Although the risk of skin cancer is higher with exposure to ultraviolet light, according to researchers at Brown University, the UV lamps used in beauty salons to create permanent manicures do not carry this risk.
The researchers explain that UV lamps are different. There are also those that can be used to treat various skin problems, such as psoriasis – this is a method of phototherapy.
A study examines three commonly used UV lamps for “baking” varnish. The research team measured the light for potential carcinogenic effects and calculated the “UV dose” the customer was expected to receive during the 10-minute drying or “baking” of the nail polish.
The results show that it takes between 13,000 and 40,000 treatments to reach a risky UV dose. That is, weekly “baking” or drying the nails for about 250 years.
The results of the study were published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology.
The UV lamp is used to make the popular gel polish. It is produced from tree resin from the forests of India and Thailand. It is processed and sold in the form of dry flakes. After dissolving them in ethyl alcohol, they turn into a liquid.
Before undertaking some of the methods for a beautiful and lasting manicure, it is advisable to consider the pros and cons, experts advise.