Are gel nails dangerous? Everything you need to know about the risk of allergic reactions and cancer (2024)

FAQs

Are gel nails dangerous? Everything you need to know about the risk of allergic reactions and cancer? ›

Chemicals in gel nails

Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling and cracking, and repeated use can increase the risk for skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands. To keep your nails healthy before, during and after gel manicures, dermatologists recommend the following tips: Be proactive with your manicurist.

Gel polish contains acrylate and methacrylate, which are known to cause allergic reactions, like rash (contact dermatitis) and — far less often — hives (urticaria). Removing gel polish, if not done carefully, can temporarily damage your nails.

For most people, a gel manicure never causes an issue. But for some it can trigger a lifetime of allergies to various medical devices, and to dental fillings and implants that contain a compound call acrylate—a key chemical in these manicures and pedicures.

Therefore, it's imperative that you — and your nail tech — avoid getting gel polish on your skin. Otherwise, you run the risk of a reaction. According to Dr. Stern, you can experience immediate contact dermatitis or a delayed hypersensitivity reaction.

The chemical most responsible for allergic reactions to nail enamel is tosylamide formaldehyde resin. It is sometimes also called toluenesulfonamide formaldehyde resin.

Gel nails and allergic reactions

According to Dr Deirdre Buckley of the British Association of Dermatologists, there have been reports of people's nails falling off, skin rashes and even, in rarer cases, breathing difficulties.

Cancer-causing compounds – Several chemicals that are commonly found in nail products are known carcinogens. These include formaldehyde, which is often used as a nail-hardening agent and disinfectant for nail care tools, as well as butyl acetate, a solvent, and ethyl methacrylate, the main ingredient in acrylic nails.

Study investigators found that a single 20-minute session led to cell death in 20% to 30% of the cells. Three or more consecutive 20-minute session exposures killed off 65% to 70% of exposed cells. Any remaining cells experienced mitochondrial and DNA damage, resulting in patterns indicative of skin cancer in humans.

Gel nails are less likely to cause damage to natural nails than acrylic nails. They are less harsh on the natural nails during the application and removal process, which can be beneficial for people with weaker nails.

How often should you take a break from gel nails? ›

According to a Today article, it's recommended to take a one-week break from gel nails at least every eight weeks. This interval is necessary to give your nails time to rehydrate and undergo natural repair. Some beauty professionals also generally suggest pausing after you've had two or three gel manicures in a row.

Safety Precautions handling and applying gel nails at home

Minimize your exposure by working in a well-ventilated space, such as an open window or a room with a fan. Wear UV gloves: Since your nail lamp will emit UV rays, it's a good idea to wear UV gel manicure gloves when you're curing your nails.

Although gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, they can be tough on nails. Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling and cracking, and repeated use can increase the risk for skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands.

Unlike acrylic nails that use liquid monomer and polymer powder, gel nails cure under UV or LED light for 30-60 seconds. One of the main reasons gel nails are considered a healthier option is their flexibility. The gel formula allows the nails to bend and move more naturally, reducing the risk of breakage and chipping.

Dip powder can be thought of as a glue-based resin that hardens when exposed to air (just like, you guessed it, actual glue). Simply put, dip powder polymers are stronger than those found in gel polish, and, therefore, dip manicures will generally last longer — up to five weeks, if properly cared for.

Your patch test result indicates that you have a contact allergy to methyl methacrylate. This contact allergy may cause your skin to react when it is exposed to this substance although it may take several days for the symptoms to appear. Typical symptoms include redness, swelling, itching and fluid-filled blisters.

Typically, a dermatologist employs patch testing, a precise method that exposes the skin to various allergens found in nail polish, like formaldehyde, toluene, or dibutyl phthalate. A small patch with allergens is affixed onto the skin, often on the back, and monitored for several days.

Nail Polish Allergy Symptoms

Affected areas become red, bumpy, scaly, itchy, or swollen at the point of contact. As acrylate exposure is typically limited to the hands, dermatitis typically presents on the hands, fingers, or wrists, but facial and neck dermatitis are somewhat common as well.

Treatment options for allergic reactions to gel nail polish primarily involve symptom management and allergen avoidance. OTC antihistamines can alleviate symptoms like itching and redness. For severe reactions, a healthcare provider may prescribe a stronger medication.

And it's a true allergy: You can't just wait for your skin to clear and go back to your nail routine. After just one negative reaction to an acrylate, says Yu, the skin is primed to react the same way with each repeated exposure. Switching to a different product isn't likely to work, either.

Which gel nail polish is hypoallergenic? ›

After six years of development, IKON.IQ created PRIMA, the first true hypoallergenic gel polish system that wears beautifully for +30 days and allows you to produce the "weighless manicure" with thin, natural looking nails.

Research from 2018 and 2021 found that gel nail polish contains methacrylates and acrylates. These can cause skin irritation, such as hives and contact dermatitis. One common concern with gel manicures is exposure to UV rays. However, the risk of skin cancer or premature aging is low due to the short exposure time.

Avoid long periods of time in water (for example long baths, swimming, washing up etc). Avoid picking or peeling the product off as this could damage your natural nails. Avoid filing your nails and pushing your cuticles back, as this will break the seal of the gel and can lead to chipping.

You should wait about two to three weeks between getting gel manicures. This time is important because the process of putting on and taking off gel polish can be hard on your nails. If you do gel manicures too often, your nails might become thin and weak. Taking a break helps your nails get stronger again.

Gel manicure safety: What to know about UV nail dryers and cancer risk A new study finds that UV dryers for gel nail polish can damage DNA and mutate cells, confirming dermatologists' safety concerns. There are precautions you can take and alternatives to consider.

Gel nails are less likely to cause damage to natural nails than acrylic nails. They are less harsh on the natural nails during the application and removal process, which can be beneficial for people with weaker nails.

What Are the Health Effects of Nail Dust? As we mentioned earlier, nail dust can get inside your body and irritate your eyes, nose, and lungs. Long-term irritation of the eyes can lead to itching, tearing, redness or inflammation, or even conjunctivitis.