Is It Safe to Use UV Lights On Nails?

According to Skin Cancer Foundation, both LED and UV lamps used for nail grooming emit ultraviolet (UV) light. Though they are primarily sources of UVA, which is a risk factor for aging and skin cancer, the risk is considered moderate and significantly less than the risk incurred from a tanning booth.

To help minimize potential risk and protect your skin, we recommend using a moisturizing cleanser and lotion to keep your skin barrier strong, and applying a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher 20 minutes before your treatment.

Is UV Light Necessary for Gel Nails?

Be it from a UV or LED source, gel nail polish must be cured with UV light. This is because it emits UV wavelengths that hit molecules in the gel called photoinitiators, or compounds, that absorb light and convert it into the energy needed to initiate the polymerization process. When the light from the UV waves bonds with those molecules, it activates them, making the gel cure into a hard plastic. 

Do Nail Salons Use LED or UV Lights?

LED lamps are more expensive and can cure gel nails faster than UV lamps—which can be a plus if you’re looking to fasten up the process. These lamps emit narrower UV wavelengths than UV lamps with higher concentration and more energy. Moreover, they target specific photoinitiators in the gel polish, enabling the gel to cure much faster. 

Having said that, not all gel polishes can be cured by LED lamps, most nail salons often prefer UV lamps because they can cure strong gels like UV gels or hard gels more effectively.