Are regular trips to the local nail salon increasing your risk for skin cancer?
In pursuit of the ultimate self-care luxury, customers have frequented boutique nail salons in search of the perfect manicure since the late nineteenth century. For the first time in modern history aesthetic conscious consumers were allowed to indulge in finery that was often reserved for the elite class.
Purveyors of nail varnish dutifully supplied business owners with dazzling color palettes and a burgeoning selection of polish. As the cosmetic industry blossomed the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) assumed enforcement and oversight authority of the nail salon experience.
Today one would be hard-pressed to meander two city blocks without encountering a sidewalk billboard advertising discounted shellac (also referred to as shellac gel) manicures and pedicures. Bursting onto the fashionista scene in 2010, the technique was marketed to patrons as the no-wait, more durable solution to traditional polish.
Regular nail polish peels in a few days but shellac lasts two weeks or longer.” - Julie (Owner, Westview Nails Seattle)
The distinguishing feature of shellac nail polish resides in the ability to dry or cure the solution with an ultraviolet (UV) light in minutes versus air-drying for an extended period. A seemingly innocuous innovation changed the culture and showed zero signs of slowing down while our lives grew increasingly busy. Notably, in 2013 the FDA reported that UV-nail polish dryers posed “low risk when used as directed by the label." The floodgates opened and lackadaisical regulation concerns from apprehensive clientele were no longer a moot point.
Yet, on 17 January 2023 researchers at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) reportedly refuted previous claims issued by the FDA regarding the safety of UV-nail polish dryers. According to a study published in Nature Communications, bioengineers discovered that frequent use of UV lamps leads to cell death and permanent cancer-causing mutations in human cells. To complement their efforts, the UCSD team petitioned for an increased, long-term analysis of persons who are routinely exposed to UV-nail polish dryer units.
Do you enjoy shellac manicures?
A. Can't survive without it.
B. Not really my jam.
C. Haven't tried it yet, Sis.
Although the jury appears deadlocked in response to consumer safety, we encourage advocating for oneself, particularly in spaces where human vulnerability is heightened. During your next spa appointment set aside time to discuss the possible risks of continued exposure to UV-nail polish lamps with your favorite manicurist. Explore the systems (or lack thereof) employed to protect bustling clientele and hardworking employees. Lastly, share this article with anyone who enjoys shellac manicures to generate healthy dialogue and demand continued scientific research. Welcome to the MSM Peanut Gallery! Please take responsibility for your behavior as you enter this shared space. Keep conversations courteous and on-topic to foster productive, respectful communication. Review our Community Guidelines before posting.
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