A UV nail lamp is often used to dry, harden, and cure the nails at home and in the salon. However it is a source of artificial UVA radiation so these lamps may pose a health risk. UVA radiation is known to be mutagenic and can cause damage to the DNA, which may increase the risk of skin cancer. A recent review of the limited data available concluded that, the carcinogenic risk is probably low; “nonetheless, the use of a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF >30 before UV nail lamp exposure is recommended”. So next time you are getting your nails done think about applying your sunscreen first!

Citation:

Potential Cutaneous Carcinogenic Risk of Exposure to UV Nail Lamp: A Review
Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 2018 Jun 08;[EPub Ahead of Print], N Shihab, HW Lim