The Rise of UV Lash and Nail Treatments and How They Can Affect Your Skin

UV light has become a major player in the beauty world, especially when it comes to lash extensions and gel manicures. These treatments offer long-lasting results, which is why they're so popular. However, with the increase in UV usage, there's also some concern about what that exposure might be doing to your skin. Let’s dive into why these treatments are trending, how they can affect your skin, and what simple skincare steps you can take to protect yourself.

Why Are UV lash and nail treatments so popular?

Lash extensions

If you’re into lash extensions, you know the drill—who doesn’t love full, fluttery lashes without having to apply mascara every day? Some salons now use UV light to set the adhesive for these extensions, which speeds up the process and makes sure your lashes stay on longer.

Gel manicures

Gel manicures are a go-to for anyone who wants chip-free nails that last for weeks. The secret? A special gel polish that hardens under UV or LED light. While it gives you that shiny, flawless finish, sitting under that UV lamp can add up over time and potentially affect your skin.

How UV exposure impacts your skin

Even though the UV light used in these treatments isn’t as strong as direct sunlight, consistent exposure can still mess with your skin. Here are some things to keep in mind.

Aging skin

UV light breaks down collagen, which is what keeps your skin firm and youthful. So, repeated exposure—especially around delicate areas like your eyes or on your hands—can lead to fine lines and wrinkles faster than you’d like.

Dark Spots

UV light triggers melanin production, which can result in dark spots or uneven skin tone. This is something you’ll definitely want to avoid, especially around your eyes or on your hands, which are more prone to these changes.

Increased skin cancer risk

While the amount of UV light in lash and nail treatments is small, over time, those repeated sessions can add up and increase your risk of skin cancer. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

How to protect your skin while still enjoying UV beauty treatments

Love your lash extensions and gel manicures but want to avoid the downsides? Here’s how you can keep your skin safe.

Always use sunscreen

Before any UV treatment, make sure to apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) on your hands and the skin around your eyes. A broad-spectrum sunscreen will block both UVA and UVB rays. It’s an easy step to protect your skin from premature aging and dark spots.

Wear UV-protective gloves

For gel manicures, you can wear gloves with the fingertips cut off while curing your polish. These gloves will block the UV rays from hitting the rest of your hands, reducing your exposure.

Choose LED over UV

Many salons now offer LED lamps as an alternative to UV lamps. LED emits less UV radiation and cures the polish faster, so it’s worth asking your nail tech if this is an option.

Don’t overdo it

If you’re getting lash extensions or gel manicures regularly, consider spacing out your appointments. The less frequently you’re exposed to UV light, the better.

Hydrate and repair

After any UV exposure, make sure to pamper your skin with a good moisturizer. Look for products with antioxidants like vitamin C or E to help repair any damage, and keep your skin hydrated with hyaluronic acid.

UV lash and nail treatments are super convenient and give gorgeous results, but it’s important to be mindful of how they can affect your skin over time. With a few simple precautions—like sunscreen, protective gloves, and choosing LED over UV—you can enjoy the best of both worlds: fabulous lashes and nails without compromising your skin’s health.

Blog