The semi-permanent varnish, which lasts two to three weeks without flaking against only a few days for the classic varnish, is most often applied in nail salons, care institutes specializing in manicures and which have spread in France since a few years.
“However, its application requires the use of a lamp combining UV (at least 48 watts) and light-emitting diode (LED) to dry and fix” layers of varnish, notes the Academy of Medicine.
“However, these lamps emit type A UV rays (UVA) which penetrate deep into the skin and are known to promote aging but above all the development of skin cancer”she adds.
In support of its remarks, the Academy cites a study published in 2022 in a small specialized journal, Clinics in Dermatology, which lists a few cases of cancer associated with the use of this type of varnish in previous years. However, the Academy recognizes the need to conduct large-scale epidemiological studies, which it calls for, to more accurately assess the risk.
the oneseems above all linked to three factors”develops the Academy, which cites the young age of onset of use (on average 20 years), the close frequency (5 to 6 times a year) and exposure for several years. “The cumulative effect of UVA exposure represents a major risk” and it “can be aggravated by the terrain”namely fair skin and the client’s immunosuppression.
Therefore, the Academy recommends the application of sunscreen to the hands 20 minutes before hand exposure to UV/LED lamps, a census of the number of heat lamp devices sold each year “in order to be able to estimate the evolution of the market” and the obligation to attach a written warning and recommendation message to each device.
It also wants information campaigns to be developed for the general public and professionals, emphasizing the risk of“a continuous application of semi-permanent varnishes throughout the year, in particular for people with a light phototype”.