Gel manicures are all the rage because they last up to three weeks, don’t chip, and make your nails look super shiny. But are perfectly polished nails worth putting your health at risk? Well, here are some of the dangers of gel polish.

1. Drying Your Nails Under UV Light Might Raise Cancer Risk

Gel polish contains polymers that harden when your nails are placed under an ultraviolet (UV) lamp to cure, or dry, the polish. Some gel polishes contain the chemical butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), which is considered a cancer-causing agent.

Solution: If you're concerned about the UV exposure, make sure to apply sunscreen to your hands 15 minutes before heading to the nail salon. Also, try to find a salon that uses LED lights, which carry less of a risk then UV lights because you don't have to put your hands under them for as long.

2.  Some Nail Polishes May Contain Cancer-Causing Chemicals

This time, the culprit is butylated hydroxyanisol (BHA), a known cancer-causing agent. The National Toxicology Program lists it as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen." Other chemicals to watch out for include the so-called "Toxic Trio": dibutyl phthalate, toluene and formaldehyde.

Solution: It's found in only some gel nail polishes, so just be on the lookout. If you see BHA on the label, proceed to the next polish.

3. It's Easy To Get An Infection

After all, think about how easy it is to get nicked in a nail salon, considering all the cutting, scrubbing and buffing of nails that goes on there. And of course, many health experts warn against having your cuticles cut in a nail salon because it raises the risk of infection.

Solution: Resist shaving your legs right before your appointment, and bring your own nail file and buffing tools (though of course, this requires you making sure your own supplies are clean in the first place). Also, make sure your salon cleans its equipment after every use.

source: www.npr.org