"It's like a Mini Tanning Bed for your Fingers....."

If you follow my posts, you may have noticed a post I made in the middle of March, it was talking about wanting to get the Nailene Professional UV Gel Curing Lamp, however after talking to another beauty expert, she told me to do some research about the side effects of using such lamps... and of course my "cosmetic geek" and "research junkie" sides came out.... here is the fruit of my research labour.. hehe


(Warning: There are graphic pictures below, do not scroll down if you are sensitive to the truth)

Did you know that the Artificial nails industry is worth over $6 billion dollars? At about five times the amount of Starbucks, there are almost 60,000 nail salons in the US alone.
In these nail salons, UV light is used, which is argued to increase the risk or skin cancer on your fingers.
Now, some say that these UV curing lamps are harmful and others say they aren't at all. But who do we believe and what do we do?
I did a little research and found valid points on both views. 




"UV(Ultra Violet) Lamps are dangerous and can cause cancer"
According to the researchers at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas, it was noticed that some of their patients who had skin cancer on their fingers(which is an uncommon place to get skin cancer) had been exposed to having UV light for artificial nails. This light has been proven to damage cells' DNA and therefore causing mutations that lead to cancer. Also, from the Director of research at Dalhousie University's dermatology division in Halifax; Dr. Richard Langley: "The scientific evidence that UV nail lights used in the dryers can cause cancer are both direct and indirect." He also noted published case reports of women who didn't have any family history of sun damage that turned into skin cancer, who had skin cancer on their fingers, around the nail area after regularly using UV nail dryers. 
The UV lamps are similar to tanning beds in the sense where they can make your skin look older and they emit UV rays just as a tanning bed would, and we all know the dangers of tanning beds. "The nail drying lights emit UVA rays, which can penetrate the skin much more deeply" said Dr. Marcy Street; board certified Mayo Clinic trained dermatologist and first female African MOHS(Chemosurgery) surgeon in the country(USA).

We can compare the amount of radiation that your fingers get from a nail treatment to a tanning bed/booth because someone who regularly gets their nails done would probably get it done every 2-4 weeks. If this were done for years this could definitely add up to a significant amount of UV exposure over the years. However, no large scale research has been done to clarify the dangers of using UV light. 


Some doctors say that you can reduce the exposure by wearing gloves or putting towels or some kind of barrier around your skin during nail treatments. You could also put sunscreen on your skin. However, these methods according to the doctors are not enough to prevent skin damage from the UV light. And quite honestly, we all know the best prevention is to not use them at all. 


And of course, in general, the more exposure you have, the more at risk you are of developing skin cancer from UV lamps. And there would be your decision... to do it or not.


"UV lamps are not strong enough to harm you"
On the other side of the argument, there are equally valid points that make total sense and make me question the truth behind such research.


"Nail drying UV lights are lower wattage than body tanning UV lights but they are used on smaller region. You need to look at watts per square inch of skin not total watts. Of course the duration of the exposure matters too. In general you should minimize your exposure to UV light..." said a reader of thedermblog.com


"If these lights are the same as what is in a tanning bed, why aren't my fingers blistered?
Had I been in a tanning bed for a comparable amount of time, I would at least be red. And I am not even browned. Sooo.... What am I missing?" said a reader of thedermblog.com


"...is it true that the UV light emitted at nail salons is the same as that emitted by a tanning bed?
According to dermatologist Dr. Loretta Ciraldo, M.D. in the August 2008 issue of Oprah magazine, UVA light emitted by nail salon type dryers is only 10-30 watts, which is significantly less than the 2400 watts or so emitted by a tanning bed...." said a read or thedermblog.com


To conclude, with all this information, I am still at a crossroad about my decision on whether to buy one for myself or not. What do you think? Would you get your nails done again? Do you not care because you don't get them done that often or not at all? Let me know your thoughts!

Here are some videos that I found interesting on this point.... if anyone cares to watch

The first is from DermTV.com with Dr. Neal Schultz

The second is a news report from News9 Oklahoma City

Thanks for reading! I know that was a lot.. please let me know what you thought.... 

ProduCt.ReViEw.- Revlon Crazy Shine - Nail Buffer

Revlon Crazy Shine - Nail Buffer

What Revlon has to say: "Revolutionary nail buffer creates 400% more shine than bare nails. Buff nails to a topcoat shine in a matter of seconds…results that last for 3 days."

Made of foam

- Tear drop shape makes buffing easy

- Only two sided, so it is super simple to use : 1st use to green side to buff your nail and then the white side to smooth the nail and add shine

- Gives the nails the appearance of a top coat

- Simple to use

- Fast solution

-Inexpensive

- This buffer has a limited lifespan, as the green side is used, the surface grit wears off

- The claim of 3 days of shine surely did not last for me, no longer then a day and a half. Maybe 2 days, but surely not 3

- It is a bit awkward to buff the whole nail evenly, therefore making it difficult to get shine on the whole nail

This is a great product for someone who is maybe not so patient or good about applying top coat. Or great for someone who is in a hurry but needs polished looking nails. Also great for someone who does not like product on their nails but wants nice looking nails. I personally would probably not purchase this again. At the price though, it won't hurt your wallet too much

$3-6CAD or Buy it on Well.ca for $5.49(non-sponsored)

3.5/5

ProduCt.ReViEw. -SaLLy.HanSen.NaiL.Art.PeN.

I didn't get all the colours. I'm missing the Blue, Silver and Red.

