Gel manicures hit the beauty scene with a vengeance and now two out of three nail salons offer the service which allows women to sport their polish for up to 2-3 weeks without chipping. Unlike traditional nail polish, the soak-off polish is painted on with a brush and each layer is “cured” under a UV light to dry, after which time the wearer walks out of the salon with a shiny, albeit more expensive manicure that lasts for several weeks. Ah, but removing the gel polish is a whole other story that requires soaking the nails for anywhere from five to 10 minutes (or longer) in acetone to remove the polish. Dermatologists are beginning to question the safety of gel manicures saying that, while acetone is not medically dangerous, it is an irritant that may cause itching, flaking or peeling skin. In addition, any polish left over from the acetone soak is scraped off by the nail technician who may cause damage to the nail. And then there’s the issue of drying time and exposure to UV lights. While drying under UV lights is not unique to gel manicures, many medical experts say that, if you’re placing your hands under the nail dryers in a salon, turn off the UV light function which I’ve heard referred to as tanning beds for hands. (Most cancers of the hands are associated with cumulative lifetime exposure to UV lights, say experts. Drying lamps have come under scrutiny recently although more clinical studies are needed to determine a link between them and cancer. But still, if you don’t need to take the chance, don’t. Turn off the lights and allow the fans to air dry your nails.)
And, here are new risks associated with long-wearing polishes that you may not have considered, specifically, long-wearing polishes worn on the toes.
According to New York City podiatrist Dr. Dina Tsentserensky, “lacquer nail polishes may offer a great convenience, but that does come at a price.” Dr. Dina, as her patients call her, notes that lacquer pedicures can be especially risky for several reasons. “I always advise my patients to remove their toenail polishes weekly to check for the health of their nails,” says Dr. Dina, “your toenails can serve as indicators for your overall health.”
Aside from the obvious health problems like toenail fungus or infections, Dr. Dina notes more serious health problems can be seen through the toenails. Studies have shown that irregularities in the toenails have been linked to serious medical issues such as diabetes, oxygen deficiency, poor circulation, psoriasis, and even heart disease.
Dr. Dina also notes that the same issues brought up with lacquer manicures – the use of UV light to “set” the gel polish – carries the same risks on the feet. “Your feet are sometimes the most overlooked area when it comes to check for signs of skin cancer. Excessive exposure to UV light can increase the chances of skin cancer and oftentimes cancerous moles appear under the toenail, which may never be detected if they are constantly covered by a lacquer.
About Dr. Dina Tsentserensky
Dr. Dina Tsentserensky, co-founder of NYC FootCare, is a podiatrist in Lower Manhattan’s Financial District. She serves as Director of Medical Services of the many NYC FootCare locations and is co-owner of NY Serenity Day Spa in Scarsdale, NY. Dr. Dina is an attending physician at Cabrini Medical Center and at Gramercy Park Surgery Center. As one of NYC’s premier cryosurgeons and co-founder of the Podiatric Cryosurgery Center of New York, Dr. Dina also trains other physicians to perform cryosurgery procedures.
I had a gel manicure today — never thought about the UV light. If I have it again, I’ll ask to have it turned off. Also, I would not recommend pulling off the old gel polish. I weakened my nails considerably and it took four months before I felt comfortable getting another gel manicure. But they are very practical.
Thanks for your comment, Jane. Oooh, sorry to hear about your experience with your previous gel manicure. Thanks for your words of caution about peeling off the gel polish though. I’m sure readers will benefit from your unhappy experience. Good call to turn off those lights.
I had one of these in January and I loved it! Would totally do it on my toes next time, too! I am so hard on my nails and this may be just the answer for me because I don’t like the whole nail thing and regular manicures don’t work for me. I’m in love!
Hi Joanne. I love the shiny, glossy and glassy look of a gel mani but haven’t decided to try it yet. Acetone turns my nails chalky and flaky so I’m a bit wary. I’ve heard both positive and negative things. My nail salon does do a lot of them. Thanks for reading and for your comment!