Isla Bennett
Gel manicures are a popular choice for those looking for a long-lasting, chip-resistant nail treatment. However, the use of ultraviolet (UV) light to cure the polish has raised concerns about potential health risks, particularly skin cancer. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates and considers UV nail lamps to be low-risk devices, recent studies have found that UV exposure can damage DNA and cause mutations in cells, which may lead to skin cancer. The amount of UV light exposure varies across devices and salons, and the overall exposure during manicures is typically very low, but it is recommended that individuals take precautions to protect their skin and eyes when receiving gel manicures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety concerns | UV dryers for gel nail polish can damage DNA and mutate cells |
| FDA regulation | The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates UV nail lamps in the same way it regulates UV lights in indoor tanning beds |
| FDA statement | UV nail dryers are low risk when they’re used as directed |
| Precautions | Wear sunscreen during gel manicures |
| Use an air blower or fan for your regular manicure | |
| Let nails air dry without any tools | |
| Ask your manicurist what kind of lamp they use—LED lamps generate light more efficiently and can limit UV exposure | |
| Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher before the polish goes on, or before your hands go under the light | |
| Take a nail polish vacation at least once every couple of months to inspect your natural nails for abnormalities | |
| Use dip powders, which are applied directly to the nail and air-dried | |
| Use regular nail polish, which will harden and eventually dry without any UV light | |
| Use quick-dry top coats and fast-dry drops |
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What You'll Learn
- UV nail lamps can cause DNA damage and cell mutation
- Alternatives to gel nails: dip powders, regular nail polish, and more
- The FDA says UV nail dryers are low risk when used as directed
- The amount of UV light exposure varies between machines and within devices
- Manicurists may be at a higher risk of developing UV-induced eye problems
UV nail lamps can cause DNA damage and cell mutation
The use of UV nail lamps has come under scrutiny due to concerns about their potential health risks. A recent study by researchers at the University of California, San Diego, found that UV nail lamps can indeed cause DNA damage and cell mutation. The study, published in Nature Communications, exposed three different cell types to acute and chronic UV light conditions. The results indicated that even a single 20-minute session could lead to up to 30% cell death, with three consecutive sessions causing up to 70% cell death.
The study also revealed that some DNA damage remained unrepaired over time, leading to mutations with each UV exposure. Additionally, the exposure was found to potentially cause mitochondrial dysfunction, which could result in further mutations. The researchers cautioned that while the results demonstrated the harmful effects of repeated UV nail lamp use, a long-term epidemiological study is necessary to conclusively determine the increased risk of skin cancer.
The findings of this study are particularly concerning given the widespread use of UV nail lamps in nail salons and their availability for home use at relatively low prices. While the amount of UV light emitted by these devices is typically low, it can vary significantly between machines and even within the same device, resulting in uneven exposure for each finger. This variability in UV exposure further underscores the potential health risks associated with their use.
It is worth noting that the type of skin cancer linked to UV nail lamp exposure is squamous cell carcinoma, which manifests as a noticeable roughness on the skin and can appear pink, red, purple, or brown in colour. As such, it is recommended that individuals who have a long or regular history of gel nail manicures consult a board-certified dermatologist for regular skin checks. Additionally, individuals can take precautions such as wearing sunscreen on their hands before UV exposure or opting for alternative nail polish options that do not require UV light curing.
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Alternatives to gel nails: dip powders, regular nail polish, and more
There are several alternatives to gel nails, some of which can be done at home, while others require a visit to a salon.
One option is to use a regular nail polish with a quick-dry top coat, which can cut down drying time significantly. Essie's "Good to Go" and "Gel Setter" are popular top coat options. There are also quick-dry drops that can be used with regular nail polish to speed up drying time.
If you're looking for something more durable than regular nail polish, there are a few options. Dazzle Dry is a lacquer system that lasts longer than traditional polish and doesn't need to be cured by lights or soaked off. Manucurist's Green Flash system is another option that cures via UV light but only needs a one-minute soak to remove.
Another alternative to gel nails is dip powder, which is applied directly to the nail, air-dried, and can last for several weeks. However, it typically costs more than gel.
If you're looking for extra length, acrylic manicures are a classic option. They offer durability thanks to being adhered with gel glue, and they won't cause damage to your natural nail if removed properly by soaking with a professional.
Nail wraps or stickers are another long-lasting option that doesn't require UV light curing. These are applied on top of the nail and secured without any curing.
Finally, some gel nail polishes don't need to be cured by UV light at all. For example, CND Shellac is cured with a UV lamp but is considered a hybrid of gel and regular polish.
While gel manicures are popular for their durability, it's important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with UV light exposure, including DNA damage and increased risk of skin cancer.
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The FDA says UV nail dryers are low risk when used as directed
While the use of UV nail dryers has been linked to skin cancer, the FDA maintains that they are low-risk when used as directed. This conclusion is supported by a report that measured the amount of UV light emitted from nail lamps at 16 different salons, finding that while the amount of UV light varied greatly between machines and within devices, the overall exposure was very low. As a result, the risk of skin cancer, even from repeated salon visits, is considered small.
