Who doesn’t love a good trip to the nail salon to treat yourself to a nice long-lasting gel manicure? Due to their durability, fast drying time, and glossy finish, gel manicures are sure to leave your nails looking beautiful … but at what cost? The UV light used to cure gel nail polish has been linked to DNA damage and possibly skin cancer according to a recent study conducted by researchers from the University of California San Diego and the University of Pittsburgh. Researchers found that long-term use of UV nail lamps can cause mutations in skin cells but further investigation is needed to accurately determine the risk for cancer.
The study utilized three different cell lines in a petri dish, two from humans and one from mice. In all three cell line models, the researchers observed 20 to 30% cell death after a 20 minute session. After three consecutive 20 minute sessions, they observed 65 to 70% cell death. It is important to note that the time someone’s hand is under a UV lamp during a gel manicure is usually less than 20 minutes. Melanin and dead skin cells on our hands offer some protection from UV radiation. Nevertheless, it is still evident that UV gel lamps have the potential to cause notable skin cell damage.
Many nail salons have now switched from UV lamps to LED lamps; however, LED lamps still emit UV radiation. Therefore, it is important to protect your skin no matter what type of lamp is used to cure gel nail polish. The best way to protect your skin during a gel manicure is by applying sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher at least 15 minutes before you get your nails done. For an added layer of protection, buy fingerless gloves specifically made for gel manicures. We want to keep our hands and nails youthful and radiant for as long as possible; therefore, it is crucial to take these extra precautions the next time you get a gel manicure.