Isla Bennett
Gel manicures are a popular choice for those wanting long-lasting, chip-free nails. However, the process of applying and removing gel nail polish can be damaging to the nails, and there are also health risks associated with the UV rays emitted by the nail-curing lamps. Dermatologists are increasingly treating people for allergic reactions to gel nails, and there are concerns about the potential for UV nail lamps to cause skin cancer. Despite the risks, some people choose to use gel nail polish for its durability and appearance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Dermatologists are increasingly treating people for allergic reactions to gel nails. |
| Nail damage | Gel nails can cause nail brittleness, peeling, cracking, and thinning of the nail plate. |
| Skin damage | UV rays from nail-curing lamps can cause premature aging and skin cancer. |
| Cell damage | UV rays from nail lamps can cause cell death and DNA mutations. |
| Safety precautions | Experts recommend wearing sunscreen or gloves during gel manicures to protect against UV rays. |
| Alternatives | Dip-powder nails and modern gel-like polishes are alternatives that do not require UV exposure. |
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What You'll Learn
Gel nails can cause allergic reactions
While gel manicures are fun and long-lasting, they can cause allergic reactions. Dermatologists are increasingly treating people for allergic reactions to gel nails. The root cause of these reactions in some people is an allergy to methacrylate chemicals, which are found in gel nail polish and are used to bond the formula to the nail. Prolonged contact with gel, be it wet on your skin or improperly cured on your nails, can develop into a contact allergy.
The risk of an allergic reaction is higher with at-home gel manicure kits than with professional salon manicures. This is because the products in home kits are not tightly regulated, and people do not have the proper training to apply them safely. People using at-home nail kits often have longer periods of contact with irritants in nail products. The most common side effect is painful, itchy eczematous dermatitis. Additional reactions include detached nails, or onycholysis, lesions under the nail plate, and weak, brittle nails.
To avoid allergic reactions, it is recommended that you limit the amount of time you use the lamp, space out the time between manicures, and protect yourself with sunscreen. You can also wear open gloves or socks to protect your skin. It is also important to visit a professional for the safe removal of gel nails.
It is worth noting that the risk of developing an allergy is relatively low. Most people who get gel on their skin and don't cure it properly will still manage to avoid an allergy, as not everyone is susceptible. However, it is crucial to be aware of the risks and take the necessary precautions to protect your skin and health.
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They can increase the risk of skin cancer
While gel manicures are fun and long-lasting, they do come with some risks. One of the main concerns is the exposure to UV rays during the curing and drying process, which can lead to an increased risk of skin cancer.
UV rays are known to cause skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. The risk of developing skin cancer is cumulative, meaning it increases with repeated exposure. This is why frequent gel manicures can be concerning, as each session involves exposing your hands, nails, and cuticles to UV rays.
Research has found that UV nail lamps can cause cell death and DNA mutations in human cells. A study by the University of California, San Diego, exposed human and mouse cells to a UV nail polish dryer and observed cell death and DNA mutations after both acute and chronic exposure. These mutations are similar to those seen in skin cancer patients, indicating a potential link between gel manicures and an increased risk of skin cancer.
It is important to note that the current research on the link between gel manicures and skin cancer is limited. The FDA has classified UV lamps for gel nails as "low risk" for developing skin cancer. However, recent studies have raised concerns, and dermatologists recommend taking precautions to minimize UV exposure during gel manicures.
To minimize the risk of skin cancer, it is recommended to limit the use of UV nail lamps and space out the time between manicures. Additionally, you can protect your skin by wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen or using open gloves during the curing process.
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They can cause nail damage
While gel nails are popular for their durability and appearance, they can cause nail damage over time. One study found significant thinning of people's nail plates after gel polish application. The cause isn't clear, but it could be a result of the polish remover. The same issues apply to do-it-yourself gel manicure kits, which may pose a higher risk than professional salon manicures due to longer exposure to irritants in nail products. At-home users may not have the proper training to apply the products safely, and the products themselves are not tightly regulated.
