Health perspective: Gel Nails or Nails with Glue are good

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To understand how gel nails work, we need to look at the science behind them. Gel nail polish hardens through a process called polymerization, which happens when it's exposed to UV or LED light. This turns the liquid gel into a tough, long-lasting coating that can stay on for weeks, unlike regular nail polish that dries by letting the liquid evaporate into the air.

 

Key Ingredients:

- Photoinitiators: These are special molecules that react to light. When they soak up energy from the UV/LED lamp, they break apart and create free radicals, which are super reactive.

- Pigments and Stabilizers: Pigments give the polish its color, while stabilizers keep the color from fading and ensure the polish stays smooth.

 

The Hardening Process:

1. Light Absorption: When you put your gel-coated nails under a UV or LED lamp, the photoinitiators absorb the light.

2. Activation: The light energy makes the photoinitiators break apart and form free radicals.

3. Cross-Linking: The polymer chains link together, releasing a bit of heat.

4. Solidification: The gel changes from a liquid to a hard, shiny, and strong layer on your nails.

 

How Gel Nails Differ from Regular Nail Polish:

- Drying: Gel nails harden through a chemical reaction with light, while regular polish dries by letting the liquid evaporate.

- Hardening: Gel nails become instantly hard and won't smudge once cured, but regular polish can stay wet and smudge until it fully dries.

- Durability: Gel nails are very chip-resistant and can last 2-3 weeks, while regular polish can chip in just a few days.

How long do Gel Nails last once you applied on?

 

When you get gel nails done by a pro, they usually stay nice for about two to three weeks. If you take really good care of them, they might even last up to four weeks! Here’s what can make them last longer or shorter:

 

•        Getting Ready: Before putting on gel nails, your nails need to be super clean and dry. If they’re not, the gel might not stick well and could peel off early.

 

•        What You Do Every Day: If you wash dishes a lot or use strong cleaning stuff, your gel nails might chip faster. Wearing gloves can help keep them safe.

 

•        How Strong Your Nails Are: Strong nails hold gel polish better. If your nails are weak, the polish might not stay on as long.

 

•        How They’re Put On: A good nail artist knows how to put on gel nails just right. If you try it at home and don’t do it correctly, they might not last as long.

 

•        Taking Care of Them: Using cuticle oil every day keeps your nails and skin around them soft, which helps the gel stay on longer.

 

•        Nail Growth: As your nails grow, you’ll see a gap near the bottom. This usually happens after two to three weeks, and it’s a sign you might need to get them done again.

 

Gel nails last a lot longer than regular nail polish, which usually starts chipping after just a week.

 

Gel nails vs. press-on nails: Which is better ?

 

When it comes to keeping your nails healthy, press-on nails are a better choice than gel nails if you use them the right way. Gel nails can be tricky because the trouble starts when you put them on and take them off, not because of the gel polish itself.

 

Gel nails:

- You need a special lamp to dry gel nails, which gives off UV rays. These rays can make your skin age faster and might even cause skin problems later on.

- To take off gel nails, you have to soak them in acetone, which can dry out and weaken your nails. If you peel them off, you might end up tearing your natural nails.

- Some people might be allergic to the stuff in gel polish, which can make your skin itchy and red.

- Most of the damage happens because of rough filing and scraping when putting on or taking off the gel.

 

Press-on nails:

- They use sticky tabs or a little bit of glue, which is much kinder to your nails and doesn’t need strong chemicals to remove.

- You don’t need a UV lamp because the polish is already set on press-ons.

- Taking them off is easier; you just soak them in warm, soapy water with some oil, which is way gentler than using acetone.

- If you put them on and take them off properly, press-ons won’t hurt your nails much. Just make sure they fit right, or you might get moisture trapped underneath, which can cause infections.

Summary: Choosing between gel and press-on nails

Feature	Gel Nails	Press-On Nails
Durability	Lasts 2–3 weeks with proper care.	Lasts a few days to two weeks depending on the adhesive.
Application	Longer and more involved, requires proper curing with a UV/LED lamp.	Quick and easy, can be applied in minutes.
Removal	Requires an acetone soak, which can dry and damage the nail.	Usually involves soaking in warm water and oil, a gentler process.
Risks	UV exposure, potential allergic reactions to chemicals (like acrylates), and mechanical damage from aggressive filing.	Less risk, but poor application can trap moisture and cause infection.
Best for	A long-lasting manicure for events or extended wear.	Temporary wear, frequent style changes, or a more budget-friendly and nail-friendly option.

 

Long term effects of  UV Light on the Skin 

 

When your skin gets too much sun, it can mess with the DNA in your skin cells, which isn't good. Over time, this can cause some big problems.

 

- Sunburn: If you stay out in the sun too long, especially without sunscreen, you might get sunburned. This means your skin turns red, hurts, and might even get blisters. Ouch!

 

- Early Aging: Spending lots of time in the sun can make your skin look older faster. You might get wrinkles, saggy skin, and dark spots way before you should.

 

- Skin Cancer: The sun's rays can cause skin cancer. There are different types:

  - Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma: These are the most common and usually show up on parts of your body that get a lot of sun, like your face and neck. They're treatable if you catch them early.

  - Melanoma: This one is rare but really serious. Bad sunburns, especially when you're young, can make it more likely you'll get melanoma when you're older.

 

- Actinic Keratosis: These are rough patches on your skin that can turn into a type of skin cancer if you're not careful.

 

- Sun Allergies: Some people get itchy rashes from the sun, which is called polymorphic light dermatosis. It's like your skin is allergic to the sun!