Researchers from the University of California San Diego studied the effects of UV light to cure gel polish affect human skin, as reported by Engadget. The study comes after they read an article about a beauty pageant contestant who was diagnosed with a rare form of skin cancer.
The Study
The researchers used various combinations of human and mouse cells and found a single 20-minute session with an ultraviolet nail polish dryer. This led up to 30 percent of cells in a petri dish dying.
Then, three consecutive studies saw 65 to 70 percent of exposed cells dying off. Among the remaining cells, they found evidence of mitochondrial and DNA damage, as well as mutations that have been seen in skin cancer patients.
Therefore, the researchers said that their study suggests the radiation from the UV-nail polish dryers may cause hand cancers and UV-nail polish dryers may increase the risk of early-onset skin cancer.
They warn that a longer study is necessary before they can conclude the study. It could take at least ten years for the study to complete and inform the general public.
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The Harmful Effects of UV Light on the Skin
There is a difference between UV radiation from the sun and UV radiation produced by UV-nail polish dryers. UV radiation from the sun can be harmful to the skin for it can lead to skin cancer, aging and can make the skin look dull.
The UV-nail dryer uses ultraviolet light to dry the top layer of a gel-polished nail. The exposure to sun's harmful UV rays may lead to skin cancer, wrinkles, eye damage, premature skin aging and other harmful effects.
The amount of UV radiation produced by the UV-nail polish dryers is less than that produced by the sun. Yet, it is still harmful to the skin.
Skin cancer and premature skin aging are the main concerns. The exposure to the UV-ray may cause skin cancer and early signs of aging such as wrinkles and age spots.
Also, exposure to the UV-ray may be absorbed through the fingernails. As the nail polish hardens, it may trap the UV radiation in the layers below. Also, the UV-ray may be absorbed by the underlying skin. If a person has an underlying condition that makes the skin more sensitive to UV light, the UV-nail polish may interact with the person's DNA.
Another concern is the harmful chemicals used to make the nail polish. Aside from the nail polish dryers' UV light, other chemicals are often used to make the polish. Exposure to these chemicals could cause health problems in the long run.
The study was conducted in a small sample. Therefore, it may not be conclusive. Yet, it is a warning sign and an alarm for researchers to conduct more studies.
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