Gel manicures under UV lamp linked to cancer risk, warns expert
Dr Neera Nathan advises against having gel and hybrid manicures without proper protection. "Just ONE twenty minute drying session using a UV nail lamp can lead to DNA mutations that have been linked to cancer," reads the dermatologist's Instagram profile.
Dermatology expert Dr Neera Nathan warns of the dangers associated with using UV lamps during gel and hybrid manicures. She notes that just one session of exposing nails under a UV lamp can lead to DNA changes linked with an increased risk of cancer.
"I have diagnosed and removed skin cancers from the hands and fingers"
Dr Nathan, citing publications in the journal "Nature," highlights the negative effects of gel and hybrid manicures, stating she has encountered cases of skin cancer in women who regularly used UV lamps during nail beautification.
"As a dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, I have diagnosed and removed skin cancers from the hands and fingers of women with no other clear skin cancer risk factors aside from years of acrylic or gel manicures using UV lamps," the expert emphasizes.
Warns against negative effects
In addition to cancer risks, gel manicures pose other issues, such as nail brittleness and fragility. The dermatologist suggests that the best solution would be to stop using UV lamps.
However, for those who decide to continue with gel manicures, she recommends using creams with SPF 30+ and wearing protective gloves during nail drying to minimise the negative impact of UV radiation on the skin and nails.
"If you can’t quit gel manicures, I recommend applying SPF 30+ on your hands and fingers at least 20 minutes before using the UV drying lamp, and ideally also wearing fingerless UPF gloves while your nails are drying for maximum protection," the doctor advises.
