Can gelish cause skin cancer? These are the effects of UV lamps for nails – El Financiero

The polygel has the ability to protect the natural nail against external agents that could cause deterioration and/or make them prone to breaking, in addition to keeping their color intact, so the gelish duration can be from two to four weeks. Afterwards, it will have to be removed in a beauty salon.

What are the risks of using gelish on nails?

Although the materials with which the polygel is made are not the biggest problem, the fact of using lamps that emit UV rays or light LED is what would influence the risks that frequent use of gelish can cause.

From premature skin aging in the handsburns and even cancer risk There are some, although the one with the greatest scientific support is that of the formation of malignant cells in the body.

Can you get cancer from gelish nail light?

The main risk attributed to having a manicure, including acrylic and gelish nailsis to increase the possibilities of developing cancer thanks to the constant use of UV lamps to dry the gel polish.

It is precisely the broad debate that has been opened over the years by which some specialists have studied the effects that UV rays have not only on the skin of the hands and nails, but in the body.

There are concerns about damage to DNA and skin

In the study ‘Damage to the DNA and somatic mutations in mammalian cells after irradiation with a nail polish dryer‘ (published in the United States National Library of Medicine) explains part of the debate:

“The radiation emitted by UV nail polish dryers “can damage DNA and permanently etch mutations into the genomes of primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts, human foreskin fibroblasts, and human epidermal keratinocytes.”

Additionally, Dr. Brendan Camp, a double board-certified dermatologist in New York, states that: “The ultraviolet radiation can damage skin cellsas well as their proteinsincluding the collagen and elastin.”

Could influence the formation of cancer cells

However, the warnings not only come from international studies, but also from the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), because in 2018 they issued a statement on social networks warning of the uses of gel polish.

This is because part of the process for making gelish involves the direct contact with ultraviolet rayswhich could influence the formation of cancer cells on the skin.

“He skin cancer It is the most frequent (…) 16 thousand new cases are detected annually in the country where basal cell or squamous cell cancer are the most frequent due to constant exposure and no protection from the sun or UV rays”, stated the oncology specialist at the Regional General Hospital (HGR) No.1 in Ciudad Obregón, Raúl Rivera Márquez, in 2018.

The use of UV/LED lamp It is very important when making gelish, since this type of radiation helps the polish dry and gives it the durability effect that characterizes polygel.

“That light source “It helps start the reaction to turn that polish (or powder) into this hard, plastic-like substance that lasts a long time,” explained Rajani Katta, a doctor and professor of dermatology from the McGovern School of Medicine, part of the University of Texas Houston.

What happens if I use the nail lamp a lot?

However, the effect of the lamp, in addition to ‘curing’ the gelish, can be counterproductive to health.

Elizabeth K. Hale, a dermatologist who collaborates with the Skin Cancer Foundation, says that Not only UV lamps emit ultraviolet rays, but also LEDs., although in smaller quantities. Both produce predominantly UVA rays.

“The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified UVA rays broadband (315–400 nm) as a Group 1 carcinogen, based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in both humans and experimental models,” explains the study cited above, published in the United States National Library of Medicine.

Recommendations for gelish manicure: How to reduce the risks of UV/LED lamps?

Several specialists, including Dr. Hale of The Skin Cancer Foundation, say that, with appropriate precautions, the risk can be considerably reduced that exists due to exposure to ultraviolet rays from UV/LED lamps.

Use sunscreen

The main one is to place sunscreen broad spectrum on your hands and fingers at least 20 minutes before your manicure session, for it to take effect.

Wear gloves

Likewise, you can use gloves, preferably black, with the fingertips uncovered (of course, otherwise how would you make the gelish).

“However, Even this precaution does not protect against carcinoma of subungual squamous cells (under the nail), a rare but potentially aggressive form of skin cancer,” highlights the dermatologist, which is why, as far as possible, it is recommended to avoid UV or LED light lamps.

Steps for applying gel polish: What does it take to put gelish on your nails?

According to the blog of The real Parishe order to apply gelish on the natural nail is:

• File your nails and clean them so that they are free of any residue or dirt.
• Apply a base coat of gel (base coat).
• Put the special real gel nail polish (it can be one or two layers of color depending on the manicurist or client).
• Apply a top coat of gel (top coat).

Each of the layers that are put on the nail should be dried with a UV light lamp (there are also led lights) between 30 to 120 seconds.

This time will be determined by your manicurist, although constant use of gelish is related to harmful effects on healthand certain studies support these claims spread through social networks, mainly TikTok.