Isla Bennett
Liquid gel manicures are beloved for their longevity and durability, but are they bad for your nails? The short answer is yes. While modern gel polish formulas alone are virtually harmless, the mechanical process of applying and removing gel polish can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking. Additionally, the curing process involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin aging and increase the risk of skin cancer. To maintain nail health, dermatologists recommend taking breaks between manicures, allowing nails to repair and rehydrate.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pros | Dries quickly, lasts for weeks, rarely chips |
| Cons | Increased risk of skin cancer, premature skin aging, nail brittleness, peeling, cracking, thin nail beds, weak nails, split nails, dents on nails, UV exposure, chemical composition, damage caused by removal process |
| Precautions | Wear sunscreen, apply a moisturizing product between polishes, space out manicures, do not pick at polish, do not cut cuticles |
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What You'll Learn
- Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling and cracking
- Gel manicures increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging
- The removal process of gel manicures can be damaging
- The tools used to apply and remove gel manicures can cause damage
- The UV or LED lights used to cure gel nail polish emit UV radiation
Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling and cracking
To prevent nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking, it is recommended to space out gel manicures and give nails a rest. Taking a break of one to two weeks or longer between manicures allows nails time to repair and rehydrate. During this time, it is beneficial to apply moisturizing products, such as petroleum jelly, to the nails and cuticles several times a day to minimize brittleness and help prevent chipping.
Additionally, it is important to be mindful of the tools used during the manicure process. Ensuring that the tools are properly sterilized is crucial to prevent the risk of fungal or bacterial infections. It is also recommended to avoid cutting or pushing the cuticles, as this can lead to inflammation and infection.
The removal process of gel nail polish can also impact nail health. Peeling off the gel polish is damaging to the nails and should be avoided. Instead, it is recommended to have the polish removed by a professional manicurist. Soaking the nails in acetone is a common method for removing gel polish, but it is important to note that acetone can be drying to the nails and skin.
While gel manicures can provide a long-lasting and glossy finish, it is important to be aware of the potential risks to nail health. Taking proper care before, during, and after gel manicures can help minimize the negative impacts and maintain healthy nails.
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Gel manicures increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging
While gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, they can have negative effects on the nails and skin. The UV lamps used to dry gel nail polish emit artificial UV radiation, similar to that produced by tanning beds or the sun, which can damage cells and increase the risk of skin cancers such as squamous cell and basal cell cancer. The level of risk depends on the frequency of manicures.
To reduce the risk of skin cancer, it is recommended to wear sunscreen or fingerless gloves during gel manicures. Applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to the hands before a manicure can help protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation. Additionally, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants during the manicure can provide extra protection from UV rays.
Gel manicures can also cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking. The intensive process of removing gel nail polish can further weaken the nails, leading to issues such as split nails. To maintain nail health, dermatologists recommend taking breaks between gel manicures and rehydrating the nails with a moisturizing product like petroleum jelly.
Overall, while gel manicures can enhance the appearance of nails, they may increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging if not properly protected against UV radiation. It is important to be proactive in caring for the nails and skin before, during, and after gel manicures to minimize potential damage.
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The removal process of gel manicures can be damaging
One of the most important things to remember when removing gel nail polish is to avoid picking, peeling, or scraping it off. This can cause significant damage to your nails, including nail bed damage, white spots, and lifted or jagged edges. Instead, it is recommended to file away the top coat of polish and then use acetone to remove the rest. However, even this method can be damaging if not done correctly, as acetone can irritate the skin. To avoid this, it is recommended to use cotton balls soaked in acetone and wrapped in plastic or foil to protect the skin from direct contact with the acetone.
Another option for removing gel nail polish is to simply let your nails grow out and clip them once the gel polish is no longer on the visible part of the nail. This is a slow process, as it can take up to six months for fingernails to grow out completely.
To care for your nails after a gel manicure, dermatologists recommend taking a break from nail polish for one to two weeks to allow your nails to repair. Applying a moisturizing product, such as petroleum jelly, several times a day can also help to minimize brittleness and prevent chipping.
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The tools used to apply and remove gel manicures can cause damage
Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking, and repeated use can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands. The tools used to apply and remove gel manicures can also cause damage.
Firstly, it is important to ensure that the tools used to apply gel manicures are sterile and disinfected. Manicurists should clean their tools after every client to prevent the spread of bacteria and infection. It is also recommended that you ask your manicurist not to push or cut your cuticles, as this can lead to inflammation and infection.
In addition to the application process, the tools used to remove gel manicures can also cause damage. It is advised not to pick or peel off gel nail polish, as this can damage the natural nails by removing layers of keratin, leading to thin and weak nails. Instead, it is recommended to soak the fingertips in acetone or use cotton balls soaked in acetone to remove the polish. This process can be done at home or by a professional manicurist.
To care for your nails after a gel manicure, dermatologists recommend taking a break from nail polish for one to two weeks or longer to allow nails time to repair. Applying a moisturizing product, such as petroleum jelly, to the nails and cuticles several times a day can also help to rehydrate the nails and minimize brittleness.
Overall, while gel manicures can be a beautiful and long-lasting option, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and take the necessary precautions to protect the health of your nails and skin.
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The UV or LED lights used to cure gel nail polish emit UV radiation
While the 2017 FDA ruling stated that UV nail lamps are "low risk" for skin cancer, a more recent study in 2023 contradicts this, finding that even with permissible daily UV exposure, there is still an increased cancer risk. This is especially true for those who get gel manicures regularly.
To put this into perspective, UV nail lamps can be compared to mini tanning beds. Tanning beds emit UV radiation, specifically both UVA and UVB rays, which have been extensively studied and linked to an increased risk of skin cancer. Similarly, UV nail lamps are now being recognized as a potential source of UV radiation exposure and subsequent skin damage.
It is important to note that while the 2023 study on UV nail lamps provides valuable insight, it was conducted in vitro (on human and mouse cells in petri dishes) rather than in vivo (on human subjects). Nonetheless, it highlights the potential risks associated with UV nail lamp exposure and the need for further investigation.
In light of these findings, it is recommended that individuals take precautions when getting gel manicures. This includes applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to the hands before UV light exposure or wearing fingerless gloves during the manicure process. Taking a break from gel manicures and allowing the nails to repair and rehydrate is also advisable.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, liquid gel can be bad for your nails. The curing process involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin ageing and DNA damage that may lead to skin cancer. The intensive removal process can also be damaging to your nails.
Traditional nail polish is a good alternative to gel manicures. They are less damaging and do not require exposure to UV light to cure.
To protect your nails, dermatologists recommend applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands before the manicure. You can also wear dark, opaque gloves with the fingertips cut off.
It is important to give your nails time to repair after a gel manicure. Try not to wear nail polish for one to two weeks or longer. You can also apply a moisturising product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times a day to minimise brittleness and prevent chipping.
