Caleb Foster
The popularity of gel manicures has soared in recent years, but there are concerns about the potential health risks associated with the process. In particular, the ultraviolet (UV) lamps used to cure gel nail polish have been linked to an increased risk of skin cancer, with some studies finding that they can damage DNA and cause cancer-causing mutations. While the gel polish itself is not considered carcinogenic, the cumulative UV exposure from the curing lamps can lead to skin ageing, wrinkles, and an elevated risk of skin cancer, particularly with frequent manicures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cancerous | The gel nail polish itself is not associated with an increased risk of cancer. However, the lamps and lightboxes used to seal the polish during professional manicures have raised concerns as they emit high levels of UVA radiation, which plays a major role in the development of skin cancer. |
| Nail damage | The removal process of gel polish can be destructive to nails. It involves soaking in acetone, aggressive buffing, scraping, and peeling of polish, which can injure the nail plate. |
| Allergic reactions | Gel polish contains acrylate and methacrylate, which are known to cause allergic reactions such as rashes (contact dermatitis) and hives (urticaria). |
| Temporary nail damage | Temporary nail damage can occur due to the curing process, which involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, causing skin aging and DNA damage. |
| UV exposure | The curing process of gel nail polish requires UV exposure, which can increase the risk of skin cancer, particularly with frequent manicures. |
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What You'll Learn
The gel polish itself is not linked to cancer
While gel manicures have been linked to an increased risk of skin cancer, the gel polish itself is not associated with an increased risk of cancer. The concern lies with the UV lamps and light boxes used to seal the polish during professional manicures, as these emit high levels of UVA radiation, which plays a major role in the development of cancer.
UVA rays are the most mutagenic wavelength range of the UV spectrum, penetrating the skin more deeply than UVB rays and contributing to skin cancer development and premature skin aging, such as wrinkles and sun spots. The risk of skin cancer increases with the frequency of manicures and cumulative UV exposure.
To reduce the risk of skin cancer, it is recommended to protect your hands during manicures by wearing fingerless gloves or applying sunscreen. Additionally, it is advised to minimize exposure to acetone, the solvent used to remove old gel polish, as it can dry out the skin and nails.
While the gel polish itself is not linked to cancer, it is important to note that gel nail polish contains chemicals that can have negative effects on nail health. These chemicals can cause temporary nail damage, such as cracking and peeling, and can leave nails dry and brittle.
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UVA radiation from lamps used to dry gel nail polish increases cancer risk
The use of gel nail polish has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, specifically due to the UVA radiation emitted by the lamps used to cure the polish. UVA rays are the most mutagenic wavelength range of the UV spectrum, penetrating the skin more deeply than UVB rays and contributing to skin cancer development and premature skin ageing.
A 2023 study published in Nature Communications found that ultraviolet-emitting nail polish dryers, commonly used for gel manicures, cause DNA damage and potentially cancer-causing mutations. The study also highlighted that UVA light is harmful and may contribute to cancers of the hand, similar to the effects of tanning beds.
The level of risk from UVA radiation is influenced by the frequency of manicures. While a 2014 study suggested that a gel manicure every two weeks may not significantly increase the risk of skin cancer, it is important to note that the risk accumulates over time. Additionally, the cumulative UV exposure from gel manicures can have adverse effects, as UV light can cause skin ageing and other unhealthy changes, such as wrinkles, brown spots, and sun spots.
To mitigate the risk, it is recommended to protect the hands during manicures. This can be done by applying sunscreen or wearing fingerless gloves while the nails are being cured under the lamp. It is also suggested to minimise exposure to acetone, the solvent used to remove gel polish, as it can dry the skin and nails.
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LED lamps also emit UVA radiation, despite claims otherwise
While LED lamps are often marketed as a safer alternative to traditional UV lamps, they still emit UVA radiation. According to dermatologist Dr. Chris Adigun, the belief that LED devices minimise or skip ultraviolet light is a "big misnomer". Adigun notes that gels require UVA exposure to polymerise, and that UVA rays are the most mutagenic wavelength range of the UV spectrum, penetrating the skin more deeply than UVB rays. This plays a role in skin cancer development and premature skin ageing, such as wrinkles and sun spots.
