If you’ve ever opted for gel polish at the salon, you’re probably used to drying your nails beneath a UV lamp. And perhaps you’ve found yourself waiting and wondering: How safe are these?
Researchers from the University of California San Diego and the University of Pittsburgh had the same question. They set out to test the UV-emitting devices using cell lines from humans and mice and published their findings last week in the journal Nature Communications.
They found that chronic use of the machines can damage DNA and cause mutations in human cells that could increase the risk of skin cancer. But, they caution, more data is needed before being able to state that conclusively.
Maria Zhivagui, a postdoctoral researcher at UC San Diego and the first author of the study, told NPR in a phone interview that she was alarmed by the strength of the results — especially because she was in the habit of getting gel manicures every two to three weeks.
“When I saw these results, I decided to kind of put a hold on it and just mitigate as much as possible my exposure to these risk factors,” Zhivagui said, adding that she — like many other regulars — even has a UV dryer at home, but now can’t foresee using it for anything other than maybe drying glue.
The study confirms concerns about UV dryers that the dermatology community has had for several years, says Dr. Shari Lipner, a dermatologist and director of the Nail Division at Weill Cornell Medicine.
In fact, she says, many dermatologists were already in the habit of advising gel regulars to protect their skin with sunscreen and fingerless gloves.
Post time: Feb-05-2025
