Nail lamps are a must-have for many people. They are necessary to cure certain nail polishes, including gel polish. However, they also use UV rays, which are known to cause cancer. Do nail lamps cause cancer? It’s important to dive into the research to determine the risks.
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What Are Nail Lamps?
Nail lamps are essential for drying gel polish, but some people also use them to help other types of polish dry more quickly. The wavelengths used trigger a reaction in the gel polish, allowing it to cure properly and ensuring a long-lasting finish.
Types Of Nail Lamps
There are two primary types of nail lamps: LED and UV nail lamps. UV nail lamps use broad-spectrum UV light to cure gel polish. LED lamps also use UV light, but they emit a more concentrated wavelength from the UV spectrum, which often requires less curing time to achieve the same results.
Nail Lamps And UV Rays
Both nail lamps work slightly differently, but both emit UV light to cure nail polish. The UV rays from nail lamps are significantly lower than those from the sun or a tanning bed. However, research indicates that exposure to UV rays can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature aging.
How To Protect Your Hands From UV Rays
According to this study, UV rays are known to cause premature aging and increase the risk of cancer. Studies concerning whether nail lamps cause cancer are limited, but there is some research available. This research specifically links nail dryers that emit UV rays with the possibility of mutated DNA, which is linked to cancer.
Researchers and scientists continue to research whether nail lamps pose a safety hazard and increase the risk of cancer. More studies are necessary because current research is limited.
The Melanoma Foundation points out that the UV light from nail lamps is similar to the UV rays from tanning beds, which have been linked to an increased risk of skin cancer. The increased risk of melanoma is so high Brazil became the first country to ban tanning beds in an effort to curb melanoma, the most common cancer in the country. While many people point out that they don’t use nail lamps as long as some use tanning beds, that doesn’t mean the risk or side effects aren’t there.
Many people notice that their hands age faster than the rest of their bodies because they don’t usually protect their hands as much as they do their bodies and faces. However, there are several ways to protect your hands while maintaining your manicure.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is the best way to protect yourself from UV damage. A broad-spectrum sunscreen can help shield your hands from UV rays, and you can use the same sunscreen on the rest of your body, so you don’t need to buy extra products. It’s also essential to apply sunscreen to your hands when leaving the house. This is an excellent way to prevent premature aging.
Avoid Nail Lamps
Several types of nail polish don’t require UV lamps. Many people opt for fake nails and high-quality nail lacquer instead of gel polish to avoid UV exposure. However, it’s important to note that your hands are still exposed to UV rays throughout the day. Protecting them from other UV sources, such as sunlight, is essential.
Nail Gloves
Nail gloves are specially designed for anyone who wants to get their nails done while protecting the rest of their hands from UV rays. They have open ends to cure gel polish while covering the rest of the hands. Many gloves are re-usable, making them perfect for anyone who wants to do a DIY manicure or wear them at the salon.
MelodySusie UV Gloves for Gel Nail Lamp
Anti UV Gloves for Gel Nail Lamp
Protectant gloves shield most of your hands from UV light, but the tips of your fingers are still exposed in some cases. Wear gloves that cover as much of the hand as possible. You can also use double protection by wearing a broad-spectrum SPF 50 combined with nail gloves to ensure you don’t have an increased risk of skin cancer on your fingers.
Limit Gel Nails
Gel nails are well-known for offering a long-lasting, chip-resistant manicure. They’re perfect for occasions when you simply can’t have a chipped nail or for vacations that call for a long-lasting manicure. A great way to ensure you reduce the risk is by only getting gel manicures on special occasions. Wear regular polish the rest of the time.
Do Nail Lamps Cause Cancer?
Unfortunately, nail lamps do increase your risk of cancer due to UV exposure. Limit gel manicures for special occasions. Always protect your hands with sunscreen and nail gloves when getting a manicure. Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 approximately twenty minutes before getting a manicure.
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