Are UV Nail Lamps Safe?
Safety is an important consideration when it comes to UV/LED nail lamps. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause skin damage, but UV/LED nail lamps are designed to be safe when used correctly. UV/LED lights produce very low levels of UV radiation and are, therefore, much safer for the nail tech and the client. Additionally, UV/LED lights do not produce heat, so there is no risk of skin burns or other heat-related injuries. This makes them much safer and more comfortable for the client.
When determining whether a UV/LED light is safe, there has been researched proving so. Three of the leading scientists in the professional nail industry Doug Schoon, Paul Bryson, and Jim McConnell, did a study showing that UV nail lamps emit relatively low levels of UV light, and these exposure levels are considered well within safe levels. Dr. John Dowdy and Dr. Robert Sayre tested UV lamps and determined that UV lamps are safe and the risk of developing non-melanoma skin cancer is low compared to sunlight. In addition, Doug Shoon recently did an article called Stop Attacking the Nail Industry which showed that RadTech - The Association for UV+EB Technology supported the statement by the FDA that when used as directed, nail curing lamps are low risk. As well as the Statement “typical nail salon exposures are well within the limits of permissible daily UV exposure”. This statement came from research done by Alina Markova, M.D. and Martin A. Weinstock, M.D., Ph.D. on The Risk of skin cancer associated with the use of UV Nails lamp. Their study also showed that UV nail lamps do not increase the risk of developing cancer.
It is essential to use a good quality UV/LED nail lamp. Unfortunately, many cheaper lamps available on the market are not designed with safety in mind. Therefore, checking the lamp for safety certifications, such as the CE mark, is essential. This ensures that the lamp is compliant with safety regulations.
UV/LED lights are becoming increasingly popular due to their safety and efficiency. As a result, many beauty salons now use UV LED lights to perform treatments such as tanning, skin treatments, and hair removal. This is because UV LED lights are much more efficient and faster than traditional lighting systems, meaning clients can get their treatments done in a shorter amount of time. In addition, UV LED lights can be used for various treatments and are very versatile.
Overall, UV/LED nail lamps are safe when used correctly.
After reading this blog, if you still have apprehensions, we at Certified Nails offer Collagen Treatments with protective UV/LED gloves or you can request a light zinc free sunscreen application for your peace of mind. We welcome you to our salon.
Dowdy JC, Sayre RM. Photobiological safety evaluation of UVnail lamps. Photochem Photobiol. 2013;89:961-967.
Markova A, Weinstock MA. Risk of skin cancer associated with the use of UV nail lamp. J Invest Dermatol. 2013;133:1097-1099.