By Deirdre Haggerty

Dr. Oz and dermatologist Anne Chapas, MD, examined the safety of gel manicures on today’s episode of “The Dr. Oz Show”, Jan.23.

The safety of gel manicures has been in the news recently with some believing the UV lamps increase the risk of skin cancer, however opposing headlines challenged these claims, citing there isn’t enough documentation to prove the above and the lamps are just not strong enough to damage the skin.

Dr. Anne Chapas, dermatologist is not convinced that gel manicures are safe, admitting to Dr. Oz that she, herself would not receive a gel manicure, because the risks are not worth it. The doctor noted three major problems that can cause significant medical problems when receiving gel manicures.

1. Application. The application process uses a UV light for up to eight minutes at a time in the nail salon. Dr. Chapas examined Dr. Oz audience members under a special lamp in the office and noticed early signs of sun damage: sun spots and fine lines.
2. Removal. The removal process soaks the nails in acetone using damaging tools to strip the nails, which creates thin nails, leading to irritation. Studies have shown the scraping procedure causes the nails to be up to 50% thinner.
3. Infections: Scraping causes breaks in skin and nails leading, which risks bacteria exposure and serious infections such as staphylococcal or a fungal infection.

Dr. Oz reached out to the Professional Beauty Association-Nail Manufacturers Council on Safety who replied to the query on gel nail polish safety.

Gel nail products, their application with the use of UV lights and removal are safe when used as directed…the amount of UV exposure is equivalent to very minimal additional sun exposure.

Many consumers love gel manicures and some Dr. Oz audience members said they would still get them on special occasions or for vacations due to the almost three weeks of chip free wear.

Dr. Chapas suggested safety precautions for gel manicure users such as using an LED lamp rather than a UV light, because it cures faster and is more efficient, giving out a smaller dose of UV radiation. Apply sunscreen on the hands prior to curing or use whiteanti UV gloves to cover hands, with the finger tips only exposed that are available online and in beauty salons.

And to get a chip free manicure, Dr. Chapas from the “Dr. Oz Show” suggests to apply a topcoat nightly, however use one that is free of formaldehyde, toluene and DBP, like butter LONDON. This will also help to strengthen the nails after they have been damaged from gel manicures.

Deirdre Haggerty, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this article may be reproduced without prior written permission and consent from the author or Clarity Digital Group LLC, DBA Examiner.com.