CHARLOTTE, N.C. — We all love pampering ourselves every once in a while, but can a trip to the nail salon increase your chance of a cancer diagnosis?
Let’s verify.
THE SOURCES
THE ANSWER
Yes, UV nail dyers can increase your skin cancer risk, but you should only worry if you use them regularly.
WHAT WE FOUND
UV nail polish dryers are pretty standard in most nail salons. They’re used to speed-dry regular manicures and they are required to set gel manicures. The Cleveland Clinic said the ultraviolet rays from these machines can cause DNA damage in human cells just like UV light from the sun.
“What we don't yet know is how that translates into individual people and how much of an increased risk of skin cancer you get from using those ultraviolet light boxes," Piliang said.
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According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, some nail salons use UV nail lamps, and some use LED lamps. They say both emit UV radiation, which has been linked to both premature skin aging and skin cancer.
But that doesn’t mean you have to give up your manicures altogether. The Cleveland Clinic said you can still get them, just in moderation.
“If you're somebody who goes to get a gel manicure, you know for a special occasion before your wedding before a formal event, you're probably OK," Piliang said. "But if you're somebody who goes every two weeks religiously to get these gel manicures, you're probably increasing your risk of skin cancer on your hands.”
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