The Skin Cancer Foundation just released the conclusion that the UV light emitted from lamps for gel manicures do carry risk, albeit low, of cancer, specifically squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This form of skin cancer is mainly caused by chronic UV exposure, and is very common on the hands and around the finger nails. Around 700,000 people are diagnosed with SCC every year in the US. Women who get regular gel manicures are at risk!
In addition to the carcinogenic UV rays, gel manicures usually are loaded with all kinds of other cancer-causing ingredients like BHA and methyl acrylate. We recommend avoiding gel manicures altogether. There are many non-UV alternatives, like a gel topcoat, available at salons. If you absolutely must get gel manicures, apply SPF 15 sunblock to your hands beforehand to protect yourself against the harmful rays.
Leave a Reply