You Should Wear SPF For Your Next Nail Appointment...Here's Why.

There's nothing better than treating yourself with a stunning new gel manicure from time to time (cute nails = therapy dupe). Because of the shiny, smudge-free nature of gel manicures, they've become a popular choice when it comes to nail services, both at the salon and DIY-ing at home. But as great as that nail lamp is for curing the polish quickly, the UV exposure isn’t so healthy for the skin on your hands. While most of us know to wear SPF for a beach or pool day, the American Academy of Dermatology recently concluded that it's time for people to apply SPF before getting a gel manicure. Here's why:

UV + Gel Manicures

When you get a gel manicure, your hands are exposed to UV lights that are used to cure the gel polish. While they are effective at providing a quick and efficient manicure, these lamps emit UVA and UVB radiation, which can cause skin damage, premature aging, and possibly increase the risk of skin cancer. Although 30 seconds here and another minute there might not feel like long enough to make an impact, the truth is that over time, prolonged exposure to UV radiation can cause skin damage such as dark spots, wrinkles, and sagging skin. This is because the radiation penetrates deep into the skin, damaging the collagen and elastin fibers that keep skin firm and youthful. The worst part? Repeated exposure to UV lamps for gel manicures at your monthly nail appointments can increase the risk of skin cancer, too. 

Protecting Your Hands Before a Gel Manicure

To keep your hands as cute as your new mani, be sure to apply a mineral SPF 30 or 50 before your nail appointment. This will help you protect your hands from harmful UV rays.

If you're ready to level-up, fingerless gloves are another option that some love to layer on top of their SPF-protected hands for an added layer of protection. We're obsessed with ManiGlovz!