UVA rays emitted by heat lamps, used to dry semi-permanent nail polish, could promote the appearance of skin cancer.
- In France, nail care represents 15% of the beauty market.
- In aesthetics, heat lamps to dry and fix semi-permanent nail polish are also increasingly popular.
- However, the UVA rays emitted by heat lamps could increase the risk of skin cancer.
In a press release published on April 28, the National Academy of Medicine warned of the risks of using lamps combining UV and light-emitting diodes (LEDs), in order to dry and fix the layers of semi-permanent varnish. These heating lamps could in particular increase the risk of skin cancer.
UVA rays emitted by heat lamps promote the development of skin cancer
For 10 years, the nail industry has grown significantly. “Nail represents 15% of the beauty market, and today it affects all ages from 17 to 90”, can we read in the document of the National Academy of Medicine. The use of semi-permanent varnish is also widely acclaimed. For what ? Because its duration is longer than that of classic varnishes (two to three weeks).
To dry the semi-permanent varnish, however, it is necessary to use a heat lamp. “However, these lamps emit type A UV rays (UVA), which penetrate deep into the skin and are known to promote aging but especially the development of skin cancers. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified the UVA as a group 1 carcinogen”warned the organization.
As explained by the Academy of Medicine, UVA rays damage the DNA of skin cells, because they produce free radicals, which lead to the occurrence of cancer-causing mutations in these cells.
Heating lamps: recommendations to limit the risk of skin cancer
In 2022, various side effects linked to the application of semi-permanent varnishes were recorded. Three types have been identified by the health authorities: allergic skin reactions, mechanical damage to the nails and three cases of skin cancer such as squamous cell carcinoma.
To prevent the risk of skin cancer, the National Academy of Medicine has unveiled several recommendations concerning the use of heat lamps. Before each exposure, it is recommended to apply a sunscreen with UVA protection indicated on the hands and fingers. The institution also wishes to establish a census of the number of UV/LED devices sold each year, “in order to be able to estimate the evolution of the market and to necessarily attach to each lamp purchased a written message of alert and recommendations”. Epidemiological studies will also be carried out to estimate the risk of skin carcinoma induced by the frequent repetition of this type of irradiation over a long period.