If you’ve been reading this blog for the past few years, you know that I’m a huge fan of UV gel manicures. I love that they look great for weeks without any sort of chipping. Though I would imagine it would take a lot for me to give up my UV gel manicures, I have worried a bit when reading about the potentially negative effects of UV lamps. Thankfully, I just received the results of new research that help alleviate my fears.
According to a new study conducted by The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, UV lamps commonly used for drying nail polish are safe and do not increase one's risk of getting skin cancer. This study disproves recent Internet stories and media coverage suggesting such lamps may be unsafe and a direct cause of keratinocyte carcinoma, a type of skin cancer.
As part of its study, The Journal of Investigative Dermatology compared the UV rays emitted from three popular brands of nail lamps to low-risk phototherapy devices used in dermatology treatments (each dermatology treatment consists of 15 to 30 sessions). Researchers found that a client would need approximately 250 years of weekly manicures that involve the use of UV nail lights to develop the same risk of exposure as just one round of phototherapy sessions used to treat various skin conditions. Based on these results, researchers concluded that nail lamps do not significantly increase the risk of getting skin cancer.
I, for one, am thrilled with the news and am in dire need of a new manicure. You can be certain I’ll be heading to my nail salon and selecting a UV gel.