them directly to the nail bed.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, gel nail polish is bad for your nails. While it looks good, it can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking.
The curing process involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin aging and DNA damage that may lead to cancer. The tools used to apply and remove gel nail polish can also cause nail damage and increase the risk of fungal or bacterial infections if not properly sterilized.
To reduce the risks, it is recommended to space out gel manicures and give your nails time to recover. You should also ensure that the tools used are properly sterilized and avoid forcefully scraping off the product during removal.
Yes, regular nail polish is an alternative to gel nail polish. It does not require curing under a UV or LED lamp and has fewer associated risks.
It is recommended to have gel nail polish removed by a professional. The removal process typically involves soaking the fingertips in acetone and can cause nail damage if not done correctly.
