Are You Putting Your Health At Risk With Gel Manicures?

Exposure to UV radiation while getting a gel mani-pedi could damage your skin. Thankfully, you can still protect yourself with these expert tips.

-  BALVINDER SANDHU

We love gel mani-pedis because they last long and don't chip easily. However, the process of getting one involves using UV lamps to seal the gel polish to your nail, and these lamps emit high levels of UVA radiation, which can age your skin quickly. It could even put you at a higher risk of developing cancer.

This potential for damage is taken seriously in medical circles, and the American Academy of Dermatology recommends that we apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to our hands before getting a gel treatment.

Dr YZ Tan, founder and medical director of Mizu Aesthetic Clinic, says that damage from UV radiation is usually minimal from such lamps if the exposure is little. Therefore, if you're only getting the occasional manicure, it's fine.

"However, prolonged exposure under such lamps can still cause damage the way UVA rays from the sun damage the cells within your skin. The degree of this would depend on the intensity of the UV lamp, and how long or often it's being used," he says.