This nail beauty trend is very dangerous for your health

Beauté fatale. Here's a piece of news that's sure to be very hard to take for nail polish addicts! A scientific study reveals that applying nail polish too regularly can be extremely harmful to your health. But rest assured, there are solutions. Read all about it in the article below.

UV lamps in the dock

Whether plain, ombré or metallic, nothing is ever too beautiful to enhance your nails. Nail salons, those temples of beauty dedicated exclusively to manicures and pedicures, are on a roll for a reason! One of their flagship services is the application of semi-permanent gel to natural or artificial nails. A varnish with impeccable hold that won't fade over time. However, this method, which presents itself as advantageous in every respect, is not without risks, as this study reveals. Used too regularly, semi-permanent manicures can cause cancer!

The fault lies with the UV lamp used to hold the product in place. In a salon or at home, several coats of nail polish are applied. To fix the color on the nail between each application, it is necessary to place the hands in a UV lamp for several seconds. This acts as a catalyst. This lamp combines UV and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Since 2009, type A UV rays have been classified as carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The French National Academy of Medicine has also emphasized that:

UVA rays are known to damage skin cell DNA by producing free radicals, which induce cancer-causing mutations in these cells.

Read more:Do you have brittle nails? It may be a sign that your body is lacking this protein

What are the solutions?

Faced with this appalling situation, there are several solutions for preserving your health while maintaining beautiful nails. Scientists recommend :

- Space semi-permanent varnish applications as far apart as possible, and not more than 5 to 6 times a year

- Avoid starting too young, well before age 20

- Apply sunscreen with UVA protection 20 minutes before inserting your hands into the UV lamp

Another solution is to opt for classic nail polishes, those that can be removed with nail polish remover; although not all of these are free from aggressive chemical agents. Between phthalates, parabens and phenols, they're loaded with endocrine disruptors. The best solution? Turn to more natural versions. They may not last as long, but they're gentler on your health.

Read more:Seven mistakes we should absolutely stop making when doing our nails

This article has been translated from Gentside FR.

Sources used:

Versital: Why Nail Salons Are Taking Over The High Street

National Library of Medicine: Ultraviolet Light Gel Manicures: Is There a Risk of Skin Cancer on the Hands and Nails of Young Adults?

Académie Nationale de Médecine: Des ongles « brillants », mais pas sans risque !