Research from 2018 and 2021 found that gel nail polish contains methacrylates and acrylates. These can cause skin irritation, such as hives and contact dermatitis. One common concern with gel manicures is exposure to UV rays. However, the risk of skin cancer or premature aging is low due to the short exposure time.
Based on our literature review and the SEER database, there is little to no carcinogenic risk inherent with UV gel manicures.
Exposure to UV radiation can cause damage to your skin, especially if you're exposed over time. For example, it can lead to premature wrinkles, age spots, and even skin cancer. But the FDA views nail curing lamps as low risk when used as directed by the label.
Although not as bad as an acrylic set of nails, gel polish has its own set of risks. Your nails still have to be “removed of all shine” (read: sanded down) for the gel polish to adhere. The chemicals in your typical gel polish also contain formaldehyde which as we know is super toxic.
With light wear, your gel nails last at least twice as long as a normal polish, but realistically they get you four to six times a standard manicure mileage. In terms of wear and tear, gel polish will not chip the way regular polish is known to. If applied correctly, it is also not likely to smudge.
For gel nails, take a break for a week at least once every eight weeks to allow the nails to rehydrate and to allow repair of the underlying structures. “An emollient applied directly to the nail and cuticle oil will also aid recovery,” said Batra.
The bottom line is that you don't need to skip your gel manicure because you are worried about skin cancer. The UV exposure in LED nail dryers is minuscule and is very unlikely to cause issues.
As mentioned above, gel nails are a healthier alternative for the nail than acrylic. They are less likely to cause damage to the natural nail or nail bed. Gel nails also feel more natural and less rigid than acrylic, so if you accidentally hit them against something they are less likely to snap!
Similar to gels, dip powder manicures last up to two weeks (some even longer). “Powder dips have been around for a long time and are a glue and acrylic powder type of enhancement,” says Stern. While they create an Insta-worthy look every time, it's worth noting that they come with a few downsides.
UV lamps use UV light (the kind of rays in sunlight) to also “cure” the gel polish to dry. LED bulbs are thought to be safer than UV bulbs, as they transmit weaker rays.
While there is nothing wrong with shellac itself, it's the curing process that raises safety concerns. LED light lamps used to cure shellac emit UV rays, and extended exposure to UV rays can have potential side effects, including premature aging of the skin, age spots, and skin cancer.
Although gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, they can be tough on nails. Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling and cracking, and repeated use can increase the risk for skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands.
"In acrylic nails, there's a chemical called MMA, and that is known to cause cancer," Adams said. "If you're getting acrylic nails, you're really exposing yourself to carcinogens." A gel manicure, also known as acrylic or shellac, uses ultraviolet light to dry and harden the gel polish on top of nails.
*Original information: OPI Nail Polish boasts about not having the toxic trio (toluene, formaldehyde, and DPB) but, it has other ingredients that aren't the greatest: camphor, which can cause nausea and dizziness if inhaled, and Benzophenone 1, which may negatively affect the endocrine system.
Shellac vs gel: the low down on which is better
You can enjoy a fantastic polish with both. For longer lasting, with more colour options, choose gel. For shine and ease, choose shellac. Talk to your nail technician and they may also have individual recommendations for you.
Shellac is essentially a hybrid of gel and traditional nail polish that's cured and hardened with a special LED lamp so you get lasting wear and don't have to worry about dry time. Because Shellac is softer than gel, it soaks off more easily with acetone.
Generally cheaper than gel nail application. Lasts longer than gel nails. If properly applied with the correct quantity, primers(with or without methacrylic acid) do not etch or damage the nail bed. However, skin contact needs to be avoided to reduce the risk of allergic reaction.
Jim McConnell, president at gel manufacturer Light Elegance, says, “The heat spike is a result of chemical bonds being formed during the curing process; this is called an exothermic reaction. Every time a bond is formed, heat is given off during the curing process.
While the risk of using shellac on your nails is relatively low, the Skin Cancer Foundation does recommend protecting your hands from dangerous UV rays when possible. You can do this by applying a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen to your hands 20 minutes prior to UV light exposure.
Acetone offers the most effective way to remove gel nail polish at home, says board-certified dermatologist Shari Lipner, MD, FAAD.
You're leaving gel polish on too long.
However, Hadley suggests removing a gel manicure after two to three weeks maximum to avoid damaging nail beds and cuticles. Harpring agrees, adding that overextending gel manicures can not only lead to weakened nails, but also introduce potentially harmful bacteria.
"Prolonged use of gel manis and acrylics dehydrates your nails, making them dry, brittle, and fragile," says manicurist Jin Soon Choi, founder of JINsoon nail polish and salons. Cuticle oil is your BFF for imparting deep hydration.