Your own nail lamp, various gel polish colors, and endless nail art inspiration. At-home manicures are popular among teenagers and increasingly easy to perform at home. However, one important step is often missing from this routine: protecting the skin of the hands.
The lamp that cures gel polish, BIAB, and other gel products uses ultraviolet light. Many lamps sold as LED lamps also emit UV-A. This light is necessary to cure the product but also reaches the exposed skin of the hands.
"YOUR FUTURE SKIN WILL THANK YOU."
ON TOP OF THE UV EXPOSURE HANDS ALREADY RECEIVE DAILY
Exposure under a nail lamp is not an isolated incident. It comes on top of the UV exposure that hands already receive daily, often more than is thought. The backs of the hands often remain uncovered while driving, cycling, walking, exercising, and during other outdoor activities.
When multiple layers, colors, or designs are applied at home, the hands go under the lamp several times. In case of corrections, or if a nail needs to be re-cured, additional exposures are added. All these exposures count.
YOUNG SKIN DOES NOT YET SHOW WHAT IS BUILDING UP
On young hands, pigment spots and visible skin aging are usually not yet present. This makes protection less obvious, even though UV damage can accumulate over time. Scientific research with skin cells shows that radiation from nail dryers can cause oxidative stress, DNA damage, and mutations. This research does not say that one manicure causes skin cancer but does underscore why protection with repeated exposure is wise.
JUST ONE SIMPLE STEP
There is no need to stop with gel polish, BIAB, or nail art. Protection can easily become part of the preparation, just like filing, degreasing, and applying a base coat.
Just one simple step within the manicure routine can be of great value for the skin later on. Before the first exposure, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF or wear UV-protective gloves that leave the nails and fingertips free.
MAKE PROTECTION PART OF THE ROUTINE
• Check if the gel and lamp used are compatible.
• Adhere to the prescribed curing time.
• Prevent uncured gel from getting on the skin.
• Limit unnecessary extra exposures.
• Protect the skin before the first exposure to the lamp.
UV gloves from Handsome Skin® have been developed for moments when the skin of the hands is exposed to UV light, while the nails and fingertips must remain free. MY SHIELD offers a firmer, protective wearing feel. MY MINERAL is light and flexible and feels almost weightless on the skin. Both lines offer certified protection according to UPF 50+.