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ATLANTA — Radiation from nail dryers can damage DNA and cause carcinogenic mutations in human cells, a study has found. So one might wonder if a regular germanipedi is worth the risk.
Some dermatologists say the findings, published in January in the journal Nature Communications, are nothing new in terms of concerns about UV radiation from all sources. The results reconfirmed why some dermatologists changed the way they applied gel manicures, or stopped using gel manicures altogether.
Dr. Julia Curtis, assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Utah, said: “The results of this study contribute to the already published data on the harmful effects of (ultraviolet) radiation, which directly affect the cells that can cause skin cancer. It shows death and tissue damage.” , was not involved in the study.
“Tanning beds are listed as carcinogenic, and UV nail lamps are mini tanning beds for nails to cure gel nails,” Curtis said.
“At the molecular and cellular level”
A form of electromagnetic radiation, ultraviolet light has wavelengths between 10 and 400 nanometers, according to the UCAR Center for Science and Education.
The UVA light (315-400 nanometers) found in sunlight penetrates deeper into the skin and is commonly used in UV nail dryers that have become popular over the last decade. The spectrum used in nail dryers is 340-395 nanometers, while tanning beds use 280-400 nanometers, according to the study’s news release.
“If you look at the way these devices are presented, they are advertised as safe and nothing to worry about,” said corresponding author Rudmir Aleksandrov in a news release. “But to our knowledge, no one has ever actually studied these devices and how they affect human cells at the molecular and cellular level. Aleksandrov holds the dual title of Associate Professor of Biotechnology and Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the University of California, San Diego.
The researchers exposed human and mouse cells to UV light and found that 20% to 30% of the cells died in a 20-minute session. Three consecutive 20 minute exposures killed him in 65% to 70% of the exposed cells. The remaining cells suffered mitochondrial and DNA damage, resulting in the pattern of mutations observed in human skin cancer.
“You have no amulets”
Dr. Julie Russac, a dermatologist and founder of the Russac Dermatology Clinic in New York City, said the biggest limitation of the study was that exposing the cell lines to ultraviolet light was the best way to study in live humans or animals. He said it is different from implementation. Russac was not involved in the study.
“There’s definitely a difference when you’re doing[irradiation]in the human hand,” Russac said. “Most of the UV radiation is absorbed by the superficial layers of the skin. Direct irradiation to the cells in the petri dish is a little different.There is no protection from the skin, corneocytes, or superficial layers.It is also very direct UVA radiation. .”
However, given the evidence to date, including case reports of people who developed squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common form of skin cancer associated with UVA dryers, the study is not likely to support “hands and fingers.” We should definitely think more seriously about exposing .” You’re exposed to UVA light without any protection,” said Dr. Shari Lipner, clinical associate professor of dermatology and director of the Nail Division at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center. Lipner was not involved in the study.
How to reduce UV exposure when doing manicures
If gel manicure bothers you but you don’t want to stop, there are some precautions you can take to reduce your risk.
“Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen that contains zinc and titanium around your nails, and wear UV gloves with the fingertips trimmed while you heal,” says Curtis, who doesn’t wear gel manicures. “We recommend alternatives to gel nails, such as the new wraps available online.” Gel nail wraps or strips are stick-on gel nail products that don’t need to be set with a UV nail dryer.
Some salons use LED lights, which “are believed to emit no or very little UV light,” Lipner said.
Lipner has a regular manicure, which usually lasts seven to 10 days. Not because I want to avoid UV rays, but because I hate soaking in the thinning acetone that comes with gel manicure.
“Regular manicures are just left to air dry,” she added. “Gel nail polish must be cured or sealed, and this can only be done with her UVA light because the polymers in the polish need to be activated.”
Dr. Lipner recommends that people who regularly apply gel manicure see a board-certified dermatologist who can check for signs of skin cancer and treat it before it becomes a serious problem. increase. UV rays can also age skin, showing up as dark spots and wrinkles, she says.
There isn’t enough data for experts to consider how often people can do gel manicures without putting themselves at risk, Lipner said. But Curtis recommends saving it for a special occasion.
Rusak doesn’t do gel manicures very often, but when she does, she says she uses sunscreen and gloves. She added that pre-application of a serum rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C might also help.
“As a dermatologist, I probably change gloves 3-4 times for just one patient. ,” Rusak said. “Gel manicures definitely last longer, but is it really worth it considering the risk of photoaging and developing skin cancer? Probably not.”
Experts say people with a history of skin cancer, fair skin, albinism, and people with photosensitivity due to medication or immunosuppression are more cautious about taking precautions. should be But whatever the risks, dermatologists interviewed by CNN urged caution.
“Unfortunately, total protection is impossible, so we recommend avoiding these dryers completely,” says Dr. Joshua Seichner, associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. said.
