UV light for gel nail polish—is it safe?
We talked about the potential connection between UV lights at nail salons and skin cancer way back in 2011.
But more recent research has raised the alarm again, so we wanted to update you.
Find out what potential dangers are associated with these UV-emitting nail polish dryers and what you can do about it.
UV Light for Gel Nail Polish: What the Science Says
Scientists recently published a study in Nature Communications that got the attention of the beauty industry.
We’ve long known that ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage skin, potentially increasing the risk of skin cancer. The primary source of UV rays is the sun, which is why it’s important to protect your skin from long-term exposure. But can you also be exposed when you use UV driers in the nail salon to dry your nails?
The UV light in these devices is a similar type of UV light that is in sunlight and tanning beds. That means when you place your nails under them, you could be increasing your exposure to potentially cancer-causing rays.
UV Light for Gel Nail Polish: New Research
A small study raised a concern about the UV lights used in nail salons back in 2009. It was based on two middle-aged healthy women with no personal or family history of skin cancer who developed cancer on their hands. Both women reported previous exposure to UV nail lights.
“It appears that exposure to UV nail lights is a risk factor for the development of skin cancer,” the scientists wrote, but they noted that more research needed to be done.
For this newer study, scientists found that just one 20-minute session using a UV nail salon drier led to between 20 and 30 percent skin cell death. Three consecutive 20-minute exposures caused between 65 and 70 percent of the 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 observed in skin cancer in humans.
Ludmil Alexandrov, corresponding author of the study, noted that these devices are marketed as safe. Yet “to the best of our knowledge,” he stated, “no one has actually studied these devices and how they affect human cells at the molecular and cellular levels until now.”
UV Light for Gel Nail Polish Should We Be Concerned?
When looking at the data from the study, Alexandrov noted three concerning results:
- DNA was damaged
- Some of the DNA damage was not repaired over time and led to mutations
- Exposure seemed to cause cellular dysfunction, which could result in additional mutations
In addition, when comparing patients with skin cancer to the mutations seen in these studies, the patterns of mutations were the same.
So, can gel manicure UV drying lights cause cancer? The researchers cautioned that, while the results raise alarms—particularly when using these devices repeatedly for years—a long-term study involving many more people would be required before stating conclusively that these machines lead to an increased risk of skin cancer.
The scientists warn, however, that the study clearly showed that using these UV devices was damaging to human cells.
What we do know that the UVA Light exposure can be responsible for signs of aging, like hyperpigmentation and wrinkles. It can damage collagen and elastin, which helps keep skin looking supple and youthful.
So if you want to help prevent premature aging in your hands (an early telltale sign of aging), you might want to consider the tips below. We suggest using our Restorative Skin Balm before and after to help protect and instantly soften dry cuticles and hands.
UV Light for Gel Nail Polish: What Can I Use Instead?
It will be a decade or more before we see the type of large study that the scientists are talking about. In the meantime, it’s up to consumers to decide what to do.
Personally, I am going for alternatives. I don’t like the idea of using something that may damage my skin cells. As someone who’s already had to deal with cancer, I’m very interested in reducing my risk of experiencing any more. Plus, I want to protect and prevent premature aging of my hands.
Whether the risk is worth it for you is something only you can answer. If you tend to get gel manicures often and use these devices fairly frequently, you may be in more danger than someone who gets a manicure only once in a great while.
Still, there are some other options for drying your nail polish that can work, so why not try them?
Use Sunscreen
You could 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 that step to apply the sunscreen.
UV-Protecting Gloves
You can purchase UV-protecting gloves specially made to protect your fingers when exposed to gel nail lamps. Keep in mind, though, that most leave quite a bit of skin around the nail still unprotected.
Limit Frequency
The less you expose yourself to UV light, the lower your chances of developing skin cancer. It is concerning, though, 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 to set, typically with UV light. This solidifies the polish, giving it its trademark shine.
You can always go back to regular nail polish that you can air dry, then you won’t have to use the UV drier.
But if you’re sold on 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 quite as long as traditional gel, but they have the same appearance and won’t put you at risk of skin cancer. Read the label–it should say it doesn’t require UV light.
Use an LED UV Lamp?
Some LED lamps utilize a narrower spectrum of UV light, which is supposed to be “weaker” than standard UV light and reduce exposure time compared to traditional UV lamps. LED lamps typically work faster, too, which reduces exposure. We don’t have studies on these yet, though, in terms of how they affect skin cells. Harvard Health notes that both emit ultraviolet radiation and suggest protecting your hands either way.
Ice Water Bath
Did you know that you can help set gel polish by dipping your nails into ice water after application? You submerge the nails for one-to-two minutes. If you can stand the cold, this is a much safer way to do it—and the method I often use!
Ice water can be drying. Once your nails, cuticles, and hands are dry, apply a little of our Restorative Skin Balm to restore softness.
Keep Your Hands and Nails Moisturized
Keeping your cuticles and hands moisturized will help keep skin healthier and will protect from premature aging and further damage. Our Restorative Skin Balm provides an occlusive protective shield and will moisturize dry skin. It will help heal damaged skin, reverse dark spots and pigmentation, and restore the skin barrier. You will discover smoother, softer and healthier skin.
Note: Regardless of how often you put your hands under a UV drying light and how low the risk of developing skin cancer might be, we always recommend being on the lookout for signs of skin cancer. If you notice any suspicious spots on your hands (or anywhere else on your body), make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist to check it out.
What do you think of UV light for gel nail polish?
