Instagram and studies claim gel nails can lead to skin cancer. Experts fact check
Who doesn't like coming out of a salon with freshly manicured nails and then showing them off while doing everything; or just being Maddy from Euphoria at 3 am doing the bit of, 'Rue, when was this?'?
However, Instagram is filled with reels showcasing influencers and 'health experts' talking about the side-effects of getting gel nails. The side-effect in itself is not wrinkly skin, but skin cancer.
The videos began doing the rounds after a recent study by Nature's Communication established the link between gel nails and skin cancer.
Before going into the study... what are gel nails?
Gel nails are a popular alternative to traditional acrylic nails.
- They are made of a special type of gel that is applied to the natural nail and then cured under a UV light.
- The result is a strong and durable nail that can last up to two weeks without chipping or breaking.
- Gel nails come in a variety of colours and designs, making them a popular choice for those who want a long-lasting manicure that looks great.
One of the biggest advantages of gel nails is their strength and durability. Unlike traditional acrylic nails, which can be prone to cracking and breaking, gel nails are much more resilient.
They also tend to be more natural-looking than acrylics, and they don't have the same strong odour that is often associated with acrylic nail treatments.
So, what did the studies show?
- Journal Nature Communications (March 2023): UV lamps are used in nail salons to dry and harden gel nail polish. These lamps emit UV radiation which can be harmful to the skin and may increase the risk of skin cancer. Concerns have been raised about the number of people exposed to these lamps, as each session can last up to 10 minutes and there are many clients in a day. There have been reports of some cases of skin cancer attributed to the UV radiation from nail polish dryers. These UV nail dryers can damage DNA and lead to cancer-causing mutations in cells.
- The University of California at San Diego and the University of Pittsburgh (January 2023): Another study was conducted, where they subjected both human and mice cell lines to UV light emitted by nail dryers. The results of the study revealed that when exposed to the UV light for 20 minutes, between 20 and 30 per cent of the cells died, and after three consecutive 20-minute exposures, 65 to 70 per cent of the cells died.
An expert speaks
Dr Neha Sehgal, a Noida-based oncologist, explains the link between gel nails and skin cancer. She does not completely deny the credibility of the studies.
She adds, "Although, a weekly or twice-a-month gel manicure in and of itself likely won’t cause skin cancer."
What can be done?
Dr Sehgal advised that one shouldn’t refrain from completely getting their nails done; however, a little caution - like applying an SPF 30 sunscreen for your hands - can actually be helpful.
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