Things you must keep in mind when getting a gel manicure

What exactly is gel nail polish?

Gel nail polish — made up of a combination of polish and gel — is a long-lasting and durable type of nail polish that is cured using a UV or LED lamp. Unlike regular nail polish, which usually lasts for a week or less, gel nail polish can last for up to three weeks without chipping, peeling, or fading.

Why its regular use is not safe

Speaking with indianexpress.com, Dr Deepa Krishnamurthy, Consultant Dermatologist, Manipal Hospital, Sarjapur, Bangalore shared, “Gel manicures may result in the nails becoming brittle, along with peeling and cracking. Additionally, frequent use of gel manicures could potentially raise the risk of developing skin cancer and premature aging of the skin on the hands”.

Dr Kisalay Saurav Jha, Consultant Dermatologist and Cosmetologist, Manipal Hospital, Bangalore added, “Additionally, the gel preparation contains methacrylate and benzoyl peroxide as chemicals. These may cause skin allergy, sensitivity, and irritation after application. Also, the UV/LED exposure may cause sunburn, tanning and premature ageing of the skin, and in rare cases, skin cancer”.

Regular use of gel nail polish may cause premature aging of skin. (Pic source: Pexels)

Patch test to find out if gel nail polish is causing you any allergies

Dr Sonali Kohli, Consultant Dermatologist and Venereologist, Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre, however, claimed that gel nail polish is generally safe if “applied and removed properly”. But, she advised a ‘patch test’ to make sure that you do not have any allergies.

“If you have sensitive skin or a history of allergies, it’s important to patch test the gel nail polish before applying it to your entire nail. This involves applying a small amount of the polish to a small area of skin, such as the inner wrist, and waiting for at least 24 hours to see if any allergic reaction occurs. If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction, such as redness, itching, or swelling, you should avoid using the gel nail polish and consult with a dermatologist,” shares Kohli.

Things to keep in mind when getting a gel manicure

Dr Vandana Punjabi, Senior Consultant, Dermatology Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, shared tips to keep in mind if you plan to get a gel manicure. They are:

– Give your nails some downtime between gel polish applications to keep them healthy and strong.
– Use good-quality base coats and topcoats to protect your nails and make the polish last even longer.
– Stick to the recommended curing time for UV lamps and consider using LED lamps, which usually need less time to cure the polish.
– If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction, stop using the gel polish and check with a skin doctor.

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