Gel manicures and pedicures are a popular service at nail salons. Unlike regular nail polish which often chips easily, gel polish provides a longer-lasting wear that can last up to several weeks.
But convenience may come with a risk. The lamps used to set gel nail polish exposes the hand to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can damage the skin and increase the likelihood of skin cancer, including melanoma. Before booking the next appointment, below is everything you need to know about UV radiation exposure with gel nail services and how to protect your skin.
Gel nail services require the use of special lamps to properly set and dry the gel polish used for manicures and pedicures. These special lamps emit a type of UV radiation called UVA, which can promote premature skin aging and contribute to skin cancer risk, according to the UT MD Anderson Cancer Center. The amount of UV radiation exposure from UV nail lamps is low, but any skin exposure to UV radiation should not be ignored.
Based on current research1, 2, 3, UV nail lamps may pose a low to negligible risk of developing melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. However, researchers are still learning about the effects of long-term and repeated exposure, and more studies are needed to better understand the risks of UV exposure from gel nail lamps overtime.
While the risk of melanoma associated with UV exposure from gel nail lamps is low, it is still important to practice caution and protect your skin.
Acral melanoma is a rare subtype of melanoma that forms on the palms of hands, soles of feet, or under finger or toenails. Approximately 2,000 cases of acral melanoma are diagnosed each year in the United States, and it can affect people of all races and ethnicities.
It is important to note that unlike cutaneous (skin) melanoma, it is not believed to be caused by UV exposure and therefore occurs in areas not typically exposed to the sun. One good thing about getting manicures and pedicures is that your hands and feet are very exposed. Ask the nail technician to get to know your skin and nails and to alert you to any areas of concern before the paint goes on. CUBED is an acronym to describe the specific features to look for when conducting early detection self-exams. Share this with your nail salon.
If you or the nail technician notice any unusual spots or changes on your skin, including the palms of your hands, soles of your feet, or any streaks under your finger or toenails, it's important to have them evaluated by a dermatologist or another medical professional.
Although more studies are needed to understand the effects of UV exposure on the skin from gel nail lamps, it is important to understand the cumulative risks and take necessary precautions to help protect your skin. Conducting regular skin checks and practicing sun safety habits are key to the early detection of melanoma. At MRA, we are committed to leading the charge in advancing melanoma prevention, detection, and treatment.
To learn more about the different types of melanoma, early detection, and prevention practices, visit curemelanoma.org.
1Beylin, D., Kornhaber, R., Lagadec, D. L., & Cleary, M. (2025). Assessing the health implications of UV / LED nail lamp radiation exposure during manicure and pedicure procedures: A scoping review. International Journal of Dermatology. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijd.17669
2Schwartz, C. T., Ezaldein, H. H., & Merati, M. (2020). Ultraviolet light gel manicures: Is there a risk of skin cancer on the hands and nails of young adults? https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7492020/
3Shipp, L., M. D., Warner, C., M. D., Rueggeberg, F., DDS, MS, & Davis, L., MD. (2014). Further Investigation Into the Risk of Skin Cancer Associated With the Use of UV Nail Lamps. JAMA Network. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/fullarticle/1862050
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