You're probably wearing one right now. If you're like us fellow Fashionistas who love to look good, save money AND time, then the gel manicure has most likely become your go to style tool over the past few years. Why? It lasts longer, saves you more money over time, looks better, and you no longer have to deal with nics, smudges, or ruined nails as you dig for your keys at the bottom of your bag on the way out. It's dried and ready almost instantly thanks to the UV lighting lamp used to complete the process. But...could those same UV lighting lamps that give us our coveted high lacquer luxe color also be giving us something else??
The UV lamps used for gel manicures are the same kind of light that causes sun damage to our skin. "UV lamps of any wattage are like the sun on steroids. You get boosted UVA/UVB exposure in such a short amount of time,” says Dr. Ava Shamban, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the UCLA-Geffen School of Medicine.
Studies show that on average it would take only about 11 visits over two years to reach the levels of exposure that would cause sun damage, and some stronger lamps could take as few as eight. To limit risk, it is recommended that using sunscreens or UVA protective gloves when getting a gel manicure can decrease the risk factors of cancer from the lamps. Most doctors agree that you don’t have to give up your gel manicures as long as you are aware of the risk and take appropriate precautions; some even recommend only getting gel manicures about four times a year to limit the overall risk. The bottom line is that as a consumer, you need to know the risks involved and decide for yourself what will be best for you.
For more information, please see credited articles here and here.
