A Dermatologist Is Begging You To Do This One Thing When You Get a Manicure
The nail salon is a self-care sanctuary. There is no better place to relax and pamper yourself. But if you regularly get manicures, there's one thing you should always do before heading to the salon, according to Dr. Hannah Kopelman, MD, a dermatologist at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery.
“As a dermatologist, I can’t stress enough how important it is to protect your hands with sunscreen before getting a manicure—especially if you’re opting for gel polish,” says Dr. Kopelman.
That’s because you may be exposing your hands to dangerous UVA rays. “The UV lamps used to cure gel polish emit UVA rays, which are the same type of rays that cause premature aging and can contribute to skin cancer,” says Dr. Kopelman.
She adds that when your hands are exposed to these rays without protection, over time this can lead to dark spots, wrinkles, and even sagging skin. Repeated exposure to UV lamps has been linked to photoaging, which means you’ll see the development of sun spots, fine lines, and a loss of skin elasticity faster than you would otherwise.
Related: 35 Short Nail Designs to Inspire Your Next Manicure
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What To Know about Manicures and Skin Cancer Risk
Besides impacting the physical appearance of your skin, you also may be increasing your risk for skin cancer when you get a gel manicure and don't apply any SPF.
“While the risk of developing skin cancer from nail salon UV lamps is lower compared to overall sun exposure, it’s still there—and we have studies showing that repeated exposure can increase that risk, particularly for squamous cell carcinoma,” says Dr. Kopelman.
If you’re still skeptical, Dr. Kopelman urges you to think about this: You wouldn’t bake your face in a tanning bed, so why treat your hands any differently?
“A little prevention goes a long way. It's such a simple step that can make a huge difference in keeping your hands youthful and healthy,” she adds. “We often take care of our face, but our hands are just as vulnerable and often forgotten.”
Related: The #1 Early Sign of Skin Cancer Most People Miss, According to Dermatologists
How To Protect Your Hands
If you are planning to get a gel manicure that requires you to sit under a UV lamp, you should apply sunscreen before you head to the nail salon.
“I like to apply sunscreen about 15-20 minutes before I head to the salon,” says Dr. Kopelman. “This gives the sunscreen time to fully absorb and form a protective barrier. I always tell my patients to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Your hands are exposed to a concentrated dose of UVA rays under those lamps, so you need a good level of protection.”
Besides using sunscreen with proper SPF, the application is equally important. “Don’t forget to cover every bit of your hands—tops, sides, around the nails, even the cuticles,” notes Dr. Kopelman. “It’s a small area, but it’s exposed to a lot of light!”
However, if you don’t prefer to slather your hands with sunscreen, you could also invest in a pair of UV-protective gloves that will do the same job at protecting your skin. “I’d also recommend investing in a pair of UV-protective gloves designed for manicures,” adds Dr. Kopelman. “I keep a pair in my bag and bring them along to every gel manicure appointment. They’re great because they block the UV light from reaching most of your hands while still allowing the technician to work on your nails.”
Related: The One Thing Dermatologists Say You Should Never, Ever Do
Derm-Approved Sunscreen Recommendations
Looking for the perfect sunscreen to protect your hands before your next manicure? Here are a few recommendations to consider from Dr. Kopelman.
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
“This is a go-to for me because it’s lightweight, oil-free, and has added niacinamide, which helps to calm and hydrate the skin,” she says. “It’s perfect for sensitive skin and won’t leave your hands feeling greasy during the manicure.”
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50
“I’m a huge fan of this one because it feels like you’re applying a moisturizer, not a sunscreen,” she says. “It absorbs quickly and hydrates the skin at the same time, which is great if your hands tend to feel dry or tight after a manicure.”
Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50
“This is one of my favorites for high SPF protection. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and leaves no white cast, so it’s perfect for quick application right before heading into the salon,” she says. “Plus, it’s water-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about washing it off too quickly.”
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