Gel nails tend to last longer than regular nail polish, which is a big plus. Plus, gel nails “dry” immediately after curing, so you shouldn’t worry about smudging the polish. But is gel nail polish harmful to the nails and does regular use also have negative effects? In this article, we'll not only answer these questions, but also give you useful, dermatologist-recommended tips on how to keep your nails healthy!
What is the difference between gel varnish and standard varnish
Although they look relatively the same, they differ in chemical composition and method of application. Depending on the brand, normal nail polish dries within half an hour. After application, the gel polish hardens under a special UV (ultraviolet) or LED (light-emitting diode) lamp for 60 to 90 seconds. Once cured, you can be confident that your manicure will be smudge-proof and the color will last for the next two to three weeks. Sounds great, right? In a way it is. But just because gel polish looks good doesn't mean it's good for you.
There are various problems with gel nail polish. The most important and biggest issue that has been discussed for years is the increased risk of skin cancer that the curing process brings with it.
Exposure to ultraviolet rays
Regardless of the lamp used, the curing process of gel manicure involves repeated exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which cause skin aging and DNA damage that can lead to cancer. And while you may have read that LED bulbs are a safer option, they still emit UV rays.
Another big problem is that most of us do not have the habit of protecting our hands from the UV rays to which we are often exposed in everyday life. For example, we regularly expose our hands to UV radiation when we hold the steering wheel and drive a car. If we then add exposure during a gel manicure, the risk of damage increases.
- Studies to date show that the risk of cancer is low, but it is still there.
Temporary damage to skin and nails
Is Gel Nail Polish Harmful for Nails – Even if gel manicures were not associated with UV rays, they would not be the best option for your nails due to the chemicals they contain. Gel polish contains acrylate and methacrylate, which are known to cause allergic reactions such as skin rash (contact dermatitis) and, much more rarely, hives (urticaria).
Removing gel polish can also cause problems and damage to your nails if you are not careful. They will be temporarily cracked, dented and weak until they regenerate.
Is gel nail polish harmful to the nails – follow these care tips
Wear sunscreen: Apply a waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands before your gel manicure to prevent skin cancer and premature aging. This protects your hands using the ultraviolet radiation that seals the gel polish onto the nail. Another option is to put on dark, opaque gloves and clip your fingertips before applying nail polish.
Rehydrate your nails: Apply a moisturizing product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times a day between polishes. This means your nails won't become so brittle and won't chip.
When to take a break from gel manicures
Signs that your nails need a break from gel polish include frayed cuticles, thinning nails, and dryness. If you notice any of these signs, it may be time to take a break from gels for a while.
How long this takes depends on the extent of the damage and how quickly your nails grow. Nail beds cannot be made "thicker," so it's best to keep them moisturized as much as possible and wait for the damage to grow out. As a starting point, you should take a break from gel for at least two weeks to a month to see a real difference. For more painful and intense damage, it can take between four and eight weeks for the nails to grow back.
- Tipp: If your nails have become too dry and the splitting is really obvious, trim them and apply cuticle oil to bare nails for about a week - they should recover quickly and be paintable afterward.
Why don't gel nails last long and what can you do to keep a beautiful manicure longer?Find out here!
