Blue light not-so special
Some illuminating beauty news might make nail polish trendsetters think twice about how they adorn their tips. Conclusive research has shown that ultraviolet radiation-emitting devices are carcinogenic to humans and, according to a brand new study from the Skin Cancer Foundation, the risk for an indulgence even as small as gel manicure UV curing lamp is worth warning against.
The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that 700,000 cases of this specific carcinoma are diagnosed each year in the US, resulting in approximately 2,500 deaths.
“Although studies have shown that the skin cancer risk associated with UVR-emitting nail lamps for gel manicures is very low, it is not insignificant,” Elizabeth K. Hale, M.D., vice president of the Skin Cancer Foundation announced in a statement. The risk is greatest for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which the Skin Cancer Foundation says is the second most common skin cancer and is mainly caused by chronic UV exposure, and is “very common on the hands and around the fingernails.” The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that 700,000 cases of this specific carcinoma are diagnosed each year in the US, resulting in approximately 2,500 deaths.
If you’re the type of glam girl who can’t give up on gel nails, the SCF recommends slathering on sunscreen to shield hands from the magnified risk from the lamps. But along with an increased cancer risk, the durable gel mani’s strong UV light also promotes the unpleasant possibility of premature wrinkles, age spots, and heinous hyperpigmentation on your hands. The SCF already recommends a daily application of moisturizing sunscreen to keep hands delicate skin safe and notes other often-missed spots too, such as lips, ears, around eyes, neck, scalp, and feet.
Will confirmation of the gel manicure cancer risk keep you away from the opulent gel nail polish treatment? Whether you go gel or opt for a traditional manicure, is sunscreen a part of your regular hand and nail care routine? —Casandra Armour
