The radiation from gel nail dryers can damage DNA and cause cancer-causing mutations in human cells, a new study has pointed out – and this may make you wonder if gel manicures are worth the risk.
The study results, published on January 17 in the journal Nature Communications, are not new when it comes to the effects of ultraviolet or UV light from any source. In fact, the results reaffirm the concern and warning of many dermatologists regarding exposure to ultraviolet light.
Artificial tanning beds are listed as carcinogenic, and UV lamps for nails are like mini tanning beds for nails, which ultimately fall into the same category.
The ultraviolet A light found in sunlight (315 to 400 nanometers) penetrates deeper into the skin and is commonly used in UV nail dryers, which have become popular in the last decade. Tanning beds use 280 to 400 nanometers, while the spectrum used in nail dryers is 340 to 395 nanometers, according to the study.
Researchers exposed human and mouse cells to ultraviolet light in 20-minute sessions, leading to the death of 20% to 30% of the cells. Three consecutive exposures of 20 minutes caused 65% to 70% of the exposed cells to die. The remaining cells suffered mitochondrial and DNA damage, resulting in mutations with patterns that have been observed in skin cancer in humans.
However, there is a limitation in the study, according to dermatologists interviewed. Exposing cell lines directly to ultraviolet light is different from conducting the study in living humans and animals, where the various layers of skin also serve as a barrier to the rays.
Mitigating the risk
You don’t need to completely give up gel manicures. There are some precautions you can take to mitigate the risks. For example, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen containing zinc and titanium around the nails and wear ultraviolet gloves with the fingertips cut off when polishing your nails.
Another tip is to visit salons that use LED lights, which “are believed to emit no ultraviolet light or very, very little.
People with a history of skin cancer or who are more photosensitive due to lighter skin or albinism, medications, or immunosuppression should always be more cautious and consult a dermatologist before venturing into machines that emit ultraviolet light.
Source: CNN