Is Your Gel Manicure Posing a Cancer Risk? Let's Break Down the Facts
I found myself thinking about a significant question as I settled in for a celebratory birthday manicure, fully prepared to treat myself to an elaborate gel manicure. As someone constantly using my hands, I routinely choose a gel manicure to ensure longevity. However, as my hands went under the UV lamp, a worrying thought crossed my mind, sparked by a flurry of social media posts and a recent study making rounds.
Could my cherished manicure sessions be raising my risk of cancer?
Rest easy because the concise answer to this anxious query is a comforting “no.”
If you’ve ventured down a social media rabbit hole as I have, you might have seen videos of individuals applying sunscreen religiously on their hands and wearing fingerless gloves during their manicure appointments. All these preventative measures stem from fears of the potential harms posed by the UV lamps used in the process.
While there's a consensus among nail professionals that the UV exposure from the lamps is minimal during your monthly manicure ritual, a recent study has thrown a wrench in this belief. However, I am here to dissect the misconceptions and shed light on the facts.
New research unveiled in January 2023 suggested a frightening prospect – the UV lamps induced mutations in mouse and human cells in the lab settings. Though this might seem alarming, understanding the context is key. Firstly, the experiment utilized a 54-watt lamp, a strength seldom seen in your regular salon using only 36-watt lamps. Moreover, the exposure duration was dramatically extended to one full hour, a far cry from the brief one to two-minute intervals practiced in salons.
So, What's the Verdict?
The apprehensions are grounded in an exaggerated scenario, far removed from the standardized procedures we are accustomed to during our pampering sessions. Our skin, a marvelously complex organ equipped with protective layers, guards against such UV invasions, a fact supported by leading nail experts who denounced the study for its unrealistic setup. Additionally, they affirmed the overarching scientific consensus advocating the safety of UV nail lamps when used appropriately.
A separate investigation even noted a higher risk of non-melanoma skin cancer from unprotected noonday sun exposure than from a couple of monthly gel manicures.
Your Manicure: Safe and Enjoyable
We cannot overlook the inherent duty to safeguard our skin. While the standard procedures pose no threat, adopting extra precautionary measures can only be beneficial. If you wish to bypass the UV lamps, alternatives such as air-dry regular nail polish or dip powder services offer durability sans the UV exposure.
However, if you’re a gel manicure enthusiast appreciating its brilliance and durability, protective measures are at your disposal. Consider UV protection gloves or a fortifying sunscreen. An excellent recommendation would be Anessa's newly launched Day Serum (P2,190/30ml), a dual-action solution offering UV protection enriched with skincare ingredients promoting healthier skin. Our team at Project Vanity recently reviewed it, observing a noticeable skin brightening effect within a fortnight. You can also use any normal sunscreen so long as you apply a generous amount.
A Happy Ending to My Birthday Manicure Saga
As I sat back, letting the professional work her magic, we settled on a vibrant French tip adorned with floral accents. The finale included a nurturing hand massage, applying a hydrating oil to nourish my nails and cuticles.
I walked out with a radiant smile, comforted by the knowledge that my little indulgence was safe, thanks to the judicious use of tools by skilled technicians.
To all the manicure aficionados, your appointments remain a safe haven when navigated wisely. Here’s raising a toast to more sessions of beauty and joy! Enjoy your mani pedis!