Nail Care & Safety
Gel Manicures and UV Nail Lamps: What You Need to Know
Gel manicures have become extremely popular due to their durability and the strength they add to nails. These manicures are set using UV nail lamps, which emits UV radiation to engage a process that allows gel nails to last as long as they do. Typically, during a manicure, you're exposed to these lamps for about 3-5 minutes.
The Hidden Risks of UV Exposure
While a few minutes of UV exposure for a single manicure might seem harmless, the cumulative exposure can add up if you get gel manicures regularly, like every two to three weeks over several years. UV radiation, whether from the sun or artificial sources like these lamps, can damage your skin. This damage can lead to skin cancer.​
​
With the majority of women worldwide using nail care products and a high percentage of salons using UV lamps, there's a significant concern about the long-term health effects of this exposure. In Canada alone, around 80,000 skin cancers are diagnosed annually, costing millions in healthcare. The incidence of skin cancers, including melanoma and non-melanoma types, has dramatically increased over the past 30 years.
What the Research Says
Studies on the risk of skin cancer from UV nail lamps have mixed results. Some research suggests that the risk is minimal, comparing it to minor exposures like brief sunlight, while others highlight potential risks, especially with long-term use.​
Recommendations for Safe Use
Given the uncertain risks, it's advisable to take precautions when using UV nail lamps. Dermatologists recommend:
-
Using broad-spectrum sunscreen on your hands before a manicure.
-
Wearing fingerless gloves to protect your skin during the process.
-
Considering salons that use LED lamps instead of UV lamps, as they emit less harmful radiation.
​
​
More extensive and higher-quality studies are needed to fully understand the risks associated with UV nail lamps. While the risk of skin cancer from UV nail lamps appears to be low, it's still important to take protective measures to minimize any potential harm. Stay informed and make safety a priority in your beauty routine.
All content on this page was created by Dea Metko and Shanti Mehta, medical students at McMaster University and University of Toronto respectively, in collaboration with Save Your Skin Foundation.
Learn More
​​
To become more involved in Nail Safety & Health, please fill out the following form:
The sooner a skin cancer is detected, the earlier it can be treated and the fewer chances of it spreading or causing extensive damage or death.