The risk of nail damage is also present when using UV-curing lamps, which emit UV rays that are known to cause premature aging and skin cancer. The longer the exposure to these UV rays, the higher the rate of cell death and the risk of developing melanoma. Dermatologists recommend keeping nails bare for at least one to two weeks between manicures to strengthen, repair, and rehydrate the nails.
Additionally, some people may develop an allergic reaction to gel nails, with reports of nail loss, skin rashes, and even breathing difficulties. The root cause of these reactions is often an allergy to methacrylate chemicals found in gel nail polish. Prolonged contact with gel can lead to a contact allergy, making it essential to avoid any gel exposure to the skin during application.
To minimise the risk of nail damage, it is recommended to limit the use of UV-curing lamps and allow nails to recover between manicures. Applying sunscreen or wearing gloves with the fingers cut off can also help protect the hands from UV rays during the curing process.
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They can cause premature ageing
While gel nails are popular for their durability and appearance, they can cause nail damage and pose a risk of premature ageing and skin cancer. This is due to the exposure to UV rays from nail-curing lamps, which are used to harden the gel polish. The UV rays emitted by these lamps can cause cell death and DNA damage, leading to mutations in human cells that may result in premature ageing and an increased risk of skin cancer.
The risk of premature ageing and skin cancer from gel nails is influenced by the frequency and duration of UV exposure. The more often and the longer an individual is exposed to UV rays, the higher the potential for cell damage and the accumulation of DNA mutations. Additionally, the specific type of lamp and curing time can impact the level of UV exposure, as LED lamps have shorter curing times but emit more intense UVA rays.
To mitigate the risk of premature ageing and skin cancer, individuals can take precautions such as applying sunscreen to the hands or wearing gloves with the fingers cut off during the manicure process. Spacing out the time between manicures and allowing the nails to be bare in between can also help reduce UV exposure and give the nails time to strengthen and repair.
While the FDA has classified nail-curing lamps as "low risk", the potential for harm exists, particularly with frequent and prolonged UV exposure. Therefore, it is important for individuals to be aware of the risks associated with gel nails and to take appropriate safety measures to protect their skin and nail health.
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At-home gel kits may be riskier than salon manicures
While gel manicures may be fun and long-lasting, they do come with certain risks. One of the primary concerns with gel manicures is exposure to UV rays during the curing and drying process. UV rays are known to cause premature aging and increase the risk of skin cancer.
Additionally, at-home gel kits may require longer curing times, increasing the duration of UV exposure. While salon professionals are trained to use the lamps for the recommended amount of time, consumers may unintentionally exceed safe exposure limits. Furthermore, some at-home kits may not come with clear instructions or warnings about the risks of improper use, such as getting gel on the skin, which can lead to allergic reactions.
It is worth noting that the risk of developing skin cancer from gel manicures is still considered relatively low by organizations like the FDA. However, recent studies have suggested that the radiation emitted by UV nail lamps can cause DNA damage and mutations in human cells, increasing the risk of cancer over time. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks associated with at-home gel kits and take necessary precautions, such as wearing sunscreen or using alternative curing methods like LED lamps.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel nails can cause nail damage, including nail brittleness, peeling, cracking, and in some cases, nails falling off.
The UV lamps used to cure gel nails emit UVA rays, which are known to cause premature aging and increase the risk of skin cancer. However, the risk of developing skin cancer from gel nail lamps is considered "low" by the FDA.
Yes, dermatologists are seeing an increase in allergic reactions to gel nails, including skin rashes and, in rare cases, breathing difficulties. This is due to an allergy to methacrylate chemicals found in gel nail polish.
To protect yourself from the risks of gel nails, you can:
- Wear sunscreen or sun-protective gloves during the curing process.
- Limit the amount of time your hands are under the lamp.
- Space out the time between manicures to allow your nails to strengthen and repair.
- Visit a professional salon, as at-home gel nail kits may pose a higher risk.
