Acrylic nails might look nice, however do you know their fixed use can enhance pores and skin most cancers danger because of the UV light used to remedy the polish? UVA publicity may cause DNA injury, doubtlessly resulting in pores and skin most cancers over time, as per consultants. Frequent salon visits can accumulate danger, particularly with harsh chemical compounds in some merchandise. Additionally learn | Do your nail polishes and extensions have cancer-causing chemicals? Know risks, safer alternatives, precautions
‘Fixed use can enhance chance of pores and skin most cancers’
In an interview with HT Life-style, Dr Jay R Anam, oncology surgeon at Saifee Hospital, Mumbai, mentioned, “Acrylic nails are a magnificence pattern beloved by many, giving nails a refined, glamorous look that lasts far longer than common polish. However behind the attraction, there’s a hidden well being danger. Fixed use of acrylic nails can increase the possibility of skin cancer, not due to the acrylic product itself, however due to the strategy used to use it.”
It isn’t simply the acrylic itself, however the UVA gentle and harsh chemical compounds additionally pose a danger. Dr Anam defined: “The method includes mixing a powder and a liquid that’s then hardened below a UV lamp. Most salons use UVA gentle to remedy the polish, and that is the place the priority lies.”
Why UV gentle publicity is unhealthy for you
He added, “UVA gentle has been linked to DNA injury within the pores and skin, which over time can enhance the danger of pores and skin cancers, notably on the palms and fingers. Whereas occasional use might not pose a big risk, frequent publicity can accumulate over time. Some research have even advised that greater than 200 to 208 periods below these lamps may set off most cancers in sure girls.”
In line with Dr Anam, the issue doesn’t finish with UV publicity. He mentioned, “Many acrylic merchandise include harsh chemical compounds like formaldehyde and toluene, which can additionally contribute to well being dangers. Whereas these chemical compounds alone are usually not thought of main causes of most cancers on this context, they’ll irritate the pores and skin and add to the general danger when mixed with UVA publicity.”
Minimising the danger and tricks to observe
Being conscious and taking precautions is a should should you want to take pleasure in acrylic nails with out compromising your pores and skin well being. Dr Anam advised making use of sunscreen to fingers earlier than the process, limiting acrylic manicures to particular events, and making certain skilled removing to keep away from pores and skin injury.
“Precautions could make a distinction. Dermatologists advise applying sunscreen to the fingers earlier than present process the process, as this will block a lot of the dangerous radiation. Selecting LED lamps as an alternative of conventional UVA lamps can also be safer, since LED emits a lot much less ultraviolet radiation,” he mentioned.
He added, “It’s equally necessary to keep away from overuse — maintaining acrylic manicures for particular events fairly than making them a routine behavior. Utilizing high quality merchandise from respected salons and making certain the polish is utilized solely to the nail and to not the encompassing pores and skin are additionally essential steps.”
Dr Anam shared that one other frequent mistake to keep away from is making an attempt to take away acrylic nails at dwelling utilizing random DIY strategies: “These practices can combine unknown chemical compounds with acrylic residue, resulting in pores and skin injury or irritation. Skilled removing stays the most secure choice.”
He concluded, “Finally, it’s not the acrylic paint that’s the villain, however the UVA gentle used to remedy it. Fixed publicity with out safety can go away lasting injury, which can not present instantly however can hurt the pores and skin in the long term. Magnificence ought to by no means come at the price of well being, and being conscious of those dangers means that you can take pleasure in acrylic nails often with out endangering your pores and skin.”
Notice to readers: This text is for informational functions solely and never an alternative to skilled medical recommendation. At all times search the recommendation of your physician with any questions on a medical situation.
