Do UV lamps cause hyperpigmentation?

Dear BSD, is it true that light from gel nail lamps cause hyperpigmentation?

Potentially yes, it can.

As yet, there is no fully conclusive evidence to say this is the case but anecdotally we do know that some people who get regular manicures involving a nail lamp are more susceptible to darker hands.

This is because traditionally, these lamps emit UVA light to set or cure gel polish or acrylics. Regardless of the source of UVA radiation, be it from the sun or a device, it can cause hyperpigmentation of the skin because it stimulates the melanocytes to overproduce melanin. Skin can end up looking patchy and uneven. Additionally UVA penetrates the skin down to the lower layers, so it will fuel premature ageing of the hands by breaking down collagen leading to concerns like fine line and wrinkles.

There is always the small risk of DNA damage that can lead to skin cancers. It’s something to be mindful of as the nail area is common place for skin cancers to develop on Black skin, but I don’t think this means an out right giving up of manicures just yet!

So what can you do?

• Apply sunscreen to your hands 20 minutes before gel polish is applied

• Wear UV manicure gloves, which only expose your finger tips

• Make sure your nail tech is qualified; using approved products and professional equipment as this will reduce your curing time

• Enquire about LED curing lamps which have shorter curing times and are viewed as a safer alternative

• Have a good pre and post manicure routine using nourishing moisturisers regularly

So what colour will be it then?!