The Product: Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen

Claim to fame: "Nail Art Made Easy!Unique pen and fast-drying formula allows anyone to "Design & Go!" Create nail designs over any nail color. Fine-tip pen makes it easy to control and draw precise lines for a French Manicure. Mistake-proof formula can be removed or corrected with a moist cotton swab without damaging dry nail polish. Water-based formula is environmentally friendly. Great for French Pedicure tips too. Available in 8 designable shades. Toluene, DBP, and Formaldehyde free." Sally Hansen

Ingredients: White, Hot Pink, Light Pink, Blue Pen Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Acrylates Copolymer, Ceteth-20, Sodium Polyaspartate, Diethylhexyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate, Aminomethyl Propanol, Xanthan Gum, Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben. MAY ALSO CONTAIN: Aluminum Hydroxide, Hydrated Silica. MAY CONTAIN: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Red 30, Ferric Ferrocyanide. Red, Silver, Gold Pen Ingredients: Water, Acrylates Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Diethylhexyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate, Sterculia Urens Gum, Dextrin, Simethicone, Aminomethyl Propanol, Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben. MAY ALSO CONTAIN: Silica. MAY CONTAIN: Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides. Black Pen Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Acrylates Copolymer, Pentylene Glycol, Beheneth-30, Diethylhexyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate, Aminomethyl Propanol, Xanthan Gum, Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Black 2.

Pros: Really easy to use. Love the colour selection they launched them in. Fine tip to create detail designs. Vibrant colours that don't need more then one layer.

Cons: Small amount. Scared it will run out quickly. Have to shake quite a bit before using it. Do not use on bare nail. Need to be topped with a top coat to protect from chipping.  

The bottom line: I like these a lot. Easy for me to use. Beginner friendly for sure. 

Rating: 4/5

Price and size: $8.99 CAD/2ml

My last post shows my first attempt at nail art with these babies. 

Thanks for reading! Please FOLLOW and COMMENT!

Have you used these? What do you think?! Do you want them?!

NOTD-LeoParD.PriNt.

My nail of the day was inspired by the lovely spots of a leopard. I used OPI top coat and my Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen in Gold and Black. I first applied one coat of OPI top coat on the whole nail and then Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen in Gold in random shapes all over the nail and then drew Black disconnected lines around the Gold. Then two coats of OPI top coat. I will do a review on the nail art pens soon! My nails are short because I removed my fake nails recentIy, therefore they are in the healing/growing stage. I think this print is cute on short nails. Forgive me if this is not done well, as this is my first time trying it!

WhAt.Do.YoUr.haNds.SaY.aBout.YouR.HeALth?

What do your fingernails say about your health? According to the ‘American Academy of Dermatologists’, your nails may reveal a lot more than what you expected!

Take a good look at your nails. You can probably notice a difference between yours and everyone else's that you look at. Whether it be a yellow tint, blue tint, pink tint or a ridge here, a crack there or even dark lines under the nail bed. These may not look or seem like important things to look for or at but to a trained eye they can be a link or window into your health.

Here are some to look out for:

Pale Nails

Pale nails can sometimes be simply from aging. However they can also be signs of Anemia, Congestive heart failure, Liver disease, or Malnutrition.

White Nails

If the nails are white with darker rims around, this can be associated with liver complications or diseases such as heptititis.

Yellow Nails

If the nails are a yellowish colour, thickened and slow growing, this can be the progression of a fungal infection and can be associated with severe thyroid disease, lung disease such as emphysema , diabetes or psoriasis. You can also experience yellow tints to the nails from nail polishes containing formaldehyde. 

Blueish Nails

A blue tint to the nails can mean that the body is not getting enough oxygen, this can be associated with infection in the lungs, such as pneumonia. A slight bluish base may be associated with diabetes.

Textured/rippled Nails

If the nails are pitted, textured or rippled to the touch this can be an early sign of Psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis. 

Cracked/Weak Nails

If the nails are dry, cracked, split easily or weak they are often linked to thyroid disease.

Puffy nail fold

If the nail fold is puffy and red(inflamed) this may be because of Lupus or another connective tissue disorder.

Dark lines beneath nail bed

If you see dark lines please contact your health professional as soon as possible. They are sometimes caused by melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer.

Clubbing Nails

This is a painless increase ini tissue around the ends of the fingers, or inversion of the nail and may be associated with lung disease.

Red Nail Bed

If the nails show a pinky or red tint this can be associated with heart disease.

If you have any concerns regarding your nails. Get them checkout by your doctor next time.

Tips for Strong, Healthy Nails

To strengthen your nails, avoid infections, and improve their appearance, try the following tips:

• Keep your nails clean and dry.
• Avoid nail-biting or picking.
• Apply moisturizer to your nails and cuticles every day. Creams with urea, phospholipids, or lactic acid can help prevent cracking.
• File your nails in one direction and round the tip slightly, rather than filing to a point.
• Don't remove the cuticles or clean too deeply under your nails, which can lead to infection.
• Don't dig out ingrown toenails. See a dermatologist if they become bothersome.
• Avoid nail polish removers that contain acetone or formaldehyde.
• Bring your own instruments if you get frequent manicures.
• If you have artificial nails, check regularly for green discolouration (a sign of bacterial infection).
• Eat a balanced diet and take vitamins.

THANKS FOR READING! IF YOU LIKE WHAT YOUR READ, FOLLOW! IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS? COMMENT!