5 Signs the UV Lamp Is Aging Your Skin (And What You Can Do About It)

5 Signs the UV Lamp Is Aging Your Skin (And What You Can Do About It)

Gel manicures are a modern beauty staple—chic, durable, and confidence-boosting. But while your nails are thriving, your skin may be quietly paying the price. Just like the sun, UV lamps used in nail salons emit UVA rays, the kind that penetrate deeply and accelerate skin aging.


Not convinced? Here are 5 signs your gel manicure might be aging your hands faster than you think:





1. You’re Noticing Freckles or Pigmentation on the Backs of Your Hands



Those tiny brown spots that weren’t there a year ago? They’re likely sunspots—caused by repeated UVA exposure during gel curing. Your hands are exposed to these rays every few weeks under salon lamps, and the cumulative damage adds up.





2. Your Skin Looks Thinner or Crepey



UVA rays don’t burn the skin like UVB, but they go deeper, breaking down collagen and elastin. The result? Hands that lose firmness, feel paper-thin, or develop that delicate, crepey texture. And since your hands are constantly moving, that loss of structure is even more visible.





3. You Feel a Warm or Tingling Sensation During Curing



That “just heat” feeling? It’s not harmless. A warm or tingling sensation means your skin is absorbing energy from the lamp—a direct hit of UVA that triggers oxidative stress. Repeated exposure can accelerate premature aging and increase sensitivity.





4. You’re Using Sunscreen or Gloves—but Still See Changes



Many clients try to protect their skin with SPF or UV gloves, but here’s the catch:


  • Sunscreens often aren’t formulated for frequent reapplication during salon visits
  • Gloves leave the thinnest and most vulnerable skin (around the knuckles and nail beds) exposed



Translation: You’re still absorbing UVA, even if you think you’re protected.





5. You’ve Never Been Told About the Risk



If your nail tech has never mentioned the aging effects of UV lamps, you’re not alone. Most salons don’t educate clients, and the industry has been slow to innovate. But dermatologists, estheticians, and even some salon chains are starting to raise the alarm.





What Can You Do?



Meet SEALA—the first-of-its-kind UV defence mist designed for salon settings. It’s:


  • Non-greasy and fast-drying
  • Patent-pending and clinically backed
  • Made to protect your hands from UVA exposure during gel manicures
  • Designed specifically for nail techs to use without disrupting adhesion or prep



Finally—protection that fits into your manicure routine without compromise.





Let Your Nails Shine. Not Your Wrinkles.



Learn more or request SEALA at your salon: www.sealauv.com

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