Isla Bennett
Gel nail polish has become increasingly popular due to its long-lasting, chip-resistant, and quick-drying properties. However, there are several concerns about the potential negative effects of gel nail polish on nail health. The main issues with gel nail polish are the damage caused during the removal process and the exposure to ultraviolet radiation from curing lamps, which can lead to skin ageing, nail brittleness, and an increased risk of skin cancer. While some sources argue that uneducated nail technicians are to blame for nail damage, others emphasize the importance of considering nail health and taking precautions, such as using sunscreen and proper removal techniques.
Characteristics of gel nail polish that are considered negative:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Damaging to nails | Removal process can leave dents, cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking |
| Time-consuming removal | Takes longer to remove than regular nail polish |
| UV exposure | Increases risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging |
| Damage during removal | Manicurists may damage the nail during the gel-removal process |
| Acetone removal | Soaking fingertips in acetone to remove gel polish |
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What You'll Learn
Removal process
The removal process of gel nail polish can be quite intensive and is often considered the most damaging part of the experience. The longer it takes to remove the polish, the longer your skin is exposed to the chemicals in the remover. Acetone is required to remove gel polish, and while it is possible to do this at home, it is recommended to see a professional to have it removed to avoid damaging your nails.
There are several methods for removing gel nail polish. One option is to soak your fingertips in acetone. However, this can be harsh on the skin, so it is important to only soak your fingertips and not your whole hand to protect the surrounding skin. Another option is to use cotton balls soaked in acetone and apply them to your nails by wrapping small pieces of aluminium foil around your fingertips. After about 15 minutes, the nail polish should come off easily.
It is important to note that you should not have to scrape off gel polish. If done correctly, it should only be pushed off with an orange wood stick, plastic pusher, or steel safety bit on an electric file. You can also buff off the top layer of the polish (not the nail) and then apply a cotton pad soaked in acetone to remove the rest.
The removal process can leave your nails weak, thin, and prone to splitting, as well as causing peeling and cracking. To care for your nails after a gel manicure, dermatologists recommend taking a nail polish break for one to two weeks or longer to allow your nails to recover.
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UV exposure
While gel nail polish may be aesthetically pleasing, the process of curing it under a lamp can expose your hands to ultraviolet radiation, which may have several adverse effects.
The use of curing lamps during gel manicures involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin ageing and DNA damage that may lead to skin cancer. This risk is elevated due to the repeated exposure to UVA rays during each manicure session, with the potential for long-term harm increasing over time. It is worth noting that this risk is not limited to a specific type of lamp, as both traditional and LED lamps emit UV radiation.
The hands are a frequently used part of the body, and protecting them from UV exposure is often overlooked. Applying sunscreen to your hands before a gel manicure can help mitigate the risk of UV damage. However, it is important to use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to effectively protect your skin from the UV radiation emitted during the curing process.
In addition to the UV exposure concerns, the removal process for gel nail polish can also be damaging to the nails. Improper removal techniques, such as prying, filing, or scraping the gel polish off, can leave nails thin, brittle, and prone to peeling and cracking. To avoid nail damage, it is recommended to soak the nails in acetone or use cotton balls soaked in acetone wrapped in foil to soften the gel polish before gently pushing it off with an appropriate tool.
While the UV exposure during the curing process of gel nail polish may not be extremely high, some people have reported increased signs of ageing on their fingers compared to the rest of their hands. This observation further underscores the potential for UV-induced skin damage and the importance of taking precautionary measures to minimize the risks associated with gel manicures.
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Nail damage
Gel nail polish can cause nail damage, particularly during the removal process. Some people report that their nails are left thin and brittle, with dents, cuts, and split nails after removing gel polish. This damage can last for several months.
The damage is often caused by incorrect removal procedures, such as prying, filing, and scraping the gel polish off, which can harm the nail plate (a dead protein). If done correctly, gel polish should be soaked and lifted off the nail without scraping. Some people also recommend buffing off the top layer of polish before soaking. However, even with proper removal techniques, some individuals may still experience nail damage due to the intensive removal process and the use of acetone.
