UV lamps for hybrid manicure under scrutiny: possible health risks examined

Currently, the hybrid manicure is one of the hot favourites when it comes to achieving eye-catching and durable nails. Many creators claim that not only is it practical, but most importantly, safe for health. Scientists from the University of San Diego and the University of Pittsburgh stepped up to scrutinise this claim.

Throughout their investigation, scientists from the University of San Diego and the University of Pittsburgh concentrated on three types of cells: human skin keratinocytes (a part of the epidermis), human fibroblasts (cells of the connective tissue), and mouse embryonic fibroblasts. They subjected these cells to a UV lamp for a period of 20 minutes for three sessions, with a one-hour interval between each. Samples for further examination were taken 48 hours after the exposure.

Regrettably, the findings from these studies are far from promising. According to the researchers, each exposure session led to the death of some cells. After the three 20-minute sessions, about 70% of the cells had perished. The findings of these studies featured in the January edition of the esteemed science magazine 'Nature Communications'.

This study was initiated after the scientists came across an article about an American beauty pageant participant who was diagnosed with an unusual form of skin cancer. The deductions they made are distressing.

"The evidence from our experiments and other sources suggest that radiation emanating from UV lamps, similar to sunbeds, might heighten the risk of skin cancer."

However, in their report, the researchers point out that several years of additional research would be required to substantiate these conclusions. It's also worth noting that during a hybrid manicure procedure, hands are under exposure for only about 30 seconds, not 20 minutes. Therefore, the scientists are not sounding the alarm just yet.