(CMR) Although gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, they are actually dangerous because gel nail polish needs ultraviolet light to harden. This increases the risk of skin cancer when hands, cuticles, and nails are regularly exposed to UV rays that can be more powerful than the sun.
A 21-year-old woman who received regular gel manicures discovered she had nail melanoma, according to USA Today. This was one of several cases which has been reported.
One study also found that the radiation emitted by UV nail polish dryers can damage DNA and cause mutations in human cells.
The American Academy of Dermatology Association also states that gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling and cracking, and premature skin aging on the hands.
People are being encouraged to avoid gel manicures and consider traditional nail polish as much as possible; however, if they choose to still do them, the American Academy of Dermatology Association suggests the following:
-Be proactive with your manicurist. Ask if tools are sterilized and look around to make sure he or she cleans and disinfects tools after every client. In addition, never let your manicurist push or cut your cuticle, as this could lead to inflammation and infection.
-Wear sunscreen. Before getting a gel manicure, apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands to prevent skin cancer and premature skin aging. This will help protect your skin from the ultraviolet radiation used to seal gel nail polish to the nail. Another option is to put on dark, opaque gloves with the fingertips snipped off before your nail polish is applied.
-Don’t pick gel nail polish. When the color begins to come off, don’t pick at the polish or use other nails or tools to remove it. Instead, make an appointment with your manicurist to have the polish removed.
-Only soak your fingertips in acetone. When having the nail polish removed, only soak your fingertips in acetone instead of your whole hands or fingers to protect the surrounding skin. Another option is to use cotton balls to remove the polish. Soak the cotton balls in acetone and apply them to you nails by wrapping small pieces of aluminum foil around your fingertips. This will ensure that only your nails come into contact with the acetone. After about 15 minutes, the nail polish should come right off.
To care for your nails in between gel manicures, dermatologists also recommend the following:
-Take a nail polish holiday. Try not to wear nail polish for one to two weeks or longer. This will allow your nails time to repair.
-Rehydrate your nails. Between polishes, apply a moisturizing product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times daily. This will minimize brittleness and help prevent your nails from chipping.
-As with most things, moderation is the key to gel manicures. Consider getting a gel manicure for special occasions only, and see a board-certified dermatologist if you notice any unusual changes to your nails or have a persistent nail problem.
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