Are your gel manicures putting you at risk of skin cancer? Here’s what research says and tips for risk-free nails News Air Insight

From Kylie Jenner to Rihanna, celebrities and influencers have made nail art, acrylic extensions, and gel manicures a global beauty obsession. These acrylic and gel manicures may add instant glamour, but experts warn that their constant use could come with a hidden cost: a risk of skin cancer, although rare. The culprit lies in the UVA light used to cure gel polish, which can cause DNA damage.

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, studied these ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting devices and found that their use leads to cell death and cancer-causing mutations in human cells, which was published in 2023 on the University of California’s website.

A systematic review of the risk of cutaneous malignancy associated with ultraviolet nail lamps, published in 2024 in the European Journal of Dermatology, found limited but noteworthy evidence linking prolonged exposure to UV nail lamps with potential cancer risk. The researchers reviewed more than 2,300 studies and included nine in their analysis, concluding that repeated UVA exposure used to cure gel polish “may pose a low risk of skin cancer.”

Possible link between UV nail lamps and skin cancer

A systematic review published in medical databases Medline and Embase, conducted under PRISMA guidelines, found limited but noteworthy evidence connecting UV nail lamps to skin cancer. Researchers reviewed over 2,300 studies and included nine, concluding that prolonged and repeated exposure to the UVA light used to cure gel polish “may pose a low risk of skin cancer.”

According to Adam Taylor of Lancaster University, who wrote for The Conversation (as carried by PTI), nail fashion, especially gel manicures and acrylic nails, has become a defining self-care ritual. However, it may harm natural nails and cause health complications in a small percentage of users.

The glue used for acrylic nails often contains alcohol, cyanoacrylate, and photo-bonded methacrylate, while some formulations include formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Prolonged or repeated exposure to such chemicals may irritate the skin and, in rare cases, increase cancer risk.

Frequent gel manicures can cause other nail problems

Beyond cancer concerns, repeated gel and acrylic manicures can lead to several nail health issues:

• Pseudo-psoriatic nails: Thickened skin (hyperkeratosis) under the nail mimicking psoriasis, often linked to methyl methacrylate allergy.
• Peripheral neuropathy: Numbness or tingling in fingers from prolonged chemical exposure.
• Traumatic onycholysis: The nail detaches from the nail bed during removal, exposing the skin to infection.

Experts say over-filing and rough removal can permanently damage nail plates and capillaries, causing discoloration and ridges.

How to stay safe during gel and UV nail treatments

As per Moffitt Cancer Center, there are ways to reduce the risks associated with UV nail lamps:

• Use protective gloves: Some salons provide fingerless gloves made from a special polymer that contains titanium dioxide, which acts as an effective sunscreen to shield your hands from UV exposure.
• Apply sunscreen: Clients can apply broad-spectrum sunscreen to their hands before a gel manicure or to their feet before a gel pedicure to limit UV damage.
• Consider alternatives: Opting for a regular manicure or pedicure that doesn’t involve UV lamps can significantly reduce risk.
• Embrace natural nails: The safest and healthiest choice is to enjoy your nails naturally, avoiding UV exposure and harsh chemicals altogether.

While the risk of cancer remains low, experts agree that awareness and preventive care are crucial for anyone regularly opting for gel or acrylic nails.