Debates about whether gel manicures harm the health of nails and the skin on the hands have been ongoing for many years. One of the most common questions is whether it is necessary to protect your hands from ultraviolet light during a nail salon procedure.

Research shows that the risk of developing skin cancer from nail UV lamps is considered low. However, it is important to note that gel manicures mainly use UVA radiation. This type of radiation is associated with skin photoaging, the appearance of pigmentation, and a potential increased risk of melanoma.

In other words, UV lamps for curing gel cannot be considered a direct cause of skin cancer, but regular and prolonged use certainly does not benefit the skin. Continuous exposure to UVA rays over time can accelerate aging processes and worsen the overall condition of the skin on the hands.

For this reason, concerns about the systematic use of UV lamps are quite justified. Additional protective measures are never excessive — for example, special UV-filter gloves with open fingertips. They effectively reduce the impact of ultraviolet light on the skin of the hands while not interfering with the manicure process, making the procedure safer.

UV protection gloves are not exactly a new invention, but a functional accessory that has only recently gained widespread use in the beauty industry. Initially, such gloves were used for outdoor activities like fishing, gardening, and other tasks that require skin protection from sunlight.

The design of UV gloves is carefully thought out: they cover most of the palm and wrist area while leaving the fingers and fingertips exposed. This ensures full freedom of movement and tactile control.

In the manicure industry, this solution has proven particularly practical. The open fingertips give nail technicians easy access to the nail plate, allowing them to apply coatings precisely and neatly without any restrictions.

Typically, UV gloves are made from nylon or polyester and come with varying levels of UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor). This rating indicates how much UVA and UVB radiation the material can block. However, it’s important to remember that even when wearing gloves, part of the skin is still exposed to the UV lamp—especially the area around the nails.

To further reduce potential risks, many specialists recommend applying sunscreen to the hands before putting on the gloves. It’s best to choose formulas with a high concentration of zinc oxide, as these provide the most reliable and stable level of protection.

The main advantage of UV gloves is that they protect the skin of your hands from the ultraviolet radiation of the lamp. They help reduce the risk of premature skin aging and keep your skin healthy.

In addition, UV gloves make the gel manicure process more comfortable. They are especially useful for people with increased light sensitivity, when protecting the skin during polymerization becomes necessary.

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UV protection gloves are becoming an increasingly popular accessory in the world of nail and hand care. Many people wonder: are they really necessary when doing a gel manicure? According to dermatologists and nail technicians, the final decision is up to you.

The benefits of these gloves are clear—they block UV rays and help reduce the risk of fine lines forming on the hands. At the same time, experts note that the impact on the skin during a short manicure session is minimal. If your hands are under a UV lamp for only a few minutes, the effect will be negligible.

Nevertheless, if you wish, you can always take extra precautions to protect your skin: use gloves, sunscreen, or a combination of both. This is a simple and safe way to keep your hands healthy and well-groomed.

Global Fashion offers a wide range of high-quality UV/LED manicure lamps. Our lamps are designed to cure nail polish effectively without harming your skin or nails—an ideal choice for both salons and home use.

Read also: Are UV lamps dangerous for manicures?