A study reports that UV lamps used for nail care cause genetic mutations in skin cells similar to those involved in the development of skin cancer.

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Ultraviolet rays are invisible, non-heat rays emitted by the sun in three forms: UVA (90% of radiation), UVB, more energetic but present in smaller amounts (10%), and UVC, very dangerous but completely from the sun ozone layer absorbed.

The role of UVB in sunburn and skin cancer is well known, but the dangers associated with UVA should not be overlooked: even though they are of lower energy, these rays penetrate deeper into the skin and cause the formation of free radicals, leading to the leads to the breakdown of collagen fibers and premature skin aging as well as the occurrence of mutations in the DNA, which can also promote the development of cancer.

The worst example is undoubtedly the UVA rays used in tanning beds: these rays are associated with a very significant increase in the risk of melanoma and are now considered a carcinogen like cigarette smoke.

nail care

In recent years, the use of acrylic gel manicures has become increasingly popular due to their shine, shine and resistance to chipping.

However, gel nails require intense UV light to cure and cure, with typical exposure time per manicure being 5 minutes per hand and requiring repeat treatments every 2-3 weeks.

Because UV nail lamps have similar properties to traditional UV tanning beds, meaning most of the light is emitted by UVA radiation, this could indicate that repeated exposure of hands to this radiation could cause DNA damage to cells and increase the risk of cancer.

This harmful effect of UVA is confirmed by the results of a recent study¹.

By exposing cultured skin cells to the UVA doses used in the manicure, the researchers found that 20-minute exposure caused the death of 20-30% of the cells, a percentage that could reach 70% with repeated exposure. Biochemical analysis of DNA from irradiated cells indicates that UVA exposure also causes a number of genetic mutations to occur, with a typical signature of damage caused by free radical production.

cancer risk?

This signature of mutations produced by UVA rays from manicure lamps is similar to that typically seen in skin cancers, including melanoma, suggesting that this radiation could increase the risk of these cancers.

This possibility needs to be further explored through epidemiological studies, but it should be noted that some cases of skin cancer on the hands have been reported in young women who were repeatedly exposed to these lamps².

So caution is advised….

• 1 Zhivagui M et al. DNA damage and somatic mutations in mammalian cells after irradiation with a nail polish dryer. Nature Communications, published January 17, 2023.
• 2 MacFarlane DF and Alonso CA. Occurrence of non-melanoma skin cancer on hands after UV nail light exposure. Arc. Dermatol.2009; 145:447-449.