I get asked about this a lot, as gel manicures become more and more popular due to the lasting effect of the nail polishes. The truth is, we just don’t have enough research yet for a conclusive answer. Dr. Joel Schlessinger, a leader in the dermatology community, recently stated in the November issue of Dermatology Times that, “The use of ultraviolet (UV) rays to dry nail polish can spell potential danger for patrons of nail salons. We are seeing more skin cancers on the nails of women who have been close to the UV light.”
With an opposing view, however, today in Dermatology Times online version, an article was published about research done by Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Providence, R.I. This research notes that while carcinogenic dangers of UV tanning beds have been well documented, skin cancer risks from other artificial lights aren’t definitive. Researchers conducted radiation tests from 10-minute sessions of UV light from three devices commonly used in nail salons and found these lights produce a “tiny fraction of a single NBUVB course, and hence does not produce a clinically significant increased risk of developing skin cancer.” So, there’s not a conclusive answer yet and more research will be needed. Your best bet if gel manicures are your thing? Apply a bit of cool water and some sunscreen about 15 minutes before you go to your nail appointment.
