Wait! Read This Before You Get a Gel Manicure Done.

Gel manicures/nails are wildly popular because they certainly look nice and their longevity is convenient, but the UV lamp used to dry the polish is putting skin cells in danger. A gel manicure lasts longer because of this drying process, which requires the nails be exposed to ultraviolet light for five to ten minutes (the average is eight minutes).
These  little UV lamps are miniature versions of a tanning bed in that both project UV rays directly onto our skin. LED lamps are generally considered safer (though they still emit a small amount of UV rays), but since they’re more expensive they’re less commonly used in salons.

The question is: are these little nail lamps actually going to give us skin cancer? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t quite as clear. There’s no rock-solid evidence either way as yet, since we haven’t been using them long enough to make accurate conclusions. However, a new study out of Georgia Regents University in the US was released on Wednesday, with some interesting findings. Here’s what we can glean from the research:
The Facts

• 17 different lamps were tested, from 16 different salons across the US (therefore all lamp brands, wattages, shapes and sizes were different).
• As expected, it was confirmed that the stronger the lamp wattage, the more UV rays it emitted.
• It requires 60 joules of UV rays to cause damage that can lead to skin cancer.
• The lamps were discovered to emit between 1 and 8 joules — so a very small amount.
• Therefore, the lamps project a much smaller dose of UV light than tanning beds do (but UV rays are harmful in any dose).

What That Means For Us?

• It’s extremely unlikely that a single use of the machine will lead to skin cancer, but it’s not impossible.
• Researchers came to the conclusion that as little as eight uses of a nail lamp over two years will lend enough exposure to put you at serious risk of cancer.
• All of which means: if you use a lamp four or more times a year, you’re at risk.

How to Minimise Your Risk Safety first — even the prettiest nails aren’t worth risking your health for, so ideally, you won’t get Shellac or gel polish on your nails anymore. However, if you’re fond of the benefits of gel polish, you can step up the safety for your next manicure session by wearing fingerless manicure gloves (yes, they exist) and/or coating your hands and arms in high SPF sunscreen before you use the lamp. Also ask your manicurist if they use LED or UV lighting. The difference in UV rays is quite minimal, but it is a difference.