If you get gel manicures and pedicures, you’re already familiar with the UV lamps they use to cure your nails. The UV lamps essentially set the polish, as the gel contains chemicals called photoinitiators, which requires a direct dose of UV lengths to be hardened in a process called photoreaction.
What you may not know is that although the amount of time that your hands/feet are exposed to these UV lamps is rather short, the exposure is the equivalent to the recommended limit of UV rays for an entire day, according to a study conducted by the Australasian College of Dermatologists. The UV light can potentially increase the risk of skin cancer and cause premature aging.
Before you get your gel manicure/pedicure, you should always ensure to apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. In doing so, this one little step can assist in preventing skin cancer and premature aging skin. You should apply your sunscreen a couple minutes before the polish is applied so that you don’t have to wash it off and so that it has time to start working. We suggest an easy, on-the-go applicator such as our Tinted Solar Stick SPF 40 or our Solar Stick SPF 40. These quickly lay down a powerful, sheer SPF shield that blends seamlessly with all skin tones for a matte uniform finish. Clean mineral formula, incredible texture, and no white cast. They help to prevent sunburn as well as damage to overexposed skin.
So next time you get your gel manicure, don’t forget to bring your sunscreen along!
