Anyone who accidentally waved or broke a freshly frequent nail understands the charm of gel manicure. The procedure in which the gel is used, and then cured under the lamp leads to a brilliant, solid manicure, which lasts about two weeks.
But in September, the EU forbidden The key ingredient in gel nail polishes called trimethylbenzoil with diphenylphosfin oxide, or TPO, which makes many people the second, suggesting the safety of gel manicure.
“There are definitely some potential traps and dangers, but, frankly, millions and millions of women around the world use gel nails and have no problems,” says Dr. Fibi Rich, a dermatologist in Portland, Oregon, who specializes in the prevention and treatment of nail disorders.
The key, experts agree, consists in taking several simple precautions. Before booking your next gel manicure, this is what you need to know.
Understanding the EU ban on tpo
TPO is a photorenicant, which means that it begins the reaction that makes the gel -lactuity harden and form a solid film on your nail. As of September 1, 2025, EU lawmakers prohibited its use, classifying it as a substance that It is “toxic for propagation” after several studies showed that the effect of reproductive toxicity in animals exposed to high levels of TPO.
But Kelly Dobos, a cosmetic chemist from the University of Cincinnati, says that there is no need to panic.
Majority research As a result of the effect on the health of TPO, it was turned on by feeding with rodents or injection under their skin, she explains, and “this is not the way we affect it in the gel nails.” Moreover, she says: “Your system exposition is very low, because it will also respond when you expose it to this light in a nail lamp.”
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While Dobos claims that TPO, how it is used in gel manicure, is safe, there are gel varnishes on the market that do not include the ingredient, she says. If you are concerned, look for a varnish used by another photorenic, such as TPO-L, a modified form of TPO, which remains legal in the EU
Protect yourself from ultraviolet exposure
And ultraviolet and LED lamps used to fly off nail polish. To radiate ultraviolet radiationwhich was Associated with Skin cancer and premature aging.
“But again, most of the country sits on the street without the sun,” says Dr. Michelle Green, a cosmetic dermatologist in New York.
Although the ultraviolet exposure during gel manicure is short, it is concentrated and can compress with time. Green advises after Leadership of the American Academy of Dermatology To apply a wide spectrum, waterproof sunscreen on the fingers and backs in front of gel manicure, or wear a pair of opaque gloves without fingers.
“Both are very protective,” adds Rich. “And if nothing else, it holds hands from aging.”
Application and removal can cause damage
People who receive regular gel manicure can notice changes in their nails, such as thinning, cracking, weakening or white spots, says Dr. April Minel, a dermatologist from Uw Medicine in Seattle, which specializes in nail diseases. “Many of those things that make it as attractive as a manicure option are also things that damage the nail,” she says.
This includes as the removal of the old gel varnish, which includes the wrapping of the fingers on the cotton deck and foil impregnated with acetone, as well as the preparation of the surface of the nail for a new layer, during which the technique can serve or cover the nail with a mechanical exercise.
“There is no doubt that 20 minutes of acetone are quite sharp, mainly on your skin, but also on your nails, ”says Rich. “Then using the training after that to remove the additional pieces that acetone leaves – all this is damaged by the existing nail.”
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And do not even think about taking off the varnish from itself. “You take small pieces of the surface of the nail plate when you do it,” she warns.
“As soon as this nail is thin and damaged, There is nothing that you can apply to him to return it to normal health, ”says Rich. “You must wait until it grows out of the nail matrix,” which can take about six months.
According to Dobos, to be additional safe in the cabin, ask to see the packaging for removing the gel so that you can check its ingredients. Earlier this year, the US Products and Drug Administration (FDA) I released a warning letter Several companies that still make gel varnishes containing methylene chloride, a chemical that is classified as a “probable carcinogen” and Prohibited in the USAField
“If you are concerned about what they use, ask, because it is usually not right in front of you in the nail salon,” she says.
Don't try it at home
According to Shakhtel, over the years that have passed since the pandemic, the market for DIY manicure manicure. Although it can be cheaper and more convenient to make nails at home, improper use can lead to potential problems.
In most gel products, acrylates are the main component; These are monomers or oligomers, which are small molecules or molecules and can be delivered in thick liquid form. When the gel is cured, the smaller molecules are connected together and turn into a polymer, but if any incorrect acrylate monomers come into contact with the skin, they can Trigger allergies for some people.
“This is more likely if you do it at home, because you are likely to receive liquid on the skin or have imperfect technique for its treatment,” says Shakhtel.
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Anon Acrylate allergies It can be as painful, raised nails and a rash on the fingers or face. And since acrylates are also used in many important medical devices, such as bandages, dental implants and fillings, and bone cement used in orthopedic surgery, “this is an allergy that people really do not want to have,” said Shakhtel.
As for the safest results, Rich advises to get your gel manicure in an authoritative, licensed salon. “This is not so controlled in the house,” she says. “There is a potential for more excessive use and damage, and, possibly, even more light.”
The essence
Many experts believe that gel manicure, in general, is generally a low risk condescension, especially if you rarely get them and take precautions when you do it.
“I do not tell people to never do this,” says Shakhtel. “But I think this is what should be done in moderation.”
