Stephanie Ray, RN, BSN
Gel nail polish has become a popular personal care service in the last two decades due its increased longevity and durability. Prolonged exposure to UV light lamps is required to cure the gel polish. Could chronic exposure to UV rays from these lamps increase your skin cancer risk?
At the nail salon, there are light boxes that are used to dry your traditional manicure, as well as cure gel manicures. Both these LED and UV lamps emit UVA radiation. Like tanning beds, these lights emit ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation, which is associated with higher cancer risk and signs of premature aging.
Current data is weak on whether chronic exposure to ultraviolet radiation emitted from these lamps increases the risk of skin cancer on the hands, feet, or nails.
Though data is limited thus far, prolonged and repeated exposure to UV nail lamps may pose a low risk of skin cancer, and it is still better to take precautions.
Apply a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen 20 minutes before UV light exposure
Wear fingerless gloves during your manicure to protect against potentially damaging UVA radiation.
It is important to note that these precautions do not protect against subungual (under the nail) squamous cell carcinoma, a rare but potentially aggressive form of skin cancer. If getting regular manicures, the safest bet is to allow nails to air dry naturally, avoid dry lamps, or use a fan without UV lamps.
References
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/safety-of-led-nail-lamps
https://www.skincancer.org/blog/ask-the-expert-are-the-uv-lamps-in-the-dryers-at-the-nail-salon-safe-to-use/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32609442/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32983337/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38557455/
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board