Why Gel and Shellac Nails Should Be Avoided (New Research)

Shellac and gel nails are two popular manicure techniques. In both cases, gel or varnish is applied to the nails, which is then hardened with the help of ultraviolet light. This makes the color pop and last longer.

Shellac nails and gel nails

In the case of gel nails, the applied gel layer is significantly thicker than in the case of shellac. The shellac technique, on the other hand, uses a mixture of gel and nail polish. This layer is slightly thicker than conventional nail polish.

Nail salons often recommend shellac for short nails and a more natural look. The gel manicure, on the other hand, is more suitable for longer nails that you want to make them shine bright.

While both techniques are popular, both shellac and gel nails are not free of harmful substances. These can be dangerous not only for your nails but also for your overall health.

Are shellac and gel nails harmful?

The scientific literature shows that shellac and gel nails are harmful. This is due to the UV light used, which is used to dry the gel coat and varnish.

Ultraviolet light can severely damage the skin, make you age prematurely and promote the development of skin cancer. The extent to which these consequences actually occur depends on the intensity of the UV lamp in question and the time of exposure to its light.

An American study shows that UV lamps can have different intensities depending on the nail salon. The risk to consumers is difficult to assess. However, the researchers note that people who only get gel or lacquer manicures at longer intervals don’t have to worry.

The risk of skin cancer increases if you do your nails once a week or several times a month and you expose yourself to ultraviolet light for about 10 minutes at a time.

However, dermatologists emphasize that each source of UV can increase the risk of skin cancer. Scientists recommend protecting hands from UV rays with sunscreen.

Harmful to skin and nails

Shellac and gel nails are also damaging to the nails and surrounding cuticles. At the beginning of the manicure, the nails are sanded so that the gel and varnish can better penetrate, this can lead to minor injuries. In the worst case, they can become a bacterial or fungal infection or an inflammation of the nail bed.

A study on the prevalence of fungal infections in natural and artificial nails showed that the use of artificial nails was associated with a higher prevalence of fungal nail infections. Specifically, 47.1% of people who had worn artificial nails had fungal nail infections, compared with 30.4% of people who had never worn artificial nails.

The study also revealed that the most common type of fungal nail infection was onychomycosis, which is characterized by thickening and discoloration of the nail. Onychomycosis can be difficult to treat and in some cases may require removal of the affected nail.

The harsh chemicals present in false nails and gel are also harmful because they dry out the nails, making them become much more inelastic and this leads to brittleness.

Shellac can cause allergies

Shellac is a type of natural resin that is produced from the secretions of an insect called laccifer lacca, found mainly in India and Thailand. Due to its strong and long-lasting properties, shellac has been used for centuries as a protective coating for furniture, cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals.

However, according to an article published in Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas, several recent studies have identified shellac as a problematic allergen that can cause allergic reactions in some people.

The reason shellac can cause allergies is because it contains a protein called aleuritic acid. When aleuritic acid comes into contact with the skin, it can trigger an allergic response in some sensitive people.

If you suspect you’re allergic to shellac, it’s important to talk to your dermatologist to get an accurate diagnosis. If you are confirmed to be allergic to shellac, the best way to avoid allergic reactions is to avoid contact with the allergen.

Acrylic nails as an alternative?

Acrylic nails are less harmful than gel nails in relation to cancer risk. Ultraviolet light is not used with the acrylic method. Instead, the mixture of acrylic powder and liquid will air dry. But methacrylate dust can irritate nails and skin and cause contact allergies. This leads to redness, pimple formation, and itchiness.

Care tips for healthy nails

If you do not want to do without shellac or gel nails despite the health risks, you should follow some Tips when doing a manicure:

Don’t wear lacquer or gel nails all the time, give your skin and nails enough time to regenerate. This way you will not only avoid brittle nails, but you will also not expose your skin to UV light over and over again. After a gel, acrylic or shellac manicure, be sure to take regular care of your hands, especially the cuticles and nails.It is recommended the nail polish from certified brands of natural cosmetics as a healthier alternative to artificial nails.

What really helps against brittle nails?

Avoid wet work wear gloves for dishwashing and cleaning, and use mild detergents and cleaning products, preferably certified natural or organic.Avoid hardening paints and harsh chemicals.Apply hand cream to fingers and nails every day.Olive oil provides the nails with moisture, vitamins and minerals and, in combination with the disinfectant tea tree oil, makes an excellent home remedy for brittle nails. Mix a teaspoon of olive oil with a few drops of tea tree oil and apply it to your nails for half an hour. Then rinse with a little waterEat a varied and balanced diet and avoid nutrient-poor ready meals as much as possible.

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