Liam Carter
Gel nail polish is a popular choice for those seeking a long-lasting, chip-free manicure. However, there are growing concerns about its potential harm to nail health. The curing process involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin ageing and DNA damage, leading to an increased risk of skin cancer. Additionally, the chemicals in gel nail polish, such as acrylate and methacrylate, can induce allergic reactions and leave nails dry, brittle, and weak. While some argue that gel polish formulas themselves are harmless, the intensive removal process can be damaging, requiring extra care to prevent nail damage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temporary nail damage | Cracking, peeling, dents, weakness, splitting, grooves, white spots, dryness, brittleness, and temporary damage |
| Cumulative UV exposure | Exposure to UV radiation and UVA rays, which can cause skin aging and DNA damage that can lead to cancer |
| Allergic reactions | Rashes, hives, and breathing difficulties |
| Removal process | Intensive and time-consuming, requiring acetone or nail varnish remover |
| Nail recovery | Nails can take months to recover and grow out |
| Chemicals | Acrylate and methacrylate, which are known to cause allergic reactions |
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What You'll Learn
Gel nail polish can cause skin cancer
While gel nail polish is known for its longevity and chip resistance, its use has recently come under scrutiny due to potential health risks. One of the primary concerns is the elevated risk of skin cancer associated with the curing process. The curing process of gel nail polish involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can lead to DNA damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. This is similar to the risks posed by tanning beds, which also utilize UVA light.
The use of UV lamps during the curing process of gel nail polish has been found to emit radiation that causes cancer-causing mutations in human cells. Dermatologists have warned about the potential dangers of frequent gel nail treatments, as the nail bed may be affected without being easily visible. This can delay the detection of abnormalities. The UV exposure during the curing process can also cause skin aging and DNA damage, which are risk factors for skin cancer.
Additionally, the removal process of gel nail polish can be intensive and damaging to the nails. It is recommended to have gel nail polish removed by a professional manicurist to minimize potential harm. Improper removal can lead to temporary nail damage, including cracking, peeling, and an overall weakening of the nail plate. Allowing time between manicures is crucial for nail recovery.
The chemicals present in gel nail polish, such as acrylate and methacrylate, are also known to cause allergic reactions in some individuals. These reactions can range from skin rashes to more severe issues like nail detachment and breathing difficulties. While modern gel polish formulas alone are considered relatively harmless, the cumulative UV exposure and potential health risks associated with the curing and removal processes cannot be overlooked.
Therefore, it is essential to consider the potential risks associated with gel nail polish and take necessary precautions, such as using alternative polishes that do not require UV lamps or opting for professional removal methods to minimize nail damage.
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The removal process is damaging
The removal process is indeed damaging to nails. The longer the gel polish stays on, the longer your skin is exposed to the chemicals in the polish remover. The intensive process of removing gel nail polish can temporarily damage your nails. Cracking, peeling, and splitting are common issues, and it may take months for the damaged nail to grow out. Nails can be left dry and brittle, and it is recommended to give nails time to recover between manicures.
There are precautions you can take to minimise the damage to your nails when removing gel nail polish. It is advised to not pick at the polish or use other nails or tools to remove it. Instead, make an appointment with your manicurist to have the polish removed professionally. Only soak your fingertips in acetone, rather than your whole hand, to protect the surrounding skin. Another option is to use cotton balls soaked in acetone and wrapped in small pieces of aluminium foil around your fingertips.
It is also recommended to rehydrate your nails between polishes by applying a moisturising product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times a day. This will help to minimise brittleness and prevent your nails from chipping.
While the gel nail polish formula itself may be harmless, the curing process involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin ageing and DNA damage that can lead to cancer. Therefore, the removal process is not the only damaging aspect of gel nail polish.
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Nails become dry and brittle
Gel nail polish can cause nails to become dry and brittle. This is due to the chemicals in the gel polish, such as acrylate and methacrylate, which are known to cause allergic reactions and can weaken the nail plate. The removal process of gel nail polish can also be damaging, with reports of nails becoming split, weak, and dented after the polish is removed. This is because the removal process involves soaking fingertips in acetone, which can be harsh on the nails.
