Can Your Manicures Give You Skin Cancer?

A recent article to make the news states that those popular gel manicures that promise long lasting, chip-free manicures may actually increase the risk for skin cancer.

The gel manicures have come under attack due to the ultraviolet light used to dry the gel. According to dermatologists, these UV lights can damage the skin cells in the same way tanning beds can damage the skin while tanning.

“UV lamps are actually used for conventional, non-gel manicures too,” says Emily Chu, MD, PhD, assistant professor of dermatology at Penn Medicine. "If people do get manicures, especially gel manicures, which do rely more heavily on UV lamps, the manicurist can be asked also during the manicure to apply sunscreen. Some manicurists also have fingerless gloves available to help reduce UV exposure."

LED lamps, which don’t emit UV radiation and are used in some nail salons, do not pose health risks.


Tips for Manicure and Skin Safety

1. Use sunscreen on your hands. If you must get gel manicures, apply sunscreen on your hands at least 30 minutes before placing them under the UV lights.
2. Practice moderation. As with anything in life, practice moderation when it comes to manicures and gel manicures.
3. Go natural. Because manicures – especially gel manicures – can leave nails brittle, make sure you take breaks between manicures to allow your nails to heal.
4. Self-check. Always look at your skin to check for any spots or lesions that do not go away, or change shape.

Learn More About Skin Cancer and Melanoma Prevention and Treatment at Penn Medicine

The CANPrevent Skin Cancer and 10th Focus on Melanoma Conferences are free conferences from the Abramson Cancer Center for those at risk for melanoma, or who are survivors of melanoma as well as their families and friends, and care givers to those with melanoma and skin cancer.

CANPrevent Skin Cancer Conference

Date: Friday, May 17, 2013
Time: 8 to 10:30 am
Location: Hilton Hotel, 4200 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131

Register for the CANPrevent Skin Cancer Conference here.

Focus On Melanoma Conference

Date: Friday, May 17, 2013
Time: 7:30 am to 3 pm
Location: Hilton Hotel, 4200 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131

Register for the 10th Focus On Melanoma Conference here.

FREE Skin Cancer Screening

Have your skin checked by a Penn Dermatologist to determine your risk for developing skin cancer.

Date: Saturday, May 18, 2013

Appointments are necessary and space is limited.

Call 215-662-2737 to make your reservation.