People prefer gel polish to conventional polish because it has no odor and results in nails that last longer. It’s convenient, but have you concerned about does gel manicures cause cancer?
The gel polish itself hasn’t been associated with an increased risk of cancer. However, lamps and light boxes, which are used to seal the polish during professional manicures, have raised concerns.
Continue reading to learn more about the skin-damaging effects of gel manicures and how to take precautions.
What Are Gel Nails?
Gel nails consist of a mixture of powder and liquid (monomer). It is essentially the same material that nail technicians use, only premixed, to adhere fake nails to your natural nail.
It is applied similarly to regular polish. They use ultraviolet (UV) light from lamps or light boxes to dry it after that.
Read More: How Long Does a Gel Manicure Last?
Does Gel Manicures Cause Cancer?
So do gel manicures cause cancer?
The main concern is the UV light, not the polish itself. The sun and tanning beds both emit that kind of light. Your skin may become damaged, and cancer may develop. The UVA and UVB types exist. In nail salons, you are exposed to UVA.
In a case study, two women reported skin cancer after They had no prior medical history, either personal or familial, and had been exposed to UV lamps. Although they cannot be certain, experts believe UV lamps may be a risk factor.
According to one study, more than 13,000 salon visits would be required to equal the amount of UV phototherapy exposure. However, according to another, damage could occur much faster—between 8 and 208 visits. Additional study is required.
Related Post: Can You Get a Gel Manicure While Pregnant?
Signs of Subungual (under-the-nail) Cancer
- Nail streaks that are brown or black.
- nail blemishes with expanding streaks.
- An injury to the nail that does not heal or elevate as the nail grows.
- separation of a nail from the nail bed.
- Skin coloration around the nail darkens.
- bleeding or nodule-forming nail.
- The nail plate may be thin, cracked, or distorted.
How to Prevent UV Damage?
To lower health risks, dermatologists have recommended a few safety measures. Here are a few tips:
Wear Sunscreen
Make use of a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. 30 minutes prior, complete this. This will help shield your skin from UV rays, prevent skin cancer, and early aging symptoms. Alternatively, you can put on dark gloves with the fingertips cut off before the nail technician polishes your nails.
Use An LED Light
More UV radiation is emitted by UV curing lights than by LED lights. The polish hardens quicker under an LED light as well. You are exposed for a shorter period of time as a result.
Get Them Only on Special Occasions
Furthermore, it reduces your exposure and gives your nails a chance to heal.
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Conclusion: Does Gel Manicures Cause Cancer
That’s all about can gel manicures cause cancer.
There are things you can do to protect your hands from UVA exposure. Before getting your hands manicured, apply a waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
You might also think about chopping off the fingertips of a pair of gloves and donning them while getting your nails done.
Taking a break from nail polish for a week or two a few times a year is also a smart idea if your nails are dry. Apply petroleum jelly or another moisturizer several times daily to your nails during those breaks.
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FAQs
How Often Is It Safe to Get Gel Manicure?
While people can safely have gel nails every few weeks, dermatologists recommend keeping the nails bare for at least 1–2 weeks in between manicures.
Can Cancer Patients Have Gel Nails?
If you’re undergoing chemotherapy, avoid artificial nails. Infection or inflammation symptoms should be reported to your doctor.
Does Regular Nail Polish Cause Cancer?
There was probably little chance of developing cancer even after numerous visits.
