Are UV Gel nails dangerous? I am sure you have heard the rumors and read the internet posts about how UV Gels might cause cancer. If you have been considering or already use UV Gels for your fingernails, then I am sure this has you a little bit concerned. And if it does not, it should.
Before we get into the specifics of whether or not UV Gels are dangerous and what the true story is, let’s first go over what UV Gels are.
UV Gel nails are a relatively new product that has become extremely popular in recent years. They are used just like nail polish, but they look very similar to acrylic nails. As a result they have really taken off in popularity.
A layer of gel is applied on top of your natural nail and then put under a special ultraviolet light to cure and harden the gel. In fact, once it is cured under this light, it becomes extremely hard just like acrylic nails.
As with most things, it depends. It is not the UV gel that is dangerous but the application of it. When you are exposed to sunlight and tan or burn, you are being exposed to UV rays. The same thing happens when you expose your skin to a tanning bed or nail lamp.
Excessive exposure can cause skin cancer and other medical problems. There are many factors that go into a person’s possibilities of having medical issues from UV exposure such as medications, diet, family history, and activities. Although there are some people that do have bad reactions to UV exposure, the majority of people do not have any problems from normal exposure.
The main precaution that should be taken is just limiting your exposure. Most salons will offer you a pair of protective gloves with your manicure or will at least make sure that the technician applying your gel wears protective gloves so that she doesn’t get overexposed either.
If you are concerned about your health and still want to get gel nails, make sure that your salon has adequate ventilation so that the fumes from the nail polish don’t accumulate in a small room and build up over time.
Although there is not enough research done yet on this topic to definitely say one way or another if gels are dangerous or not
For years, I’ve heard the same question from clients. Is UV gel harmful?
I’ve done my research and come up with the following information.
When a client sits in your chair, they are trusting you to do what is best for their nails. As a nail technician, it is your job to make sure that they understand any risks involved.
Gels have been on the market for so long that some people forget that they are chemicals. These chemicals can be harmful if used incorrectly or handled improperly.
It is important that we keep our clients informed about all products used in the salon. Gel polish, as well as its removal methods, should not be taken lightly.
Some clients are concerned about the safety of UV gel nails. The following is a very brief summary of what we know at this time.
What Is a UV Gel?
A UV gel is the part of the nail that is applied to build up an artificial nail. It looks like clear or colored liquid plastic. The gel hardens when exposed to ultraviolet light. The client places her hand in a special lamp for 2 minutes to cure (harden) each layer of gel on the nail. The nail is polished with a color gel and hardened again under the lamp. Gels have been used in Europe since 1999 but have only recently been introduced in the USA.
Gels are very durable and can last for months without chipping or peeling, which makes them popular with clients and technicians alike. They can be applied to natural nails as well as tips, so they are suitable for almost any client who wants stronger nails. They do not require filling because they do not wear away like acrylics do; they just grow out normally with the fingernail underneath, leaving no residue on the natural nail. And they look great!
Are Gels Safe?
Like many other products that are gaining popularity, gels have come under scrutiny from regulators and consumer advocates who fear
As with any product, there are advantages and disadvantages to UV gel nails. Health concerns are most often mentioned as the main disadvantage. The UV light used when curing gel nails is similar to the light found in tanning beds, and some feel that this makes them more likely to develop skin cancer. While there has been no evidence of a link between gel nails and skin cancer, it is important to use sunscreen on your hands before going under the light.
Gel nails can also cause damage to your natural nails if they are not properly applied, or if they are removed incorrectly. Applying too many coats or applying them too thickly can cause lifting, which can lead to infection. Depending on your lifestyle and the amount of wear you put on your hands and nails, you may need to get them filled in every two weeks or so, which also increases your risk for nail damage if done improperly.
The cost of gel nails is also a con for some women. A manicure at a salon will often cost $30-40 or more, compared with $5-10 for a manicure using regular nail polish. However, gel nails last longer than regular polish does, so this is something to take into consideration when choosing which option is best for you.
The lights used to cure the gels produce both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays have a longer wavelength and are able to penetrate deeper into the skin than UVB rays. UVA rays can damage the skin without causing sunburns, while UVB rays cause sunburns.
The World Health Organization has classified UVA as “probably carcinogenic to humans” and UVB as a “known carcinogenic.” This means that prolonged exposure to the lights may result in increased risk of cancer, including skin cancer.
Ultraviolet light can also lead to premature aging of the skin, producing deep wrinkles, sagging and dryness.
While this may seem alarming, it is important to remember that these lights are not as strong as midday sunlight. In fact, they do not expose you to enough UV radiation to cause damage during one session at the salon. However, repeated exposure over time can increase your risk for skin damage.
Gel nails are a popular choice for women because they last longer than regular nail polish. They are applied with a brush, like normal nail polish, but they are then hardened under an ultraviolet light. This makes the nails last longer and look better.
However, there have been some concerns about the safety of gel nails. There have been reports that the UV lights used to harden the nails can cause cancer.
There is no evidence that UV lights can cause cancer in humans. However, UV lights were found to cause cancer in lab mice in 2002 when researchers exposed the mice to UV light eight hours a day for 20 weeks. The researchers from that study did not recommend the use of UV lights by people.
The FDA has not taken any action against gel nail products or salons because there is no evidence that they are dangerous to people. In fact, most experts believe that there is no risk involved with using gel nails as long as you take precautions against skin damage.
You should avoid looking directly into the UV light because it can damage your eyesight and make you more prone to cataracts later in life. It is also recommended that you avoid getting gel nails if you have a skin condition on your hands because the chemicals could irritate it further.