Sophia Delgado
Gel nail polish is a popular choice for those wanting a long-lasting manicure, but it's important to be aware of the potential risks to your nail health. The curing process involves exposure to UV rays, which can cause skin ageing and increase the risk of skin cancer. Additionally, the chemicals in gel nail polish can lead to allergic reactions, and improper removal can temporarily damage your nails. To maintain nail health, it's crucial to follow proper application and removal techniques, practice good nail care, and allow time for your nails to recover between manicures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Damage to nails | Temporary damage can occur during the prep and removal of gel polish. Gel polish can leave nails dry and brittle. |
| UV exposure | The curing process involves exposure to UV radiation, which can cause skin ageing and increase the risk of skin cancer. |
| Chemicals | Gel polish contains acrylate and methacrylate, which can cause allergic reactions. |
| Nail care | Proper application and removal techniques, good nail care, and the use of the right products are essential to prevent damage. |
| Nail health | Gel polish can cause cracking, peeling, white spots, grooves, and weakening of the nail plate. |
| Protection | Wearing gloves during household chores and long soaks can protect nails from harsh chemicals and water exposure. |
| Nail maintenance | Spacing out gel manicures, using cuticle oil, and hydrating hand cream can help maintain nail health. |
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What You'll Learn
- The curing process involves exposure to UV rays, which can cause skin ageing and increase the risk of skin cancer
- The removal process can temporarily damage nails if not done carefully
- Gel polish can leave nails dry and brittle
- The weight of gel polish can cause tears in the base of nails if left on for too long
- The tools used to apply and remove gel nails can cause bacterial or fungal infections if not properly sterilised
The curing process involves exposure to UV rays, which can cause skin ageing and increase the risk of skin cancer
The curing process for gel nail polish involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin ageing and increase the risk of skin cancer. This is because UVA rays cause DNA damage that can lead to cancer, as well as accelerating skin ageing, leading to wrinkles and age spots.
While the risk of skin cancer from gel nail polish is low, it is still present. Dermatologist Harikiran Chekuri explains that "prolonged and frequent use [of gel nail polish] could potentially increase the risk of skin cancer". Similarly, Dr Ranasinghe notes that "the less UV exposure you give your hands, the better".
To help mitigate the risk of skin damage, it is recommended that sunscreen is applied to the hands before a gel manicure. The Skin Cancer Foundation suggests rubbing a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen into the hands around 20 minutes before they are placed under the UV light. Additionally, gloves can be worn to protect the hands from UV exposure, either during everyday tasks such as driving, or during the gel manicure process.
It is also important to care for your nails properly to keep them healthy. This includes following the correct application and removal techniques, practising good nail care, and using the right products to maintain their strength.
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The removal process can temporarily damage nails if not done carefully
Another option is to file down the polish first, to remove the bulk of the product, and then soak the nails in acetone. However, it is important to be careful not to file too close to the natural nail, as this can cause damage. It is also recommended to not leave a gel manicure on for longer than two to three weeks, as the extra weight can start pulling on the edge of the nail, causing tears and lifting, which can lead to more mechanical damage.
Additionally, it is important to be mindful of the tools used for removal, as they can cause damage if not properly sterilized. There is a risk of fungal or bacterial infections if the tools are not clean. It is also important to protect the skin from UV exposure during the curing process, as this has been linked to premature skin aging and skin cancer. Applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to the hands before the manicure can help to protect the skin.
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Gel polish can leave nails dry and brittle
Gel nail polish can leave your nails dry and brittle, especially if you don't allow your nails time to recover between manicures. 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. Dermatologist Harikiran Chekuri explains that while the risk is lower than from sun exposure, "prolonged and frequent use could potentially increase the risk of skin cancer".
Additionally, the tools used to apply and remove gel nails can cause damage if they are not properly sterilised, as there is a risk of bacterial or fungal infections. The UV or LED lights used to cure gel nail polish emit UV radiation, which has been linked to premature skin ageing and skin cancer.
