UV nail lamps may lead to skin cancer, warns dermatologist
Dr. Neera Nathan advises against getting gel and hybrid manicures without proper protection. "Just ONE twenty minute drying session using a UV nail lamp can lead to DNA mutations that have been linked to cancer," reads the dermatologist's Instagram profile.
Dermatology expert Dr. Neera Nathan warns about the dangers of using UV lamps during gel and hybrid manicures. She notes that just one session of nail exposure under a UV lamp can lead to DNA changes that are linked to cancer risk.
"I have diagnosed and removed skin cancers from the hands and fingers"
Dr. Nathan, citing publications in the journal "Nature," warns of the negative effects of gel and hybrid manicures, stating that she has encountered skin cancer cases in women who regularly used UV lamps during nail beauty treatments.
"As a dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, I have diagnosed and removed skin cancers from the hands and fingers of women with no other clear skin cancer risk factors aside from years of acrylic or gel manicures using UV lamps," the expert emphasizes.
Warns about negative effects
In addition to cancer risks, gel manicures are associated with other problems like brittleness and fragility of nails. The dermatologist suggests that the best solution would be to stop using UV lamps.
However, for those who choose to continue with gel manicures, she recommends using creams with SPF 30+ and wearing protective gloves during nail drying to minimize the harmful effects of UV radiation on skin and nails.
"If you can’t quit gel manicures, I recommend applying SPF 30+ on your hands and fingers at least 20 minutes before using the UV drying lamp, and ideally also wearing fingerless UPF gloves while your nails are drying for maximum protection," advises the doctor.