Despite the FDA's classification, some researchers have expressed concerns about the potential harms of UV nail dryers. Maria Zhivagui of UC San Diego, for example, led a study investigating the effects of nail dryer UV exposure on human and mouse cell lines. The study found that UV dryers for gel nail polish can damage DNA and mutate cells, which may contribute to skin cancer. However, it is important to note that the few studies on this topic have produced mixed results.
To minimise the potential risks associated with UV nail dryers, the FDA offers several recommendations. These include limiting dryer use to 10 minutes per hand and removing cosmetics, fragrances, and skincare products in advance, as certain products can increase sensitivity to UV rays. Additionally, experts suggest applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen to the hands about 20 minutes before UV light exposure.
It is worth noting that there are alternative options to gel manicures that do not require UV light. Some brands offer long-lasting, fast-drying gel polishes that air-dry, and dip powders are another UV-free alternative. Regular nail polish is also an option, as it dries without any UV light. For those who prefer gel manicures, LED lamps can be used instead of UV lamps, as they generate light more efficiently and can reduce UV exposure.
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The amount of UV light exposure varies between machines and within devices
The safety of gel manicures has been a growing concern, with studies showing that the ultraviolet (UV) light used to cure the polish can damage DNA and cause mutations in human cells, which may lead to skin cancer. The amount of UV light exposure from gel manicures varies between machines and within devices, and this variance can impact the level of risk.
A study by researchers from One Medical measured the UV light emitted from nail lamps at 16 different salons. They found that while the overall amount of UV light exposure was typically very low, it differed significantly between machines and even within the same device. This means that each finger can be exposed to a different amount of UV light, and the cumulative effect of this exposure over time could be a cause for concern.
The variance in UV light exposure between machines and within devices can be influenced by several factors. For example, different gel polish brands are designed to harden at different wavelengths, so the nail lamps used in salons may have a wider range of UVA wavelengths to accommodate various gel brands. Additionally, LED lamps, which are becoming more common in salons, generate light more efficiently and can reduce UV exposure compared to traditional UV lamps.
It is important to note that while the overall risk of developing skin cancer from gel manicures is considered small due to the brief exposure time, it is not non-existent. The degree of UV damage and the subsequent risk of skin cancer depend on factors such as the length and frequency of exposure, the use of UV protection, and the strength of the UV rays. Therefore, taking precautions such as using sunscreen, opting for LED lamps, or choosing gel polishes that do not require UV curing can help mitigate potential risks associated with UV light exposure during gel manicures.
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$6.99
Manicurists may be at a higher risk of developing UV-induced eye problems
While gel manicures are unlikely to significantly increase the risk of skin cancer, they are not risk-free. The UV light emitted by nail lamps can lead to photo-ageing and skin changes, including pigmentation and DNA damage. Additionally, the UV rays can negatively impact your eyes, and manicurists may be at a higher risk of developing UV-induced eye problems.
UV exposure is a leading cause of cataracts and may contribute to macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in older individuals. Manicurists are frequently and repeatedly exposed to UV light for prolonged periods, increasing their risk of developing these eye conditions.
To protect themselves from UV-induced eye problems, manicurists can take several precautions. Firstly, they can opt for gel nail polishes that do not require UV curing and instead dry with LED lamps, air blowers, or fans. These alternatives reduce UV exposure while still providing a durable manicure. Additionally, manicurists can apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to their hands and cuticles before the polish is applied or before placing their hands under the UV lamp. Wearing protective eyewear during the UV curing process can also help shield their eyes from UV rays.
It is important to note that while these precautions can help mitigate the risks associated with UV exposure, they may not eliminate them entirely. Manicurists should also be aware of other potential health hazards in their work environment, such as the chemicals found in polishes and other manicure-related products, which have been linked to serious issues, including miscarriages and cancer. By being vigilant about the potential risks and taking appropriate protective measures, manicurists can enhance their safety and well-being in the workplace.
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Frequently asked questions
While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates UV nail lamps and considers them low-risk, there is growing concern over the safety of gel manicures and the use of ultraviolet light. A recent study found that radiation from UV nail polish dryers can damage DNA and cause mutations in human cells, which may lead to skin cancer. However, the overall amount of UV exposure from gel manicures is typically very low, and the risk of skin cancer is small.
To protect yourself from UV exposure during gel manicures, you can apply broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher before the polish goes on or before your hands go under the UV light. You can also ask your manicurist what type of lamp they use, as LED lamps generate light more efficiently and can limit UV exposure. Additionally, some brands make long-lasting, fast-drying gel polishes that don't need to be cured by UV light.
Alternatives to gel manicures include dip powders, which are applied directly to the nail and air-dried, and regular nail polish, which will harden and dry without any UV light.
