The popular UV Gel manicure has been becoming a service commonly offered at nail salons across the globe. Whether it’s OPI Axxium, CND Shellac, or Jellish, the no-chip, no-smudge, two-week life cycle mani/pedi is quite attractive. I would know—I tried out both OPI’s and CND’s versions.
But how safe are those little UV lamps we put our hands and toes under to “set” the polish? I hadn’t even thought of it myself until a good friend called me up over the weekend and asked if I wear SPF when I get a gel mani. My response was “You should wear SPF at all times, but what’s this about a gel mani…”
She went on to explain that Good Morning America did a story recently regarding the safety of the manicure’s usage of ultraviolet light. GMA spoke with a woman who was hooked on the gel manicures (who wouldn’t be, right?) and would get them quite often but after six months she noticed that her hands started to look older. Not only that but she was also getting brown spots all over them. Her dermatologist told her it was from the ultraviolet lamps used in her manicure.
Quelle Horreur!
The woman’s dermatologist claims the lamps use the same amount of ultraviolet light as tanning beds and tanning beds have been linked to melanoma :x
But a nail industry study estimated the UV exposure from getting a gel manicure every two weeks amounted to an extra two minutes in the sun every day.
OK–this is confusing, right? Who’s right? Who’s wrong? *Janet Jackson “Control” voice*
Research is still being done, but dermatologists typically agree that you should wear a broad spectrum (one that provides protection against both UV-A and UV-B rays). Hey, it definitely won’t hurt to slather on SPF before you put your hands under a UV lamp.
As an alternative, this Fox News Detroit story offers the LED manicure as an option:
Doctors Shine Light on Gel Manicure Risks: MyFoxDETROIT.com
Are You Wearing SPF During Your UV Gel Mani/Pedi? http://t.co/lw3X9Dr5 by @StyleNBeautyDoc
New Blog Post: Are You Wearing SPF During Your UV Gel Mani/Pedi? http://t.co/H4wc9XK3
I heard abt this! YIKES! “@StyleNBeautyDoc: New blog post: Are You Wearing SPF During Your UV Gel Mani/Pedi?: http://t.co/FzZp3bPy”
that sounds like a sweel idea. allthough I dont get manis or pedis at salons (its not that common over here in the netherlands) I wear spf 30 on my hands whenever I go out and a chapstick with spf 20 (nonrelated but I just thought I’d throw it in there)
It really turns back time!
oh by the way Danielle, hey gwworl! remember when I asked you about peter thomas roth powder spf?
Well I have added an extra lotion to my spf regimen, the la roche posay anthelios spf 30 for oily to acne prone skin, I love it! I love to share spf stories, I would love to hear what you think of it if you ever try it out!
xoxo
Author
Hey!!!
How are you! Yep—I remember ;)
Ohhh—I have to check that one out! Thanks ;)
Are You Wearing SPF During Your UV Gel Mani/Pedi? http://t.co/XCqDR5Mj via @StyleNBeautyDoc
Are You Wearing SPF During Your UV Gel Mani/Pedi? http://t.co/1QWX0I4M via @StyleNBeautyDoc
I have not worn a gel mani yet, but I plan on it soon. I paint my nails every 2 or 3 days and I use a lot of acetone, which wrinkles my skin ad dry my cuticles, so I figure a gel mani would be much better for me. But this makes me want to reconsider…
Author
Hey Lakesha!
I’d say this is just like we need to put SPF on our bodies when going out in the sun. I wouldn’t stop getting them, I’d just make sure to have a broad spectrum sunscreen handy and maybe not get them regularly.
Being able to stick your hands in your pocket right after a UV mani is bliss, just don’t forget the SPF: http://t.co/pmh7eFdd