Is the UV nail lamp safe?
To harden UV nail gels and gel polish, the use of UV light is necessary. CNC International receives many questions from brand owners about the safety of UV nail lamps. With recent discussions online, it’s understandable that nail companies want clarity. In this topic we break down the latest insights, and explain how nail brands can choose the safest curing system for long term success.
How safe are UV nail lamps based on current research?
UV nail lamps use UVA light to polymerize gel products. An 2023 American study raised concerns about the safety of UV lamps and that they may increase the risk of skin cancer. However, more recent studies conclude that UV/ LED nail lamps show a low risk when used correctly, as exposure during gel manicures is short and controlled.
The intensity of the UV light, the duration of exposure and how often the exposure takes place determines the degree of risk from the UV light. Calculations show that the risk of skin cancer from the UV light in nail drying lamps for applying gel nails is very small (no direct links to skin cancer has been proven). As a an extra precaution you can protect the skin with a broad spectrum SPF30 or higher.
What is the difference between UV and LED lamps?
UV lamps can cure all gel nail products, LED lamps only cure LED specific gel nail products. The entire UV gel and gel polish range from CNC International can be cured with LED light. LED lamps are more expensive than UV lamps. On the other hand, these types of lamps cure much faster (30-60 seconds vs 60-120 seconds), have a longer lifespan and are also safer.
Are LED nail lamps safer than UV lamps?
Cure the gel with a classic UV lamp
UV lamps (also called fluorescent lamps) emit a wider range of wavelengths. The emission spectrum of the fluorescent lamps falls between 300-410nm with a peak emission at a wavelength of 375nm. The curing process with a UV lamp takes on average 60-120 seconds and in some cases even longer.
Cure gel with a UV/LED nail lamp
LED lamps have an emission range at a higher wavelength, namely 375-425nm with a peak emission at 385nm.3 Due to the narrower, more focused spectrum of LED lamps, the gel cures faster than with a UV lamp: 30-60 seconds.
Because LED lamps cure faster, the skin is exposed to UV radiation for less time. This makes LED the preferred option for companies building a safe and future-proof nail brand.
All UV gels and UV gel polish nail products from the CNC International range can be cured with LED nail lamps.
Build your nail brand with safe LED-curable UV gels from CNC International
Safe curing is a combination of the right lamp and the right formula. CNC develops LED-compatible, HEMA-free and TPO-free UV gels that cure evenly, resulting in strong naisl with a long lasting glossy finish and reliable performance without unnecessary exposure time to UV radiation.
The perfect foundation for quality driven nail brands.