A study reports that UV lamps used for nail care cause genetic mutations in skin cells similar to those implicated in the development of skin cancers.
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Ultraviolet rays are invisible rays, devoid of heat, which are emitted by the sun in three forms: UVA (90% of radiation), UVB, more energetic, but present in smaller quantities (10%), and UVC , very dangerous, but completely absorbed by the ozone layer.
The role of UVB in sunburn and skin cancer is well established, but the dangers associated with UVA should not be overlooked: even if they are of lower energy, these rays penetrate deeper into the skin and cause the formation of free radicals, leading to the degradation of collagen fibers and the premature aging of the skin and the appearance of mutations in the DNA which can also promote the development of cancer.
The worst example is without a doubt the UVA rays used in tanning booths: these rays are associated with a very significant increase in the risk of melanoma and are now recognized as an agent with a carcinogenic potential as high as cigarette smoke.
Nail care
In recent years, the use of acrylic gel manicures has become increasingly popular due to their luster, shine and resistance to chipping.
Gel nails however require intense UV light for curing and curing, with typical exposure time per manicure being 5 minutes per hand, with repeat treatments required every 2-3 weeks.
Since UV nail lamps have similar properties to traditional UV tanning beds, i.e. most of the light is emitted by UVA radiation, this might suggest that repeated exposure hands to this radiation might cause DNA damage to cells and increase the risk of cancer.
This harmful effect of UVA is confirmed by the results of a recent study1.
By exposing cultured skin cells to the doses of UVA used in manicures, the researchers noted that 20 min of radiation caused the death of 20-30% of the cells, a percentage which might reach 70% during repeated exposures. Biochemical analysis of the DNA of irradiated cells indicates that UVA exposure also causes the appearance of a series of genetic mutations, with a typical signature of damage caused by the production of free radicals.
Cancer risk?
This signature of mutations generated by UVA rays from manicure lamps is similar to that typically observed in skin cancers, including melanoma, which suggests that this radiation might increase the risk of these cancers.
This possibility remains to be explored in more detail using epidemiological studies, but it should however be noted that some cases of skin cancer in the hands have been reported in young women who had been repeatedly exposed to these lamps2.
Caution might therefore be in order….
- 1 Zhivagui M et al. DNA damage and somatic mutations in mammalian cells following irradiation with a nail polish dryer. Nature Communications, published January 17, 2023.
- 2 MacFarlane DF et Alonso CA. Occurrence of nonmelanoma skin cancers on the hands following UV nail light exposure. Arch. Dermatol.2009; 145: 447-449.
