Do UV nail lamps cause hand aging?

That perfect, chip-free gel manicure might come with an unexpected cost: accelerated aging of the delicate skin on your hands. As UV nail lamps have become a mainstay in salons, dermatologists are raising concerns about their potential effects on skin health.

The truth about UV and LED nail lamps

Regardless of whether your salon uses a UV or LED lamp, both emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation¹. The only difference lies in how they generate the light, not in the type of radiation that reaches your skin. During a typical gel manicure, your hands are exposed to approximately 8-10 minutes of UVA radiation—the same type that has been long associated with premature skin aging.

A study published in Nature Communications found that UV exposure from nail lamps can indeed damage and mutate skin cells². While this doesn't definitively prove an increased risk of skin cancer, it does highlight the importance of protecting our hands during gel manicures.

Protecting your hands without sacrificing your manicure

Fortunately, you don't have to choose between freshly done, flawless nails and healthy hands. A few simple adjustments to your manicure routine can provide significant protection:

1. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your hands before your appointment. This simple step offers substantial protection against UV damage.

2. Some salons now provide fingerless UV-protective gloves. While they might feel unusual at first, they provide excellent shielding for the skin on your hands.

3. Between salon visits, treat your hands with care. Consider incorporating a nourishing cream like Theraplush Overnight Repair Treatment into your nightly routine. Its powerful formula combines retinol, colloidal oatmeal, panthenol, lactic acid, and moreto repair and restore skin, retain moisture, maintain tidy cuticles, and with prolonged use, fade dark spots.

Who should be extra cautious

Certain individuals may need to take extra precautions, such as those who:
- gel manicures frequently

- Have very fair or UV-sensitive skin

- Take medications that increase photosensitivity

If you fall into one of these categories and notice any unusual changes in the skin on your hands, it's worth mentioning to your dermatologist, especially if you're a regular at the nail salon.

References:

¹ Safety of LED nail lamps

² Zhivagui, M., Hoda, A., Valenzuela, N. et al. DNA damage and somatic mutations in mammalian cells after irradiation with a nail polish dryer. Nat Commun 14, 276 (2023).