Getting a manicure is a great way to pamper yourself, but it's important to be aware of the potential risks. Recent studies have revealed that UV light from nail lamps can be hazardous to your health, but there are ways to protect yourself. Ultraviolet A light (315 to 400 nanometers), which is found in sunlight, penetrates the skin more deeply and is often used in UV nail dryers. While there is a theoretical risk of developing skin cancer from exposure to UV light during gel manicures, experts agree that there isn't enough evidence yet to make a definitive connection.Chronic use of machines that emit UV radiation can damage DNA and cause mutations in human cells that could increase the risk of skin cancer.
Some nail lamps are labeled as “UV lamps” and others as “LED lamps”, but both emit UV radiation. They predominantly produce UVA rays, which have been linked to premature skin aging and skin cancer. However, even the most intense devices have only a moderate risk of UV radiation, which is much lower than UV tanning devices.If you get your nails done regularly, the safest option is to let them air dry naturally, completely avoiding drying lamps or using an air blower or fan without UV lights. Even if the chances of developing cancer from a nail lamp are low, it's always best to protect your skin from UV exposure.
According to current research, the risk of developing skin cancer from UV nail lamps is low.An article described two women who were regularly exposed to UV nail light and who developed squamous cell carcinoma on their fingers and hands. Ultraviolet light damages DNA, which can cause mutations that play a key role in the development of different types of skin cancer. Dr. Anthony M.
Emanuela Taioli, director of the Institute for Translational Epidemiology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, explains that when ultraviolet light damages the DNA of skin cells, the body's repair mechanisms are activated and they try to repair that damage before the cells replicate.Gel nail polish needs UV light to harden, raising concerns about the risk of skin cancer when hands, cuticles and nails are regularly exposed to UV rays, which can be more powerful than the sun. The biggest limitation of the study is that exposing cell lines to UV light is different from performing the study in humans and living animals, said dermatologist Dr. Angela Kim, DO.Most nail polish curing devices are labeled “UV” or “LED”, but it's a common misconception that LED light doesn't emit UV light. According to Dr.
Rossi, he says that the amount of UV light that causes sunburn and skin mutations that can lead to skin cancer is difficult to quantify, so the exact amount of harmful exposure can vary from person to person.UV lamps are essential for gel manicures because the light causes the nail polish to harden and last longer. A dip manicure usually doesn't require a UV lamp, but some stylists may add an extra layer of gel at the end to make the manicure last longer, in which case a UV lamp would be used.It's important for people getting a manicure with a UV lamp to be aware of potential risks. While there isn't enough evidence yet to establish a definitive cause-and-effect connection between gel manicures and skin cancer, it's always best to take precautions when exposing your skin to ultraviolet radiation. The safest thing is to let your nails air dry naturally or use an air blower or fan without UV lights.
