UV nail polish dryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, being massively used not only in the beauty salons, but also for DIY manicures at home. They allow for quick and easy drying of nail polish and are required to cure acrylics and gel manicures.

However, new research suggests that the UV radiation emitted by these devices can be harmful to human health, particularly causing cell mutations that increase the risk of skin cancer.

Potential harm

Similar to tanning beds, the UV nail lamps emit ultraviolet rays, which have been linked to premature aging and skin damage. Some lamps are called LED lamps, but they also emit UV radiation.

“If you look at the way these devices are presented, they are marketed as safe, with nothing to be concerned about,” said author Ludmil Alexandrov in the news release. “But to the best of our knowledge, no one has actually studied these devices and how they affect human cells at the molecular and cellular levels until now.”

The UV nails lamps are used for anywhere from 30 seconds to a few minutes at a time and you typically need a touch-up in about 3 to 4 weeks. This makes the exposure to the harmful UV rays quite high.

Nail wraps

Many dermatologists advise on looking for alternative ways to do manicures. A safe option that does not require the use of UV/LED lamps, are the Herome Nail Wraps. They don’t do any damage to the natural nails and can even help strengthen them over time. The nail wraps do not feel heavy and bulky on your nails. Not only do they save you the trip to the salon, but also take less than 15 minutes to apply. In fact, they only require a few simple steps, and you’ll have salon-worthy nails! The Herome nail wraps last for about 2 weeks with proper application and care.

In conclusion, beauty does sometimes require sacrifice, but health and well-being should always be a priority. Everyone should be aware of the potential risks of beauty treatments and procedures and choose a safe option for them.

*We recommend seeing a dermatologist if you suspect having skin damage or are exposed to UV light regularly.

Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-35876-8#Sec1