BreezyBison
Well-known member
The Gel Manicure Conundrum: Separating Fact from Fiction
When it comes to looking polished and put-together, many of us turn to the allure of gel manicures. From French tips to high-shine chrome, these chemical-based treatments have become a staple in the beauty industry. But beneath the glossy finish lies a complex web of safety concerns that have recently come under scrutiny.
In 2023, the European Union banned trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO), a key ingredient used to harden gel polish under UV light. This move is set to be replicated in the UK next year, as animal studies suggested TPO could harm fertility and develop a foetus.
However, the risks associated with TPO do not end there. Hema, another common ingredient found in many gel nail polishes, has been linked to allergic contact dermatitis, a painful skin condition marked by redness, blistering, and swelling. While the ban on Hema-containing products outside professional salons may have alleviated some concerns, recent audits have revealed that its use persists in DIY kits sold online.
But what does this mean for those of us who love a good gel manicure? The truth is, many people enjoy regular manicures without incident – but for others, the risks are very real. Over time, repeated removal and application of gels can lead to weakened and brittle natural nails.
Additionally, leaving false nails on for too long can create an environment conducive to fungal and bacterial growth, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which causes green nail syndrome. In extreme cases, this can develop into something more serious, particularly if your immune system is compromised or you have pre-existing conditions like diabetes.
So how can we minimize these risks? The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends opting for gels that soak off with acetate rather than hard gels or acrylics, which require filing off. It also suggests choosing salons that use LED lamps instead of traditional UV ones – they work faster and emit lower doses of UV radiation.
Wearing cotton gloves with the fingertips cut off to protect from UV light, or at least wearing sunscreen (factor 30 or higher), can also help reduce exposure. Skipping cuticle cutting, giving your nails breaks between treatments, and picking a salon with trained technicians are all good starting points for safer manicures.
Ultimately, while there is no perfect solution, it's clear that the risks associated with gel manicures need to be taken seriously. By exercising caution, choosing reputable salons, and following instructions carefully, we can enjoy our nails without compromising our health. As Dr Shari Lipner, a dermatologist nail specialist, puts it: "I don't think people need to skip nail polish entirely... but both salon and at-home kits carry some risks, so I advise my patients to consider them with their eyes wide open."
When it comes to looking polished and put-together, many of us turn to the allure of gel manicures. From French tips to high-shine chrome, these chemical-based treatments have become a staple in the beauty industry. But beneath the glossy finish lies a complex web of safety concerns that have recently come under scrutiny.
In 2023, the European Union banned trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO), a key ingredient used to harden gel polish under UV light. This move is set to be replicated in the UK next year, as animal studies suggested TPO could harm fertility and develop a foetus.
However, the risks associated with TPO do not end there. Hema, another common ingredient found in many gel nail polishes, has been linked to allergic contact dermatitis, a painful skin condition marked by redness, blistering, and swelling. While the ban on Hema-containing products outside professional salons may have alleviated some concerns, recent audits have revealed that its use persists in DIY kits sold online.
But what does this mean for those of us who love a good gel manicure? The truth is, many people enjoy regular manicures without incident – but for others, the risks are very real. Over time, repeated removal and application of gels can lead to weakened and brittle natural nails.
Additionally, leaving false nails on for too long can create an environment conducive to fungal and bacterial growth, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which causes green nail syndrome. In extreme cases, this can develop into something more serious, particularly if your immune system is compromised or you have pre-existing conditions like diabetes.
So how can we minimize these risks? The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends opting for gels that soak off with acetate rather than hard gels or acrylics, which require filing off. It also suggests choosing salons that use LED lamps instead of traditional UV ones – they work faster and emit lower doses of UV radiation.
Wearing cotton gloves with the fingertips cut off to protect from UV light, or at least wearing sunscreen (factor 30 or higher), can also help reduce exposure. Skipping cuticle cutting, giving your nails breaks between treatments, and picking a salon with trained technicians are all good starting points for safer manicures.
Ultimately, while there is no perfect solution, it's clear that the risks associated with gel manicures need to be taken seriously. By exercising caution, choosing reputable salons, and following instructions carefully, we can enjoy our nails without compromising our health. As Dr Shari Lipner, a dermatologist nail specialist, puts it: "I don't think people need to skip nail polish entirely... but both salon and at-home kits carry some risks, so I advise my patients to consider them with their eyes wide open."
So gel manicures are basically still super popular but there's been a lot of drama about the chemicals in them 
. Like, TPO is out because it might affect fertility or whatever, and Hema can cause skin problems 
. But honestly, most people can still get their nails done just fine without major issues... unless you're super sensitive or have some health issues, then maybe be more careful 
. Salon technicians who use the right lamps are better than ones that use UV light 
️, and just wearing gloves or sunscreen with your nails is a good idea 
. It's all about being aware of what you put on your body 
.
i mean, i love a good polish job as much as the next girl, but seriously, there's so much at stake here. tpo and hema are like, super common ingredients that can cause some major problems if not used properly. it's all about being aware of the risks and taking care of ur nails 
. so yeah, let's be responsible & choose salons with trained techs, opt for acetate gels instead of hard ones, and don't skip sunscreen while we're at it 
. happy to see dermatologists like dr shari lipner speaking out about this stuff – we gotta prioritize our health & beauty 
.
I do think it's good that there are safer alternatives out there, but we need to be more aware of the risks and take care of ourselves. My nail tech friend says she's going to start using LED lamps and recommending her clients do the same. 
Maybe we can make a change without giving up our beauty routines altogether? 
but what's wild is that salons are still using it even though its banned outside of pro salons
also, taking breaks between treatments and not cutting ur cuticles can help prevent fungal growth 
its all about being mindful of the risks but like, who doesn't love a good gel manicure? 
! i think its kinda scary that we're not being totally honest about the ingredients in those gels. TPO and Hema are like, what even are those?! 
#gelnailcare #nailsarepower #chemicallyclean
a study found out that 1 in 5 people will develop allergic reactions to Hema after getting it applied at home 
meanwhile, salons use up to 10 times less energy than doing it yourself at home - just thought that was interesting 
. anyway, i guess the key is to be aware of the risks & take steps to minimize them... like using acetate gels & getting regular breaks from nail polish 
they banned tpo in the eu and now they're gonna do it in the uk too?! 
what if im exposing myself to toxic stuff every time i get a gel fill? 
dont get me wrong i love a good gel manicure as much as the next person but now that im 30 i'm super aware of what i put on my nails lol i swear choosing salons with trained techs is key 
also wearing sunscreen and cotton gloves is like so simple but so underrated 
it's not just TPO & Hema either, there r tons of other toxins in gel polish that we don't even know about yet
. it's like, what's the true cost of looking polished and put-together? is it really worth risking our health for the sake of aesthetics? 
.
. it's not just about gel manicures or nail polish, it's about being aware of the world around us and making decisions that align with our values 
. Thanks for breaking it down, doc!
gel manicures r overrated tbh. all those chemicals r not worth it. plus, you'll just end up with weak nails that break easily 
i mean, who needs a salon every 2 weeks when u can just rock a simple nail polish like everyone else? and honestly, the risks r not as big of a deal as ppl make them out to be... u might get some funky fungus or something, but it's not the end of the world 
? just stick w/ regular polish or go au naturel, fam 
but we gotta be real about the potential risks 
so yeah let's all just take a deep breath and try to prioritize our nail health (and overall well-being)