Malvern: 484-285-5891
Acrylic nails indeed have fast turned out to be a good alternative for those who prefer to have their nail enhancements strong, long lasting and stylish. An important procedure in applying acrylic nails is curing or drying which is done frequently by means of Ultraviolet light. With the help of this technology, it has transformed how artificial acrylic as well as gel nails are fitted, ensuring that they do not only dry up quickly but also last longer. However, with an increased adoption of UV light technology in nail salons, a question many people are asking is, what is the impact of such exposure on one’s nails and health in general?
At Malvern Nailsalon, in Conshohocken, we appreciate that the use of UV Light is an integral part of the acrylic nail procedure but with this in mind, it is also necessary to focus on risks associated with it and self-protective measures you can take against such exposure risks. In this article, we will explore in detail the impact of UV light on acrylic nails, its drawbacks and what remedies are available to have your nails intact whilst limiting unnecessary exposure.
A significant point for consideration prior to examining the effects of ultraviolet light on acrylic nails is determining what it is and how it interacts with materials used for the acrylic nails care application.
Ultraviolet or UV light, is a radiation band which has its source in the sun and even, artificial UV light lamps and tanning beds. The wavelength of UV light is set at a shorter distance than visible light making it of higher energy. Because of this, it finds application in a range of activities from sterilizing surgical devices to curing nail enhancements.
In the application of acrylic nails, gel based products such as top coats or polishes that are mixed with acrylic formulas, are modified with acrylic nails and to cure these products. It is essential to apply gel top coat, which acts as a polish, after enhancing the polish, which is done by applying it over the acrylic nails. It sets the polish which is done in the process of curing under either UV or LED lights and this gives the nails a nice finish.
UV light has other applications besides curing gel coatings, such as in gel nail extensions. In its procedure gel is applied to natural nails and after curing them under UV light the gelified nails become stronger than those obtained using the common acrylic or polish nails.
In acrylic nails for the first and foremost step gel coats and gel-based polishes are penetrated in the nails, the gel topcoats in these acrylic nails were cured using UV lamps. The end-result should form a thick durable layer. In the absence of UV light, these products will remain soft and never harden.
In the case of basic acrylic nails, it is a non-US patented product in which the acrylic complex dries out when exposed to air, therefore no UV light is needed to set the form. But for hybrid acrylic-gel systems, UV light is used so that the top layer of the acrylic nails, which is now made more shiny and durable, contains gel UVC lamps in it.
After establishing the significance of UV light in acrylic nails enhancement some of the clients are let’s assume asked this question: Can UV light cause harm to my skin or my nails? This response is somewhat complex. Because while UV light helps to cure and set acrylic and gel nails, there are still concerns regarding too much exposure, mainly the possibility of skin damage and aging.
Premature Skin Aging - Skin is vulnerable to aging, thanks to UV exposure. Time, wrinkle formation, fine lines, and age spots are all issues caused by exposure to UV rays. Frequent exposure to UV rays accelerates collagen and elastin fibers breakdown, which leads to this increased risk. The result is a skin that has “aged quickly,” more than normal.
Higher chances of Skin Cancer – If you have prolonged exposure to UV light, there's a greater chance of skin cancer developing. This includes basal cell carcinoma and melanoma. A single session might be effective for getting nails done, but over the years exposure has a cumulative effect, and therefore, the risk of developing cancer is heightened.
There are more apprehensions regarding the skin as it’s more vulnerable to uv light, as for the acrylic cased nails, there isn’t much concern with the direct effect of uv light on them. The end product is as a result of a mixture of monomer liquid, polymer powder, and these are effects that ultraviolet light does not have on them. In cases where gel is being used on the acrylics, the case is different as ultraviolet light is needed for the acrylic nails to harden and bond.
It is worth noting that while acrylic nails are not considered to be weakened due to UV light, there are certain considerations to be on the lookout for:
Even if unnecessary oversaturation is unfavorable, UV light is nevertheless important to ensuring long lasting acrylic and gel nails. Conshohocken's Malvern Nailsalon embodies a valid point when it comes to pushing for moisturizing as a solution for the problems of neglect during getting one's nails done.
Numerous women use acrylic nails, claiming that the fashionable nails make hands appear more alluring. However, the fact remains that exposure to UV light can lead to skin harm and the formation of wrinkles. The crux of the situation is that they are fashionable, yet pose an eminent risk, but there is one easily applicable solution. Broad-spectrum sunscreen can be applied in order to shield the skin and hands from all the harm caused by UV rays. Make sure to purchase sunscreen with a higher SPF of at least 30. This has become an ignored practice. When applying extensions, it is recommended that clients use sunscreens with SPF greater than 30.
When there is fear of multiple applications of gels and the risk associated with exposure to UV rays is too high, nail technicians recommend clients to apply a generous amount of sunscreen before starting the nail application procedure.
UV gloves are an alternative worth considering. The primary purpose is to avoid the long-term dry skin that is caused by nails being subjected to UV rays during an application of a gel. Severing this issue Malvern Nailsalon and other reputed salons provide UV gloves to cut off the long term exposure to UV light . In cases when caution is required because of frequent nail extensions or if a client wishes to keep wrinkles at bay,UV gloves should be worn applying a nail extension.
When you get an acrylic nail procedure, you are likely exposed to UV light for only a few minutes. Nonetheless, if your essence gel necessitates numerous curing sessions, then be careful about the overall time. You should ask a manicurist if it's feasible to lower exposure time or if you need to have fewer UV curing sessions.
For those who love their acrylic or gel nails, wearing them constantly can bring a lot of nail and skin damage over time, which needs some time off. Through the nail breaks in between treatments, cut down on exposure to UV light and enable your nails to grow back. Even better, it encourages your ideal nail growth as you are allowing them to recover.
More often than not, gel nails are done with the use of UV lamps which are unfortunate. While switching to LED lamps at nail salons, many might want to target curing over the traditional method. If the LED solution is an option for you due to adverse effects, it would make sense to ask the manicurist if they will be using the LED over the UV lamps, given the minimal exposure required.
Acrylic care is not complete until you give maximum care to your natural nails, as using acrylics can weaken your natural nails. There are several helpful tips that you can utilize to keep your natural nails strong in a safe and healthy way while using acrylics. Here's what you can do:-
In the process of doing acrylic and gel nails, UV light is necessary since it assists in curing and hardening the products to give a more lasting and smooth finish. Some side effects of using UV light longer than is recommended can be ignored or avoided through use of caution and protective measures. During my visit to Malvern Nailsalon Conshohocken, I learned that the management is more focused over the cosmetic and the medical side of the clients' nails, offering quick, effective and even protective means in order for clients to leave the salon with beautiful nails and satisfied.
Surprises, oh there are plenty. Just apply sunscreens, UV-protective gloves and take care of your nails, and enjoy flaunting your acrylic nails without the long term UV exposure worries. We are always all for you when it comes to the right care tips for your beautiful, lovely, strong natural nails while rocking acrylic and gel enhancements.
(484) 285-5891
215 Lancaster Ave C9, Malvern, PA 19355