Liam Carter
Gel nail polish is a popular choice for many people as it dries quickly, is long-lasting, and rarely chips. However, there are several potential dangers associated with gel nails that are important to consider. The curing process involves exposure to ultraviolet radiation, which can cause premature skin aging and increase the risk of skin cancer. Additionally, gel nail polish contains chemicals that can lead to allergic reactions and nail damage, especially during the removal process. While some people opt for at-home gel nail kits, professional salon manicures are generally considered safer due to the training and techniques employed by manicurists. Overall, while gel nails offer convenience and durability, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks and take precautions to minimize any negative impact on nail and skin health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pros | Dries quickly, long-lasting, rarely chips |
| Cons | Exposure to UV rays, skin ageing, DNA damage, skin cancer, allergic reactions, onycholysis, detached nails, weak nails, painful dermatitis |
| Precautions | Use sunscreen, take breaks between manicures, keep nails bare for 1-2 weeks in between manicures, professionally remove gel nails |
| Removal process | Buffing with a nail file, soak fingertips in acetone, wrap aluminium foil around acetone-soaked cotton balls on fingertips, wash hands, moisturise nails, cuticles and hands |
| Supplies | Nail clippers, nail buffer, rubbing alcohol, PH bond, base and top coat, gel nail polish, steel cuticle remover, cuticle clipper, nail file |
| Steps | Apply thin layer of base coat, cure under light for 120 seconds, apply gel polish, cure under lamp, repeat as needed |
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What You'll Learn
Allergic reactions
Gel nail polish can cause allergic reactions in some people. These reactions are caused by certain chemicals commonly found in gel nail products, such as methacrylate, acrylate, formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate. These chemicals can cause skin sensitisation, leading to an allergic reaction if they are absorbed into the skin. Therefore, it is essential to avoid getting gel polish on your skin during the application process.
The symptoms of a gel nail polish allergy can vary depending on the individual's sensitivity. Common symptoms include redness, itching, inflammation, swelling, and blisters around the nails. Some people may also experience nail changes, such as nails becoming detached from the nail bed (onycholysis) or changing colour. In rare cases, individuals can experience more severe reactions, such as difficulty breathing if the allergen is inhaled.
If you suspect an allergy to gel nail polish, it is important to seek medical attention. A healthcare provider or allergist can help confirm the diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment. Treatment options typically involve managing symptoms and avoiding the allergen. Oral antihistamines and topical corticosteroid creams or ointments can be used to alleviate symptoms like itching, redness, and swelling. For severe reactions, a healthcare provider may prescribe stronger medication.
To prevent allergic reactions, it is crucial to choose the right products and use proper application techniques. Avoiding getting gel polish on the skin and ensuring that it is applied correctly can help reduce the risk of a reaction. Regular patch testing to check for product sensitivities can also help identify potential allergens and prevent future reactions.
While gel nail polish can provide a durable and glossy finish, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with its use, including the possibility of allergic reactions. Understanding your personal sensitivities and taking necessary precautions can help minimise the chances of experiencing an adverse reaction.
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Irritation and infection
Gel nail polishes can cause irritation and infection in several ways. Firstly, the curing process involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin ageing and DNA damage that may lead to skin cancer. This is true regardless of the type of lamp used, as even LED lamps emit UV radiation.
Secondly, gel nail polishes contain chemicals that can cause allergic reactions, such as acrylate and methacrylate. These reactions can lead to contact dermatitis, characterised by symptoms like burning, pain, inflammation, redness, blistering, and lifting of the nail from the nail bed. In some cases, a delayed hypersensitivity reaction may occur after repeated exposure to the chemical. It is imperative to avoid getting gel polish on the skin to reduce the risk of irritation and infection.
Additionally, the removal process of gel nail polish can be intensive and damaging to the nails. Improper removal can cause temporary nail damage, including cracking, peeling, white spots, grooves, and overall weakening of the nail plate. This can leave nails dry, brittle, and susceptible to splitting, requiring months for recovery.
To prevent irritation and infection, it is recommended to conduct a patch test before trying gel nail polish. If you experience an allergic reaction, consult a medical expert for treatment advice and consider undergoing allergen immunotherapy to reduce sensitivity.
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UV exposure
The use of UV nail lamps in gel manicures has been linked to an increased risk of skin cancer. The curing process involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin ageing and DNA damage that may lead to cancer. This is the same type of harmful radiation emitted by the sun and by tanning beds.
While the exact risk of skin cancer from UV nail lamps is still unknown, researchers suspect that repeated exposure over many years may lead to skin cancer on and around the nail. Dermatologists recommend limiting the number of gel manicures per year to reduce this risk.
