Consider wearing SPF to the nail salon: New study links UV gel manicures to skin cancer

Gel manicures have become quite popular in the last few years, most of all thanks to their ability to last a long time without chipping. Although gel nail polish can be difficult to remove (FYI, read our tips on how to remove gel nail polish at home here), many of us have embraced gel manis as an easier alternative to traditional nail polish. However, according to a new study from the Skin Cancer Foundation, there may be more serious reasons to reconsider our dedication to the gel manicure.

As nail techs and anyone who’s tried out a gel manicure will know, UV-emitting devices are used to seal the polish to the nail. But how safe is it? In a statement released by the Skin Care Foundation, Vice President Elizabeth K. Hale confirmed what many already suspected: UV-emitting nail lamps are carcinogenic to humans. Although Hale describes the skin cancer risk for gel manicures as “very low,” it is not insignificant enough to ignore. The statement indicates that the risk is greatest for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the second most common skin cancer. “SCC is mainly caused by chronic UV exposure and is very common on the hands and around the fingernails,” Hale said.

So, what should be done about it? If you’ve become accustomed to getting gel manicures on the regular, there are ways to protect your hands from skin cancer. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends applying sunscreen with an SPF of 15 of higher to your hands frequently throughout the day. Not only will this protect your hands from skin cancer, it will also prevent wrinkles, brown spots and other signs of aging associated with UV exposure. Another option is to purchase anti-UV gloves made specifically for UV lamps used in gel manicures. These gloves are coated in anti-UV cotton to protect your hands from UV exposure during your manicure.

What do you think: Will this affect how often you get gel manicures in the future, or does applying SFP and wearing gloves alleviate any fears?

The post Consider wearing SPF to the nail salon: New study links UV gel manicures to skin cancer appeared first on FASHION Magazine.