To prevent nail damage, it is important to follow proper application and removal techniques, practice good nail care, and use the right products to maintain the strength and health of your nails. It is recommended to take breaks between manicures to allow your nails to recover. During this time, you can apply a moisturising product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles to rehydrate them and minimise brittleness.
To protect your skin from UV exposure during gel manicures, you can apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands before the procedure. You can also wear gloves while doing household chores or washing dishes to shield your nails from harsh chemicals and prolonged water exposure, which can weaken the polish and cause lifting.
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The weight of gel polish can cause tears in the base of nails if left on for too long
Gel nail polish is a popular choice for those seeking a long-lasting manicure. However, it is important to be mindful of the potential risks associated with this type of polish to ensure healthy nails. One of the key concerns is the weight of the gel polish, which can become significant if left on for too long.
As explained by nail expert Reynosa, "The biggest risk of leaving a gel manicure on for longer than three weeks is that the extra weight can start pulling on the edge of your nail, causing tears in the base of your nails." These tears can lead to further issues, such as lifting and peeling back of keratin layers, resulting in more mechanical damage. Therefore, it is generally recommended not to exceed the two to three-week mark for gel manicures.
To avoid this issue, it is advisable to remove gel polish with care and not leave it on for extended periods. Proper removal techniques, such as filing down the polish before soaking, are crucial to minimise damage to the natural nail. Additionally, spacing out gel manicures and allowing time for your nails to recover is essential. During this recovery period, you can apply moisturising products like cuticle oil or petroleum jelly to rehydrate your nails and cuticles, reducing brittleness and preventing chipping.
While gel polish itself may not be the direct cause of nail damage, the application and removal processes play a significant role. The use of tools, such as files and lamps, requires careful handling to prevent mechanical damage to the nail and potential infections. Furthermore, the UV exposure during the curing process has been linked to skin ageing, wrinkles, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Therefore, it is recommended to limit UV exposure, apply sunscreen, or opt for traditional nail polish if you experience recurring nail problems.
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The tools used to apply and remove gel nails can cause bacterial or fungal infections if not properly sterilised
While gel nail polish is known to cause temporary nail damage, the tools used to apply and remove gel nails can also cause bacterial or fungal infections if not properly sterilised.
Dermatologist Harikiran Chekuri, MBBS, MS, says, "If tools are not properly sterilised, there's a risk of fungal or bacterial infections." This is especially important to consider when visiting a salon for gel nail services, as the same tools are often used on multiple clients. If the tools are not properly sterilised between each use, bacteria and fungi can be transferred from one person to another, leading to infections.
To avoid this, it is recommended to bring your own set of tools to the salon or ensure that the salon you visit properly sterilises their tools after each use. Proper sterilisation techniques include cleaning the tools with soap and water, then soaking them in a disinfectant solution or wiping them down with disinfectant wipes.
In addition to the risk of infection, the process of applying and removing gel nail polish can also cause temporary nail damage. It is important to follow proper techniques and use the right products to minimise this damage. For example, when removing gel nail polish, it is recommended to only soak the fingertips in acetone instead of the whole hand to protect the surrounding skin. Another option is to use cotton balls soaked in acetone and wrapped in aluminium foil to ensure that only the nails come into contact with the acetone.
To maintain nail health, it is also important to allow time between manicures for your nails to recover. This means not leaving a gel manicure on for longer than two to three weeks and taking a break from nail polish for one to two weeks to allow your nails to repair and rehydrate.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, gel polish 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 cancer. The removal process can also temporarily damage your nails if not done carefully.
To protect your nails from gel polish damage, it is important to follow proper application and removal techniques. You can also try to space out gel manicures to give your nails a rest and allow time for your nails to recover.
To protect your skin from gel polish damage, you can apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands before your gel manicure. You can also wear gloves while cleaning or washing dishes to protect your nails from harsh chemicals that can weaken the polish.
Signs of gel polish nail damage include cracking, peeling, white spots, grooves, and an overall weakening of the nail plate. Your nails may also become dry and brittle.