To prevent nails from becoming dry and brittle after gel manicures, dermatologists recommend taking a break from nail polish to allow nails to recover. This means not wearing any nail polish for one to two weeks or longer. During this time, it is important to rehydrate the nails by applying a moisturising product, such as petroleum jelly, to the nails and cuticles several times daily. This will help to minimise brittleness and prevent nails from chipping.
Another way to prevent nail damage caused by gel manicures is to be careful during the removal process. It is recommended to make an appointment with a manicurist to have the polish removed properly. When removing the polish at home, only soak the fingertips in acetone, instead of the whole hand, to protect the surrounding skin. Cotton balls soaked in acetone can also be used, and should be applied to the nails by wrapping small pieces of aluminium foil around the fingertips.
It is also important to be proactive with your manicurist and ask about their sterilisation and disinfection practices. Additionally, you should never let your manicurist push or cut your cuticles, as this can lead to inflammation and infection.
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Allergic reactions are common
While modern gel polish formulas are often considered harmless, allergic reactions to gel nail polish are common. Dermatologists have reported an increase in patients experiencing allergic reactions to gel nail polish. The UK government is taking these claims seriously, with the Office for Product Safety and Standards investigating.
The root cause of these allergic reactions is an allergy to methacrylate and acrylate chemicals, which are found in gel nail polish and are used to bond the formula to the nail. These chemicals can cause contact dermatitis, resulting in skin rashes, and less commonly, hives (urticaria). According to Dr Deirdre Buckley of the British Association of Dermatologists, more severe allergic reactions can lead to nails falling off and even breathing difficulties.
The removal process of gel nail polish can also be intensive and damaging to nails. It is recommended to carefully remove gel nail polish to prevent temporary nail damage, such as cracking and peeling, which are the most common issues. Nails may also be left dry and brittle after gel nail polish removal, and it is advised to allow time for nails to recover between manicures. To remove gel nail polish safely, only soak fingertips in acetone or use cotton balls soaked in acetone wrapped in small pieces of aluminum foil to ensure only the nails come into contact with the acetone.
To care for nails in between gel manicures, dermatologists recommend rehydrating the nails by applying a moisturizing product, such as petroleum jelly, to the nails and cuticles several times daily. This will help minimize brittleness and prevent nails from chipping. Spacing out gel manicures and allowing nails to rest is also beneficial.
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UV exposure is harmful
While gel nail polish formulas alone are considered harmless, the curing process involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can be harmful. UVA rays cause skin ageing and DNA damage that can lead to cancer. Dermatologists warn that they are increasingly treating people for allergic reactions to gel nails, which the UK government is taking seriously. Reports include nails falling off, skin rashes, and, in rarer cases, breathing difficulties. The root cause of these reactions is an allergy to methacrylate chemicals, which are used to bond the formula to the nail.
The process of curing gel nail polish involves placing your hands under a UV lamp. According to Dr Deirdre Buckley of the British Association of Dermatologists, the radiation emitted from these lamps can cause cancer-causing mutations in human cells. Even if the UV exposure is not high, it can still lead to increased signs of ageing on the hands.
The use of UV lamps for gel nail polish is similar to the use of tanning beds, which also emit UVA light. Just as there is no risk-free tanning bed, there is no risk-free nail lamp. While LED lamps are sometimes marketed as a safer option, they still emit UV radiation.
To reduce the harm caused by UV exposure during gel manicures, you can wear dark, opaque gloves with the fingertips snipped off before your nail polish is applied. This will protect your hands from the UV rays while still allowing the manicurist to access your nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, gel nail polish can be harmful. The curing process involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin ageing and DNA damage that may lead to cancer. The removal process can also be destructive to nails, as it involves soaking in acetone, aggressive buffing, scraping, and peeling of polish, which can injure the nail plate.
There are modern gel-like polishes that are long-lasting but do not require a UV lamp. These include Essie's Gel Couture and Butter London's 10x Nail Lacquer Patent Shine, which promises high shine and is free from 10 common toxins.
To safely remove gel nail polish, it is important to take extra care to prevent nail damage. Soak your nails in acetone, but avoid aggressive buffing, scraping, and peeling of polish, which can injure the nail plate.
To protect your nails and skin when using gel nail polish, it is recommended to apply sunscreen 20 minutes before the UV treatment or wear fingerless gloves while under the lamp. You can also apply cuticle oil every day while wearing gel polish to keep your nails flexible and prevent peeling during removal.
