UV Light for Gel Nail Polish: Is It Safe?
We already talked about the possible link between UV lamps in nail salons and skin cancer in 2011.
But more recent research has once again raised the alarm, so we wanted to keep you informed.
Find out what potential dangers are associated with these UV-emitting nail polish dryers and what you can do about them.
UV light for gel nail polish: what the science says
Scientists recently published a study in Nature communication that caught the attention of the beauty industry.
We have long known that ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage the skin, potentially increasing the risk of skin cancer. The main source of UV radiation is the sun. That’s why it’s important to protect your skin from prolonged exposure. But can you also be exposed if you use UV dryers to dry your nails at the nail salon?
The UV light in these devices is a similar type of UV light to sunlight and tanning beds. That means if you put your nails underneath it, you may be more exposed to potentially cancer-causing radiation.
UV light for gel nail polish: new research
A small study raised concerns about the UV lights used in nail salons in the past 2009. It was based on two healthy, middle-aged women with no personal or family history of skin cancer, who developed cancer on their hands. Both women reported previous exposure to UV nail lamps.
“It appears that exposure to UV nail lamps is a risk factor for the development of skin cancer,” the scientists wrote, but they noted that more research was needed.
For this newer study, scientists found that just one 20-minute session with a UV nail salon dryer led to 20 to 30 percent skin cell death. Three consecutive 20-minute exposures caused between 65 and 70 percent of exposed skin cells to die.
Exposure to UV light also caused mitochondrial and DNA damage in the remaining cells and resulted in mutations with patterns that can be seen in human skin cancer.
Ludmil Alexandrov, corresponding author of the study, noted that these devices are marketed as safe. Yet, “to our knowledge,” he stated, “no one has yet actually studied these devices and how they affect human cells at the molecular and cellular level.”
UV Light for Gel Nail Polish Should We Be Worried?
When looking at the data from the study, Alexandrov noticed three concerning results:
- DNA was damaged
- Some of the DNA damage was not repaired over time and led to mutations
- Exposure appeared to cause cellular dysfunction, which could lead to additional mutations
Furthermore, when patients with skin cancer were compared with the mutations observed in these studies, the mutation patterns were the same.
Can UV drying lamps with gel manicure cause cancer? The researchers warned that while the results are alarming – especially if these devices are used repeatedly for years – a long-term study involving many more people would be needed before it can be definitively said that these machines lead to an increased risk of skin cancer.
However, the scientists warn that the research clearly shows that the use of these UV devices is harmful to human cells.
What we do know is that exposure to UVA light can be responsible for signs of aging, such as hyperpigmentation and wrinkles. It can damage collagen and elastin, which makes the skin look supple and youthful.
So if you want to help prevent premature aging of your hands (an early sign of aging), consider the tips below. We recommend using our Restorative Skin Balm before and after to protect and instantly soften dry cuticles and hands.
UV Light for Gel Nail Polish: What Can I Use Instead?
It will be another decade or more before we see the kind of major study the scientists are talking about. In the meantime, it is up to the consumer to decide what to do.
Personally, I go for alternatives. I don’t like the idea of using anything that could damage my skin cells. As someone who has already dealt with cancer, I am very interested in reducing the risk of developing more cancer. In addition, I want to protect and prevent premature aging of my hands.
Only you can decide for yourself whether the risk is worth it for you. If you get gel manicures often and use these devices quite often, you may be in more danger than someone who only gets a manicure occasionally.
Still, there are some other options for drying your nail polish that can work, so why not try them?
Use sunscreen
You can apply sunscreen to your hands before putting them under the lamp. As long as you use a broad-spectrum product with an SPF of at least 30, it should help. If your hands or feet are washed or rinsed during the manicure, wait until after this step to apply the sunscreen.
UV protective gloves
You can purchase UV protective gloves that are specifically made to protect your fingers when exposed to gel nail lamps. However, keep in mind that most of the skin around the nail is still unprotected.
Limit frequency
The less you expose yourself to UV light, the lower your chance of developing skin cancer. However, it is concerning that just 20 minutes led to cell damage and mutations.
Stop using standard gel polish (try non-UV gel)
Gel nail polish is unique in that it requires curing, usually with UV light. This strengthens the paint, giving it its characteristic shine.
You can always go back to regular nail polish that you can let air dry, then you don’t have to use the UV dryer.
But if you’re in love with the look and durability of gel, there are some gel polishes, called non-UV gel polish, that don’t require UV light to dry. They may not last as long as traditional gel, but they look the same and pose no risk of skin cancer. Read the label; it should say no UV light is needed.
Using an LED UV lamp?
Some LED lamps use a narrower spectrum of UV light, which should be “weaker” than standard UV light and shorten exposure time compared to traditional UV lamps. LED lights also tend to work faster, reducing exposure. However, we don’t have any research yet on how they affect skin cells. Harvard Health notes that both emit ultraviolet radiation and suggest protecting your hands anyway.
Ice water bath
Did you know that you can help set gel polish by dipping your nails in ice water after application? You immerse the nails for one to two minutes. If you can handle the cold, this is a much safer way to do it – and the method I use often!
Ice water can dry. Once your nails, cuticles and hands are dry, apply some of ours Restorative skin balm to restore softness.
Keep your hands and nails moisturized
Keeping your cuticles and hands moisturized keeps the skin healthier and protects it from premature aging and further damage. Our Restorative Skin Balm provides an occlusive protective shield and hydrates dry skin. It helps heal damaged skin, combat dark spots and pigment spots and restore the skin barrier. You will discover smoother, softer and healthier skin.
Remark: No matter how often you place your hands under a UV drying lamp and how low the risk of developing skin cancer is, we always recommend that you be alert for signs of skin cancer. If you notice suspicious spots on your hands (or anywhere else on your body), make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist to investigate.
What do you think of UV light for gel nail polish?
