New Study Reveals UV Nail Dryers May Damage DNA

Not so long ago, Gel Manicures revolutionised the nail industry however, during this time, there have been growing concerns about the potential health risks associated with ultraviolet (UV) nail dryers that are used to set the gel polish.

These dryers emit ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation, which is known to cause skin cancer from other sources such as sun exposure and tanning beds. In light of these concerns, a new study has been conducted to evaluate the effects of UV nail dryers on human cells.

The study, which was published last week, offers new evidence of the potential dangers associated with gel manicures. The study found that radiation from UV nail dryers can damage DNA and cause permanent mutations in human cells, which are linked to cancer risk. According to Dr. Julia Curtis, an assistant professor at the University of Utah dermatology department, "such cell damage is just one step along the pathway to cancer." Although this study provides important new information, it is important to note that it only evaluated the effects of UV nail dryers on cells derived from humans and mice and did not examine real people.

Previous studies have linked a few instances of skin cancer to gel manicures. A 2020 analysis identified two women in the United States who developed melanoma on the backs of their hands between 2007 and 2016. Both of these women had received gel manicures for several years. However, overall, the researchers determined that gel manicures had little to no association with cancer.

Despite the new findings, researchers say that more research is needed to make definitive conclusions about the cancer risk associated with gel manicures. Maria Zhivagui, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of California, San Diego and one of the authors of the new study, said, "we don't know if it's carcinogenic." According to Dr. Curtis, it may take another ten years to study the effects of UV nail dryers in actual humans, given the slow pace of research.

In the meantime, several dermatologists suggest that people should weigh the risks associated with gel manicures. Dr. Loretta Davis, the chair of the dermatology department at Augusta University in Georgia, says that "UVA is aging us and increasing our risk of skin cancer." Dr. Davis suggests that people who get gel manicures regularly may be putting themselves at risk for skin cancer and other long-term health effects.

The harmful effects of UV rays accumulate over time, and Dr. Davis's research has suggested that the more frequently people get manicures with UV nail lamps, the greater their risk of damage might be. Using a UV nail dryer every other week is "probably too much," according to Dr. Davis.

Despite the lack of definitive answers, several precautions can be taken to minimize the risk of harm associated with gel manicures. The dermatologists agree that wearing fingerless gloves when using a UV nail dryer and applying a waterproof, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50 before a nail appointment could offer some protection. People who are older, have fairer skin, or take medications that make them more sensitive to light, such as certain blood pressure drugs, should exercise greater caution.

While the new study provides important new information about the potential dangers associated with gel manicures, more research is needed to make definitive conclusions about the cancer risk associated with gel manicures, clients should weigh the risks and consider taking precautions to minimize the potential harm. Some people may decide that exposure to UV radiation from gel manicures is not worth the potential risks, given how much we still don't know.