Can a manicure increase your risk of skin cancer?

UVA light is the same kind of light used in tanning beds or solariums, which are now banned in Australia. We know that UVA light exposure can increase the risk for both photo ageing (wrinkles, pigmentation, dullness) and skin cancer. In 2009, the Archives of Dermatology Journal reported 2 healthy middle-aged women who had been exposed to UV nail lights and subsequently developed skin cancers on the back of their hands1. A study in JAMA Dermatology2 looked at 17 different light sources from 16 different nail salons and measured UVA exposure for a single visit. It also studied exposure from 5 different hand positions within each device. The results showed that the amount of UVA radiation exposure differed greatly from device to device and also from position to position within the device. Although the total amount of UVA exposure per visit was low, if you’re having weekly manicures this UVA exposure can soon add up. As few as 8 visits using higher-wattage lamps (which emitted higher UVA) were enough to potentially cause skin damage.
One-Finger-Shield_web Shield UV from www.elliona.com
So, what’s our advice? If you’re having a gel manicure and exposing your skin to UVA nail lights, apply broad spectrum sunscreen to the back of your hands 30 minutes prior to your appointment, or wear UVA protective fingerless gloves or shields to lower the risks of skin cancer and skin ageing. Alternatively, go for the “old-fashioned” manicure, bring your iPad or a good book and relax back for 30 minutes while your nails dry naturally.
  1. MacFarlane DF, Alonso CA. Occurrence of nonmelanoma skin cancers on the hands after UV nail light exposure. Arch Dermatol 2009;145:447-9.
  2. Shipp LR, Warner CA etc al. Further Investigation in the risk of skin cancer associated with the use of UV nail lamps. JAMA Dermatol 2014; 150 (7):775-776
 

Can a manicure increase your risk of skin cancer?

UVA light is the same kind of light used in tanning beds or solariums, which are now banned in Australia. We know that UVA light exposure can increase the risk for both photo ageing (wrinkles, pigmentation, dullness) and skin cancer. In 2009, the Archives of Dermatology Journal reported 2 healthy middle-aged women who had been exposed to UV nail lights and subsequently developed skin cancers on the back of their hands1.

A study in JAMA Dermatology2 looked at 17 different light sources from 16 different nail salons and measured UVA exposure for a single visit. It also studied exposure from 5 different hand positions within each device. The results showed that the amount of UVA radiation exposure differed greatly from device to device and also from position to position within the device.

Although the total amount of UVA exposure per visit was low, if you’re having weekly manicures this UVA exposure can soon add up. As few as 8 visits using higher-wattage lamps (which emitted higher UVA) were enough to potentially cause skin damage.

One-Finger-Shield_web Shield UV from www.elliona.com

So, what’s our advice? If you’re having a gel manicure and exposing your skin to UVA nail lights, apply broad spectrum sunscreen to the back of your hands 30 minutes prior to your appointment, or wear UVA protective fingerless gloves or shields to lower the risks of skin cancer and skin ageing. Alternatively, go for the “old-fashioned” manicure, bring your iPad or a good book and relax back for 30 minutes while your nails dry naturally.

  1. MacFarlane DF, Alonso CA. Occurrence of nonmelanoma skin cancers on the hands after UV nail light exposure. Arch Dermatol 2009;145:447-9.
  2. Shipp LR, Warner CA etc al. Further Investigation in the risk of skin cancer associated with the use of UV nail lamps. JAMA Dermatol 2014; 150 (7):775-776