UV Nail Lamps: Are They Harmful? | Skin Health & Gel Nails

Question
With current interest in protecting our skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun, do we need to protect ourselves from the UV light when receiving our gel nails? 370nm does fall under the UVA spectrum on the electromagnetic radiation scale, could this add up as accumlative damage?

Answer
Dear Wendy,

To date, as per studies, the UV output of the lamp used for artificial nails is not something to be concerned about.  The light outdoors is far more damaging.  The light from a lamp is lower than that of a tanning bed and/or the natural sunlight.  You get far more uv through curtain sheers at a window than you do from a UV Lamp.

While I do respect that people wish to protect themselves from UV, and would be concerned about 'accumulative' damage, it's soooooooooo minimal, as not to be worth considering.  You get more uv walking from your car to the salon shop's front door, than you do from a UV Lamp.

Also, keep in mind, your hands would only go in for a brief few minutes at each appointment.

I, personally am not be concerned and if I were, then I likely wouldn't venture outdoors at all.
Please don't take me wrong, I'm not making light of it.  Only putting it into perspective.

I hope this puts your mind at ease.

Best regards
Victoria