Debunking the Myth: The Safety of Nail Lamps
After decades of people questioning the safety of using nail lamps, we are now confident to reveal the truth that the level of UV exposure from LED nail lamps is well within safe limits.
There are three types of nail lamps you can purchase: UV nail lamps, UV/LED nail lamps, & LED nail lamps.
UV lamps exclusively contain UV lights, which makes them the source of the highest amount of UV radiation. Although they are cheaper to purchase, they use more energy, require bulb replacing, and require 90-120 seconds to cure.
LED lamps exclusively contain LED lights, which emit narrower UV wavelengths that are more concentrated and carry higher energy levels. The LED lights in an LED lamp target specific photo-initiators in the gel polish which enables the gel to cure much faster than UV lights (30-60 seconds), use less energy and bulbs last 50, 000 hours.
UV/LED is a combination of both UV and LED lights- a mix between bothlamps.
A study completed by a collective of 3 scientists (Doug Schoon, Paul Bryson, & Jim McConnell) with experience in the beauty industry concluded that Client hands are likely to be exposed to more UV light while driving their cars than they will receive from UV gel nail services. You can read the whole study here.
To sum it up, here are some of the good and bad differences between UV nail lamps, UV/LED nail lamps, and LED nail lamps:
UV Nail Lamp:
Good:
- Relatively inexpensive
- Can cure all types of UV gel polishes and coatings
- Compatible with most nail products
Bad:
- Longer curing times compared to LED and UV/LED lamps
- Emit more UV radiation
- Bulbs need to be replaced regularly
UV/LED Nail Lamp:
Good:
- Can cure both UV and LED gel polishes and coatings
- Faster curing times than UV lamps
- Emit less UV radiation than traditional UV lamps
- Longer lifespan than UV lamps
- More energy-efficient than UV lamps
Bad:
- More expensive than UV lamps
- Some nail products may not be compatible with the lamp
- Some models may have a shorter lifespan than traditional LED lamps
LED Nail Lamp:
Good:
- Fastest curing times of all three types of lamps
- Energy-efficient and long-lasting
- Emit little to no UV radiation
- Can cure most LED gel polishes and coatings
- No bulbs to replace
Bad:
- More expensive than traditional UV lamps
- Some nail products may not be compatible with the lamp
- Can't cure all types of UV gel polishes and coatings
Overall, the choice between a UV nail lamp, UV/LED nail lamp, or LED nail lamp will depend on personal preference, budget, and the specific nail products being used. Each type of lamp has its pros and cons, and it's important to choose a lamp that is compatible with the products being used and to follow the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations.
In summary, UV nail lamps have been deemed safe, and noting that LED lamps emit significantly less UV radiation compared to UV lamps, there is no discernible threat associated with using LED nail lamps.