The type of light used during the curing process can also impact nail health. While LED lamps are considered safer than UV lamps, they still emit UV radiation, which can cause skin aging and increase the risk of skin cancer. Additionally, the amount of time required to remove gel polish means longer exposure to the chemicals in the polish remover, which can be damaging to the nails and surrounding skin.
To minimize nail damage, it is recommended to see a professional manicurist for gel polish removal or follow proper removal procedures at home. It is also suggested to take breaks between gel manicures and give nails a "holiday" from polish to allow them to recover.
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Skin cancer risk
While gel nail polish has its advantages, such as drying quickly and lasting for weeks without chipping, it also has potential health risks, particularly concerning skin cancer. The primary concern is the exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) from the lamps used to cure or seal the polish. This exposure can increase the risk of skin cancer, specifically squamous cell and basal cell carcinoma.
The lamps used by professional manicurists emit UVA radiation, which plays a significant role in the development of skin cancer. This risk is cumulative and depends on the frequency of manicures and the duration of exposure during each session. A single gel manicure may not significantly increase the risk, but regular and repeated exposure can be harmful. It is important to note that LED lamps, often considered safer, still emit UV radiation, albeit at lower levels.
To put this into perspective, the UV radiation from these lamps is similar to that produced by tanning beds or the sun's natural UV rays. This type of radiation can cause skin ageing and DNA damage, which can lead to cancer. The hands are particularly vulnerable as we rarely think to protect them, despite their frequent use and exposure.
To mitigate the risk, it is recommended to apply sunscreen to the hands before a manicure. A broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a zinc oxide concentration of 8% or higher and an SPF of 30 or higher is advised. Additionally, wearing fingerless gloves or dark gloves with the fingertips cut off during the curing process can provide protection. Using an LED lamp, which hardens the polish faster, can also reduce exposure time.
While the gel nail polish itself is not directly associated with an increased risk of cancer, the curing process and UV exposure are significant factors to consider when assessing the potential health risks of this popular nail treatment.
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Aging skin
While gel nail polish can be long-lasting and beautiful, it can be tough on nails and skin. The process of curing gel nail polish involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin ageing and DNA damage that may lead to cancer. This is true regardless of the type of lamp used to cure the polish.
UVA rays are the most mutagenic wavelength range of the UV spectrum, penetrating the skin more deeply than UVB rays. This leads to a heightened risk of skin cancer and premature skin ageing, such as wrinkles and sun spots. The hands are particularly vulnerable to UV exposure as they are often left unprotected, even when driving a car.
To protect the skin from UV exposure during gel manicures, it is recommended to apply sunscreen to the hands before placing them under the lamp. A broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher can be used to prevent premature skin ageing and reduce the risk of skin cancer.
Additionally, the removal process of gel nail polish can be damaging to the nails and surrounding skin. It is important to only soak the fingertips in acetone and not the whole hand to minimise skin exposure to the chemicals in the polish remover. Alternatively, cotton balls soaked in acetone can be applied to the nails and wrapped in aluminium foil to protect the skin.
To maintain nail health, it is recommended to take breaks from wearing nail polish to allow nails to repair and rehydrate. Moisturising products can be applied to the nails and cuticles to minimise brittleness and prevent chipping.
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Frequently asked questions
The UV exposure from curing lamps increases the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging. The intensive process of removing gel nail polish can also damage nails, leaving them dented, weak, and split.
To remove gel nail polish without damaging your nails, you should only soak your fingertips in acetone or use cotton balls soaked in acetone and wrapped around your fingertips. Do not pick at the polish or use other nails or tools to remove it.
Traditional nail polish is a good alternative to gel nail polish. It is less damaging to nails and does not require exposure to UV light during the curing process.
