The Hidden Dangers of Gel Manicures: What You Need to Know About Potential Health Risks
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A fresh manicure can make you feel put-together, and the long-lasting, chip-free finish of gel manicures makes them an appealing choice. While they offer weeks of flawless color, it’s important to understand the potential downsides. From UV light exposure to harsh chemicals, that perfect manicure might come with hidden costs to your health.
Gel manicures may not be as harmless as they seem
The basics: Gel manicures involve several steps and materials that can negatively affect your skin and nails over time. The process includes using a gel-based polish that requires curing under a UV lamp, chemicals that can cause allergic reactions and a removal process that can weaken nails. These factors combined can lead to both temporary nail damage and long-term health risks.
- The application and removal process can cause nail thinning, brittleness and peeling.
- Chemicals in the polish, like acrylates, can trigger allergic contact dermatitis.
- Cumulative exposure to UV radiation during the curing process also poses a risk for skin damage.
The dangers of TPO in gel polish
The takeaway: Some gel polishes contain a chemical photoinitiator called Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide (TPO). This ingredient helps the polish cure quickly under UV light, but is also a known allergen. Due to these health concerns, its use in consumer products is banned in the European Union, though it is still permitted in the United States.
- TPO can cause allergic reactions, including skin rashes and hives.
- The regulatory standards for cosmetic ingredients differ significantly between the EU and the US.
- Checking the ingredient list of nail products can help you avoid potential allergens like TPO.
Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide (TPO) is a type of photoinitiator. Its job is to absorb UV light and start the chemical reaction that hardens the gel polish, creating a durable, long-lasting finish.
- It is highly efficient at curing polish quickly.
- TPO is found in some professional and at-home gel nail kits.
- Its presence helps create the hard, chip-resistant surface you find in gel manicures.
The primary concern with TPO is its potential to cause allergic contact dermatitis. Chemicals like acrylates and methacrylates, often found with TPO in gel polish, are known skin sensitizers. An allergic reaction may appear as a red, itchy rash on the skin surrounding the nails.
- Symptoms can develop after repeated exposure to the chemical.
- Reactions may not be immediate and can appear hours or days after a manicure.
- In some cases, the allergy can become severe enough to cause the nail plate to lift from the nail bed.
How gel manicures can weaken your nails
The damage: The process of applying and removing gel polish can take a toll on your natural nails. The repeated application and acetone-soaking removal process can strip nails of their natural oils, leaving them thin, brittle and prone to peeling.
- Filing the nail surface before application can thin the nail plate.
- Soaking nails in acetone for removal is extremely drying to both the nails and cuticles.
- Improperly scraping or peeling off the polish can remove layers of the natural nail.
Fingernails can become frail and brittle from gel nail polish. Frequent gel manicures can lead to a cycle of nail damage. The hard, inflexible nature of gel polish can prevent the natural nail from flexing, and the removal process often involves harsh scraping that contributes to thinning and weakness.
- Weakened nails are more susceptible to breaking and splitting.
- White spots or patches can appear on the nail plate as a result of trauma.
- It can take several months for the damaged nail to grow out completely.
Improperly removing the gel polish can pose a significant risk to your nail health. Experts warn against peeling or prying off the polish, as this can rip off layers of your actual nail. This trauma weakens the nail plate significantly.
- Proper removal involves soaking the nails in acetone without scraping aggressively.
- Forcing the polish off can lead to grooves and thinning of the nail.
- Professional removal is often safer than doing it at home.
Tips for healthier nails
What the experts say: To minimize damage, dermatologists suggest giving your nails a break from gel manicures. It’s best to go polish-free for at least one to two weeks between applications to allow your nails to repair and rehydrate.
- Moisturize your nails and cuticles daily, especially after removing gel polish.
- Avoid cutting or pushing back your cuticles, as they protect your nails from infection.
- If you notice persistent nail problems, consult a dermatologist.
Find a doctor at INTEGRIS Health
Your well-being is our priority: At INTEGRIS Health, our team of dedicated health care providers is here to support you. If you have concerns about your skin and nail health or any other medical issue, we encourage you to connect with one of our primary care physicians or specialists. Find a doctor today!