To protect yourself from UV radiation during a gel manicure, you can apply a waterproof, broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) SPF 30 or higher sunscreen to your hands before the curing process. Mineral sunscreens that contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are recommended as they act faster than chemical sunscreens. You can also wear fingerless gloves during the curing process to reduce UV exposure.
It is worth noting that these precautions do not protect against subungual melanoma, a rare but aggressive form of skin cancer that develops under the nail.
Additionally, it is important to ensure that the gel is compatible with the lamp being used, as incompatibility can increase the chance of developing an allergy.
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Removal process
The removal process for gel nails can be done at home, but it is important to be careful to avoid damaging your nails.
Firstly, it is recommended to work on one hand at a time. Choose a well-ventilated area, as acetone has a strong smell. Protect your work area with a cloth to avoid acetone stains.
There are two main methods for removing gel nail polish: the traditional method and using a gel nail polish remover. The traditional method involves using acetone, cotton balls or pads, aluminum foil, a cuticle pusher, and a nail file. Cuticle oil and a nail buffer are optional.
To start, use a coarse nail file to file down the gel top coat until it is no longer shiny and smooth. Then, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to each cuticle and the surrounding skin. Soak cotton balls or pads in acetone and place them on your nails. Wrap your nails with plastic food wrap or aluminum foil to hold the cotton in place. Leave this on for around 10 minutes.
Remove the wrap and cotton, and most or all of the gel polish should come off with it. Gently wipe away any remaining polish with a warm, wet washcloth, being careful to only rub the nail and not the surrounding skin. Wash your hands with gentle, fragrance-free soap and water to remove the acetone.
After removal, it is important to hydrate and nourish your nails and cuticles. Use a moisturising hand cream and apricot cuticle oil to restore moisture. You can also use a nail buffer to remove ridges and strengthen your nails.
An alternative to the traditional method is to use a gel nail polish remover. These removers can quickly break down the gel polish, but they may not be as gentle on your nails as the traditional method.
It is important to note that the gel nail removal process can be potentially dangerous, especially if not done carefully. There is a risk of developing allergies or sensitivities to certain chemicals, such as methacrylate. Additionally, the curing process under UV or LED lamps can expose your hands to excess UV radiation, which can cause skin aging and increase the risk of skin cancer. Therefore, it is recommended to limit the frequency of gel manicures and take precautions, such as using sunscreen or UV-protective gloves, to minimize these risks.
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Lack of training
The dangers of gel nails are well-documented, and a lack of training can lead to a variety of issues.
Gel nail polishes are durable, glossy, and chip-resistant, but they can be harsh on nails. The removal process is particularly critical to nail health, and improper removal can cause damage. The most common at-home removal method involves soaking nails in acetone, but this can be time-consuming and tedious. Some people may be tempted to peel off the gel polish, which is the most harmful thing one can do to their nails. In addition, the products in home kits are not tightly regulated, and consumers may not have the proper training to apply them safely. As a result, at-home gel manicures may pose a higher risk than professional salon manicures.
The application process is also important to consider. Gel manicures require curing under a UV or LED lamp, which can cause skin ageing and DNA damage that may lead to cancer. This is a concern regardless of whether an at-home or salon kit is used. In addition, the curing process may not be fully effective, especially if an incompatible lamp is used, leading to potential allergies and other side effects.
Furthermore, gel nail polishes contain various chemicals, such as methacrylates and acrylates, which some people may be sensitive or allergic to. These allergies can have severe knock-on effects, such as an allergy to fillings in teeth. Repeated use of gel nail polishes can also cause nail thinning, brittleness, and splitting.
To mitigate these risks, it is essential to have proper training and knowledge of the products and procedures involved in gel manicures. This includes understanding the importance of compatible lamps and curing times, as well as the safe application and removal of gel nail polishes. Dermatologists recommend keeping nails bare for at least one to two weeks between manicures to allow for strengthening, repair, and rehydration. It is also advised to visit a professional for the safe removal of gel nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel nails can be dangerous, especially if you use them often. 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 damaging to nails, causing cracking, peeling, and overall weakening of the nail plate.
Regular nail polish is a less damaging alternative to gel nails. It does not require curing under a lamp and can be safely removed without the use of harsh chemicals.
To protect your nails, it is recommended to space out gel manicures and give your nails time to recover. You can also apply cuticle oil and moisturiser after removing gel polish to nourish your nails and skin.
It is recommended to limit gel polish wear to one to two weeks maximum and take breaks between applications. Gel manicures should not be kept on for longer than two to three weeks.
Signs that your nails need a break from gel polish include chipping, peeling nail beds, ragged cuticles, thinning of the nails, dryness, and white spots.
