With New Year’s right around the corner, you may be getting ready for a trip to the manicurist to flaunt some sparkly festive nails for camming and/or that special party you’ve been looking forward to.
However, before you treat yourself, it’s important to note that some manicures pose a risk.
Therefore, you’ll want to weight your options – you don’t need to forgo health for beauty.
First off, it’s no secret that acrylic nails though deemed “safe,” have been linked to problems such as nail thinning. I personally tried them myself and had this exact issue. After I got rid of them, my nails were just thrashed, and it took them a full year to recover. If you’re taking the gamble, no judgement you already know what you’re getting into and have your reasons to keep them.
But what most cammers don’t know is that gel nails which have been held up as a safer alternative may be even worse.
A new study this year was released showing that you could be opening yourself up to skin cancer with this type of manicure. Reported on by CNN back in June, Nature Communications discovered that the ultraviolet ray dryers that are needed set the polymers in the polish are no bueno.
“The findings contribute to data already published regarding the harmful effects of (ultraviolet) radiation and show direct cell death and damage to tissue that can lead to skin cancer,” said Dr. Julia Curtis, an assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Utah who CNN stated wasn’t involved in the study.
The article also drew a disturbing comparison of gel lamps to tanning beds which have been proven to be carcinogenic. If you think about it in that way, it’s like “DUH” of course they’re not healthy. Curtis states “UV nail lamps are mini tanning beds for your nails in order to cure the gel nail.”
I know I’m raining on your parade, I love gel manicures too, but there are some options.
If you refuse to give them up Dr. Shari Lipner, an associate professor of clinical dermatology and director of the nail division at the NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center who was quoted in the CNN piece recommended putting broad spectrum sunblock on your hands containing titanium and zinc or finding a salon that uses LED lights (not harmful) instead of UV. She however, suggested forgoing them all together and looking at nail wraps or just biting the bullet and going for regular manicures instead.
My suggestion is to try out Dazzle Dry. It’s a top-notch polish with no bad stuff in it and it really does last up to two weeks (if you follow the directions). Pick out some colors and bring them to the manicurist to apply – or call around, several salons have gotten on the bandwagon to carry the product.
Have a great and safe New Year! Having snazzy nails is an awesome selling point for camming, just make sure you know what you’re getting into and choose your manicure wisely.
Main photo credit: iStock.com/Stanislav Tarasov
First photo credit: iStock.com/Harsa Maduranga
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Alyssa Collins hails from Minnesota, where snowy days were the perfect excuse to stay warm inside and write. Over the years, she turned that joy into a career and has authored numerous articles for various publications (under pen names). Email Alyssa via alyssa@ynot.com.
