Today's post is a little long, but informative. If you're interested in or curious about gel manicures read on.
I was watching one of my favorite YouTubers MissHollyBerries, and the subject of gel polish came up. Madam Glam was kind enough to send her their gel manicure nail kit containing 2 gel polishes and a LED lamp. I believe this was a special set because the beginners’ kit sold on their web site (madamglam.com) contains a “Magical Pocket led lamp”, one top coat, one base coat and one color coat of your choosing. According to their website, the kit is worth $107.84 but can be purchased for $73.40. That’s a little pricey, I don’t think I’ll be ordering one in the near (or far) future. But hers was free so I hope that she gives …show more content…
Gel nail polish, often called soak off gel, comes in a bottle like regular nail polish. Usually, the bottles are dark in color so that the gel polish does not come into contact with light. Gel polish applies like regular nail polish, but must be cured in a UV or LED lamp. Curing time for a UV lamp is about 2 minutes where curing with an LED lamp is about 30 seconds. One point for the LED lamp. Removing gel nail polish requires a 10 to 15 minute soak in acetone.
Let’s get to the pros and cons. The pros. A manicure using gel polish last longer than one using regular nail polish. I’ve read different claims about how long gel polish lasts, but the consensus seems to be two weeks or longer. It creates a hard coating over your nail so that your nails are less likely to break and chip. And as I stated before, gel polishes get you out of the door super fast, and they have a glossier shine than regular nail …show more content…
First, gel polishes set by exposure to UV, or ultraviolet light, hence the special lamps. This is the same damaging light used in tanning beds that we all know have been known to cause cancer and premature aging of the skin. Although these lamps produce low levels of UV light, it’s not clear whether or not it’s enough to cause significant damage or cancer. Then there are the chemicals. One called Butylated hydroxyanisol (try saying that one three times really fast) is commonly used to make gel polishes, and it’s a known cancer-causing agent. Again, it’s not known how much exposure to the chemical will cause cancer, but it’s wise to check to see if it’s an ingredient in your gel polish. Another chemical called methyl acrylate (that one I can pronounce) is also found in gel polishes. It’s not quite as nasty as that other one I just named, but it can cause an allergic reaction (dermatitis) when it comes into contact with your skin. Also, using gel nail polish can weaken and thin your nails. It’s best to buff your nails first to remove the smooth top layer. Yes, over time I guess that would make your nails weaker. Last, you have to use acetone to remove the gel. Acetone is very drying and may cause your nails to become brittle and peel after repeated
I was watching one of my favorite YouTubers MissHollyBerries, and the subject of gel polish came up. Madam Glam was kind enough to send her their gel manicure nail kit containing 2 gel polishes and a LED lamp. I believe this was a special set because the beginners’ kit sold on their web site (madamglam.com) contains a “Magical Pocket led lamp”, one top coat, one base coat and one color coat of your choosing. According to their website, the kit is worth $107.84 but can be purchased for $73.40. That’s a little pricey, I don’t think I’ll be ordering one in the near (or far) future. But hers was free so I hope that she gives …show more content…
Gel nail polish, often called soak off gel, comes in a bottle like regular nail polish. Usually, the bottles are dark in color so that the gel polish does not come into contact with light. Gel polish applies like regular nail polish, but must be cured in a UV or LED lamp. Curing time for a UV lamp is about 2 minutes where curing with an LED lamp is about 30 seconds. One point for the LED lamp. Removing gel nail polish requires a 10 to 15 minute soak in acetone.
Let’s get to the pros and cons. The pros. A manicure using gel polish last longer than one using regular nail polish. I’ve read different claims about how long gel polish lasts, but the consensus seems to be two weeks or longer. It creates a hard coating over your nail so that your nails are less likely to break and chip. And as I stated before, gel polishes get you out of the door super fast, and they have a glossier shine than regular nail …show more content…
First, gel polishes set by exposure to UV, or ultraviolet light, hence the special lamps. This is the same damaging light used in tanning beds that we all know have been known to cause cancer and premature aging of the skin. Although these lamps produce low levels of UV light, it’s not clear whether or not it’s enough to cause significant damage or cancer. Then there are the chemicals. One called Butylated hydroxyanisol (try saying that one three times really fast) is commonly used to make gel polishes, and it’s a known cancer-causing agent. Again, it’s not known how much exposure to the chemical will cause cancer, but it’s wise to check to see if it’s an ingredient in your gel polish. Another chemical called methyl acrylate (that one I can pronounce) is also found in gel polishes. It’s not quite as nasty as that other one I just named, but it can cause an allergic reaction (dermatitis) when it comes into contact with your skin. Also, using gel nail polish can weaken and thin your nails. It’s best to buff your nails first to remove the smooth top layer. Yes, over time I guess that would make your nails weaker. Last, you have to use acetone to remove the gel. Acetone is very drying and may cause your nails to become brittle and peel after repeated