The intensity of the UVA rays emitted by LED lamps is much higher than that of regular UV lamps or even the sun. As a result, the curing times for LED lamps are shorter, but the potential for harm is greater. Dermatologist Dr. Chey Ranasinghe also highlights the potential for harm in the curing process of gel manicures, which involves repeated exposure to UVA rays.
The risk of skin cancer associated with gel manicures is further emphasised by a study published in Nature Communications. This study found a link between DNA damage, cancer-causing mutations, and ultraviolet-emitting nail polish dryers commonly used for gel manicures. The cumulative UV exposure from regular gel manicures can have adverse effects, similar to the risks associated with tanning beds.
To mitigate the risks associated with gel manicures, it is recommended to protect the hands with sunscreen or fingerless gloves during the curing process. Additionally, it is advised to allow time between manicures for nails to recover and to avoid aggressive buffing, forceful scraping, or peeling of the gel polish, as these practices can further damage the nails.
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Protect your hands with sunscreen or gloves during manicures
While gel nail polish itself has not been associated with an increased risk of cancer, the lamps and light boxes used to seal the polish during professional manicures have raised concerns. These lamps emit high levels of UVA radiation, which plays a major role in the development of cancer. The level of risk depends on the frequency of manicures.
To protect your hands with sunscreen or gloves during manicures, you can follow these steps:
- Apply a waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands before your manicure.
- Wear fingerless gloves to cover your hands as you reach into the UV lamp.
- Minimize your exposure to acetone, the solvent used to remove old gel polish, as it can dry your skin and nails.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants during your manicure to provide additional protection from UV rays.
- If you are outdoors, stay in the shade, especially between 10 am and 4 pm when the sun's rays are strongest.
- Apply sunscreen to your hands and other exposed areas of your body every day, and reapply as needed.
- Consider taking breaks from gel manicures and nail polish from time to time to allow your nails to recover.
By following these steps, you can help protect your hands from potential UV damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer associated with gel manicures.
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Chemicals in gel nail polish can cause allergic reactions
While gel nail polish itself has not been associated with an increased risk of cancer, the UV lamps used to cure the polish have raised concerns. These lamps emit high levels of UVA radiation, which is known to play a role in skin cancer development and premature skin aging.
However, one concern regarding gel nail polish is its potential to cause allergic reactions. Chemicals commonly found in gel nail products, such as monomers and photoinitiators, belong to the chemical families of acrylates and methacrylates. These substances are known skin sensitizers, which means that if they come into contact with the skin, they may induce an allergic reaction. As a result, it is critical to avoid getting gel polish on your skin during application.
The symptoms of a gel nail polish allergy can vary, but often include redness, swelling, and itchiness of the skin. These symptoms can appear anywhere from 48 hours to several months after the polish is applied. In some cases, individuals may experience allergic reactions in areas that they frequently touch, such as the eyelids, mouth, chin, and sides of the neck. This is because we subconsciously touch these areas multiple times throughout the day, transferring the chemicals from the gel nail polish.
To prevent an allergic reaction, it is recommended to opt for nail polishes that do not contain common allergens, often labelled as five-, seven-, or nine-free formulas. These formulas exclude the most common allergens and are suitable for individuals with allergies to other nail polishes. Additionally, it is important to do your research and read ingredient lists, as some "clean" formulas may still contain potential irritants like methyl acrylate.
If you experience an allergic reaction to gel nail polish, removing the polish will help alleviate the symptoms. In some cases, a dermatologist may prescribe a steroid cream or pill to clear the symptoms more effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
The gel nail polish itself has not been associated with an increased risk of cancer. However, the UV lamps used to cure the polish expose the skin to high levels of UVA radiation, which is a major cause of skin cancer.
Regular nail polish is an alternative that does not require a UV light to cure and dry the polish. There are also new nail polish options on the market that can last up to 10 days without needing a UV light.
You can apply sunscreen to your hands before your manicure. You can also wear gloves or fingerless gloves during the manicure to protect your hands from the UV light.
The removal process of gel nail polish can be destructive to nails. It involves soaking nails in acetone and aggressive buffing, scraping, and peeling of the polish, which can injure the nail plate and cause severe brittleness and dryness.
Gel nail polish contains acrylate and methacrylate, which are known to cause allergic reactions, like contact dermatitis, rash, and hives.
