Experts are beginning to warn about the irreparable damage caused by introducing your hands into UV lamps that dry and set the enamel in record time. So if we do gel nails, it is recommended to use sunscreen on the hands (affecting the cuticles) for a while before each exposure. And it doesn’t matter if the lamp is big or small. It is advisable to use SPF 50.
Rise in nail cancer
Lamps that emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation have become a staple in many nail salons, leaving us wondering about the risks of skin and nail cancer while getting our manicures. These lamps are typically used for quick drying of regular manicures and are necessary for setting gel manicures. Some nail lamps are called “UV” lamps and some are called LED lamps, but both emit UV radiation.
They predominantly produce UVA rays, which have been linked to both premature skin aging and skin cancer. However, even the most intense of these devices poses only a moderate UV risk, a much lower risk than UV tanning devices.
If you are someone who is going to get their nails done once a week and you put your hands under those lamps for 10 minutes, you might want to worry. On the other hand, if you are someone who goes a couple of times a year, the risk is probably very, very small.
use sun protection
To play it safe with gel manicures, experts recommend applying a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen to your hands. 20 minutes before exposing them to ultraviolet light. Keep in mind, though, that if you put on sunscreen on your way to the beauty salon, it will all wash off when you get a manicure and wash your hands. So the key is to take a little with you and ask the manicurist to put on the sunscreen at the end of the manicure. Then you would be protected under the light.
However, even this precaution does not protect against carcinoma subungual (under the nail) squamous cell tumor, a rare but potentially aggressive form of skin cancer. If you’re one of those regular manicures, the safest bet is to let your nails air dry naturally, avoiding drying lamps altogether, or use an air blower or fan without UV lights.