UV Nail Lamps Safe for Skin? Daily Light Exposure Bigger Risk than Manicures

June 3, 2010 – From commanding a steering wheel in the car to working in a cubicle under fluorescent lights, hands get more UV exposure from natural and artificial light than any other part of the body.  Claims based on a study of two women have recently surfaced that UV nail lamps can put users at risk for skin cancer.  According to extensive research by nail industry leader CND, UV light sources such as the ones used for curing nail products are safer than 8 hours in traditional office lighting.  “The amount of energy from a UV lamp during a nail service would be roughly equivalent to the amount of UV exposure one would experience during a typical full day of exposure in indoor fluorescent lighting,” explains Dr. David Valia, Director of Research and Development for CND. 

UV light sources such as the ones used for curing nail products emit UV energy at a very low level.  Nail lamps emit a UV light at a very narrow section of the UVA region, while both indoor lighting and sunlight emit UV light across a much broader spectrum including UVA, UVB, and UVC.  With tanning beds, the exposure is much higher due to a greater UV intensity, greater amount of energy transmitted by bulbs, longer exposure time and closer proximity of the user to the source. 

Considering the minimal exposure of minutes drying nail color under a UV lamp versus the percentage of time spent unprotected in the sun or the office, the anxieties of getting skin damage from a manicure are disproportionate to the truth.  How often does one reapply sunscreen after washing their hands?  Seldom does anyone put on sunscreen when driving, or wear gloves when in the sun, but many wear hats, SPF-protective clothing and sunscreen.

 

CND has the world’s largest laboratory for professional nail research and development, and utilizes state-of-the-art equipment to analyze UV output, equipment design, and health and safety.  CND’s knowledge in polymer science and expertise in UV technology is unparalleled.  Participation in educational conferences including ‘RadTech,’ the largest event dedicated to the education, technical and scientific advancement of Ultra Violet (UV) and Electron Beam (EB) technologies, keeps CND at the forefront of this science.  CND is dedicated to the advancement of safe and efficacious technologies, as illustrated with the recent Shellac Hybrid Nail Color innovation that is safe and convenient for women wanting long lasting manicures. 

Founded in 1979 and based in Vista, CA, CND (Creative Nail Design, Inc.) is the global leader in professional nail, hand and foot beauty.  Deeply committed to advancing the nail care industry, CND devotes significant time and resources to product research and development, education, and customer support.