Researchers have discovered that exposure to ultraviolet (UV) nail dryers may damage the skin and increase the risk of developing skin cancer. In an article published in The Washington Post, dermatologists who were not involved in the study weighed in on what the findings meant for the safety of using the machines. In the new study—published by Zhivagui et al in Nature Communications—researchers found that up to 30% of skin cells died when exposed to UV nail dryers for 20 minutes, and after three 20-minute exposures, up to 70% of skin cells died. Though the results of the study were concerning, the researchers noted that larger studies would need to be conducted to uncover both the extent of the DNA damage and substantial evidence of an increased risk of skin cancer. Dermatologists explained that if the UV light emitted from nail dryers is capable of carcinogenic DNA damage, regular use may lead to subungual squamous cell carcinoma or acral lentiginous melanoma, often diagnosed in its later stages. However, if individuals only use the machines a few times a year, the exposure may be too low to cause carcinogenic damage.
Dermatologists highlighted that individuals who do use UV nail dryers can take certain additional precautions to minimize the potentially negative effects—such as applying a water-resistant sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide with an SPF of 50 or higher 20 minutes before the start of UV light exposure or wearing UV-protective gloves. Individuals who wish to avoid UV nail dryers may substitute gel nail polish for dip powders—which only require an acrylic, polymer-based powder and activator. Dermatologists concluded that individuals who want to be sure whether their salon uses UV nail dryers should just ask.