Gel manicures The good, the bad and the UV

The past decade has seen a surge in the popularity of gel manicures, which are valued for their appearance and durability. There are some risks associated with these manicures, however, including skin damage from the ultraviolet light used during the curing process. If a gel manicure is performed properly with UV protection, consumers can enjoy the benefits without experiencing negative effects.

American Academy of Dermatology Expert Advice

Information provided by board-certified dermatologist Chris G. Adigun, MD, FAAD, who specializes in nails at her private practice in Chapel Hill, N.C.

The Benefits of Gel Manicures

Gel manicures have been around for a long time, Dr. Adigun says, but they have become more popular over the last 10 years, thanks to the development of polish formulas that are easier to apply and remove. Today, she says, a gel manicure can be performed in nearly the same amount of time as a traditional manicure — with better results.

When applied properly, gel polish won’t chip in a few days like traditional nail polish does, Dr. Adigun says. As a result, she says, a gel manicure provides the longevity and sturdiness of artificial nails without the upkeep or time commitment. “Durability is the No. 1 benefit of a gel manicure,” she says. “Plus, no other manicure has the high shine that you get with a gel.”

A gel manicure can improve the appearance of anyone’s nails, Dr. Adigun says, but the attractive results may be especially beneficial to those whose nails are deformed or discolored because of disease or trauma. Regular nail polish may not adhere properly to a damaged nail or provide enough coverage to mask discoloration, she says, but a gel polish can do both, which makes gel manicures a good option for many patients with nail disorders. “Nails are very visible, so disfigured or discolored nails can be really embarrassing for patients, making it difficult for them to work and socialize,” Dr. Adigun says. “For many patients, a gel manicure can be life-changing.”

The Risks of Gel Manicures

Despite their benefits, gel manicures are not for everyone. According to Dr. Adigun, weak or brittle nails may not be able to withstand a gel manicure, particularly the acetone used during the removal process. Because a UV lamp is required to harden gel polish and bind it to the nail, she says, gel manicures are not appropriate for people who are highly sensitive to UV light; UV sensitivity may be increased by genetic factors, certain medical conditions, and the use of some medications and supplements.

Although curing lamps are used for just a short period of time during a gel manicure, research indicates that the UV rays emitted by those lamps are four times stronger than the sun’s UV rays.¹ Moreover, some customers get gel manicures quite frequently, Dr. Adigun says, and the repeated UV exposure may have a cumulative effect, especially in people who start getting gel manicures at a young age. “The UV dose that you receive during a gel manicure is brief, but it’s intense,” she says. “Over time, this intense exposure can add up to cause skin damage.”

Other risks of a gel manicure include physical damage to the nail or separation of the nail plate from the nail bed, both of which may result from improper curing, Dr. Adigun says. The acetone used to remove gel polish may dry out the nail, she says, but attempting to remove the polish by physical means like scraping or chipping can cause damage, so it’s important to ensure that a gel manicure is applied and removed properly.

The Proper Precautions

In order to get the best results from a gel manicure, Dr. Adigun says, it’s essential to use the correct polish with the correct curing lamp for the correct amount of time. Different curing lamps are designed for use with different polish formulas, she says, so those who perform gel manicures at home should stick to the polishes that are appropriate for their curing lamp of choice. Those who utilize at-home gel manicure kits also should be sure to follow all instructions carefully, she says, particularly in regard to curing time.

Dr. Adigun has been in contact with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration regarding the guidelines that govern the safe use of UV curing lamps, which she believes could be improved to better protect consumers. “In an ideal world, every salon would provide customers with a safe solution to protect their hands and fingers from UV radiation during a gel manicure. Until that solution exists, however, customers should be proactive about UV protection,” she says. “I recommend that they use fingerless gloves or a similar garment with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor of 50 and wear them for every gel manicure, but customers should be aware that UPF fabric becomes a less effective form of protection with each wash.”

Alternative UV protection options include cutting the fingertips off a pair of dark, opaque gloves or applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor of 30 or higher at least 15 minute before a gel manicure. Sunscreen may interfere with gel polish application, however, so Dr. Adigun recommends keeping sunscreen off the nails, which provide their own natural UV protection.

American Academy of Dermatology Expert Advice

“A gel manicure can give your nails a great, long-lasting look, as long as it is performed properly and you protect your hands from the UV curing light,” Dr. Adigun says. “If you’re concerned about UV exposure or the health of your nails, talk to a board-certified dermatologist.”

More Information

Dermatology A to Z: Nail care
SpotSkinCancer.org