In my clinic, a young lady who comes to my clinic recently revisited with a nail problem. She is an editor at a fashion magazine and pays great attention to her appearance, especially her nails. Almost every week, her nails have new colors and designs. This time, she brought not only her new nail art photos, but also discomfort and doubts about the skin around her nails. After an initial examination, I noticed a slight redness and peeling of the skin around her nails, which may be a side effect of frequent use of chemical manicure products and UV light exposure.
This is not an isolated case. With the popularity of nail salons, more and more people who are conscious about their appearance, especially young women, are frequenting nail salons. Although nail art can instantly enhance one's personal attractiveness, its potential health risks cannot be ignored. As a doctor, I've witnessed an increase in skin problems from manicures, and there are even studies suggesting that overexposure to certain chemicals and UV rays may increase the risk of skin cancer.
Introduction to nail art materials and techniques
Gel manicures use a pre-mixed gel-like substance that can be cured under natural light or UV light. It has the advantage of good durability and natural appearance, but it needs to be cured by a UV lamp, which can pose a health risk.
Phototherapy manicures use UV light to cure a specific coating, which makes the nail surface smoother and brighter. Phototherapy manicures last longer than regular nail polish, but it also involves the use of UV rays.
Crystal manicures are created by mixing powders and liquids, which are very hard when cured and suitable for people who want to increase the length of their nails. The appearance of this manicure is very shiny and three-dimensional, but its chemical composition can be irritating to the skin.
In terms of technical steps, the basic process is broadly similar regardless of the type of nail art chosen, including the application of the base coating, the addition of color, and the application of the seal. Each step requires precise manipulation to ensure the quality and longevity of the manicure.
Base coating: This is a basic step to protect your natural nails and prepare them for color. It can help prevent the color from coming into direct contact with the nails, reducing chemical damage.
Color addition: This step is at the heart of the manicure and involves the application of multiple layers of color, each of which is cured under a specific light source to ensure that the color is bright and long-lasting.
Sealing: The final step is to apply a top coat of paint, which adds shine while protecting the color from scratching.
While nail technology offers a variety of options for fashion enthusiasts, we must be aware of the potential health risks when using these materials and techniques, especially when it comes to the use of UV rays and chemicals. It is very crucial to choose to have your services done at a reputable nail salon and to pay attention to your personal safety.
Nails and Health: Skin Cancer Risk
Use and risks of UV lamps
Ultraviolet (UV) lamps are a commonly used tool in the phototherapy manicure process to quickly cure gel nails. However, ultraviolet light is also a known causative factor in skin cancer. Although the UV intensity of a single exposure is lower than that of everyday sunlight, frequent exposure can accumulate unintended risks. Studies have shown that cumulative exposure can lead to the aging of the skin on the hands, and in severe cases, even skin cancer.
Hazards of chemical exposure
In addition to UV lamps, the chemicals used in the manicure process can also pose a health risk. Common chemicals, such as formaldehyde and toluene, are known irritants or carcinogens. Formaldehyde is used to harden and enhance the breakage resistance of nails, whereas toluene is commonly found in liquids that remove nail polish. Not only can these chemicals irritate the skin, but long-term exposure can also cause more serious health problems, including skin cancer.
Practical examples
In my clinical experience, I have met several patients who are passionate about nail art and have had hand skin abnormalities after multiple nail treatments. One of the patients, who regularly uses phototherapy manicures, noticed multiple hyperpigmented spots on her hands. A dermatologist examined the spots and confirmed that the spots were signs of photoaging, which was directly related to her frequent exposure to ultraviolet light. While this hasn't progressed into skin cancer yet, it's already a warning that even common beauty procedures can pose health risks.
How to reduce risk
For those who love nail art, I recommend reducing the frequency of using phototherapy nail art and choosing a safer product. At the same time, when performing any form of manicure, one should consider using products that contain fewer harmful chemical ingredients. Most importantly, get regular skin exams, especially for areas that are often exposed to UV rays and chemicals.
Prevention and safety guidelines
Choose a safe nail salon
Certification & Hygiene: Choose a nail salon with good hygiene standards and formal certification. Ensure that in-store tools are thoroughly sanitized after each use, and that the environment is clean and well-ventilated to reduce the risk of infection.
Transparent product information: Choose nail salons that can provide detailed information about the ingredients of your products. Find out if the nail products you use contain chemicals that are harmful to the skin, such as formaldehyde, toluene, etc.
Personal care
Moderate manicures: Avoid frequent manicures, especially those that use UV-cured nail techniques. Give your nails and skin proper rest time and avoid excessive exposure to UV rays and chemicals.
Use skincare products: After your manicure, use a moisturizing and restorative hand skincare product. Choose a hand cream that contains natural moisturizing ingredients such as vitamin E and glycerin and apply it regularly to help repair dry skin and damage caused by manicures.
UV protection: If you regularly have phototherapy manicures, consider applying UV-blocking hand sunscreen before surgery to reduce your risk of skin cancer.
These guidelines will not only help you keep your nails looking good, but more importantly, keep your health safe and prevent long-term health problems.