The Hidden Risks of Gel Manicures: What You Need to Know About UV/LED Nail Lamps
Gel manicures have become a staple in beauty routines worldwide, offering long-lasting and glossy finishes. However, the UV or LED lamps used to cure gel polish emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which has raised serious concerns about potential skin damage and long-term cancer risk. Here’s what recent research and health organizations have to say, and why SEALA may be the only real protective solution available.
Understanding UV Radiation in Nail Lamps
UV nail lamps primarily emit UVA rays, which penetrate deep into the skin. While less intense than UVB, UVA rays accelerate premature aging, damage collagen, and contribute significantly to skin cancer formation over time.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, UV nail lamps produce UVA radiation that can damage skin cells even during short exposures (skincancer.org).
New Scientific Evidence: UV Lamps Can Mutate Cells
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A Nature Communications study found that radiation from nail dryers is cytotoxic, genotoxic, and mutagenic, meaning it damages cells, causes mutations, and could eventually lead to cancer. (Nature.com)
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The Cleveland Clinic confirms that repeated exposure to UV nail dryers can cause the same DNA damage as prolonged sun exposure, increasing cancer risk. (Cleveland Clinic)
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The AIM at Melanoma Foundation notes that some nail lamps have UV intensity comparable to tanning beds. (aimatmelanoma.org)
What Experts Recommend (And Why It Isn’t Enough)
Organizations like CANSA (Cancer Association of South Africa) advise using sunscreen or protective gloves during nail treatments to reduce UV exposure. However, both have major limitations:
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Sunscreens can interfere with adhesion of gel products and are often wiped off during prep.
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Gloves don’t cover fingertips or creases around the nail bed—where UV is most concentrated.
SEALA is the only product created specifically to solve this problem.
Introducing SEALA – The First Real UVA Defence Mist for Nail Salons
SEALA UV Beauty is the world’s first patent-pending UVA defence mist designed to protect hands during gel manicures and other artificial light treatments,without disrupting salon workflows.
Unlike sunscreen, SEALA does not interfere with nail adhesion, prep, or LED curing. It’s non-occlusive, breathable, fragrance-free, and specifically engineered to absorb and diffuse harmful UVA wavelengths while still allowing the nail lamp to function correctly.
Why SEALA is the Only Real Solution:
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No residue or oily film, fully curing-compatible
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Scientifically formulated to target UVA wavelengths in salon light sources
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Dermatologist-reviewed and patent-pending
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Invisible protection that works with any nail brand or treatment protocol
Final Thoughts
The damage from UV nail lamps is real, documented, and cumulative. And with more consumers becoming conscious of health and safety, salons that adopt proactive UVA protection stand out.
SEALA is the missing step in the salon prep routine. It’s not just about beauty anymore, it’s about safety, science, and skin health.
Explore the science or contact us to order SEALA for your salon.