Gel nail lovers, listen up. New research by Nature Communications confirms that UV or LED light (which usually comes with ultra-violent rays) could damage your DNA and cause skin cancer. *sigh* Usually, UV light is used to cure / harden the gel nails so the molecules in it bind together and last longer.
Researchers from the University of California San Diego explain in a press release that nail salons use common devices with a specific spectrum of UV light (340-395nm) to treat the chemicals in gel manicures and it wasn’t studied well. And in the latest research, one of the observations were that using the device for just one 20-minute session led to 20 to 30% cell death.
Fret not, the simple solution now is to avoid getting your nails done using UV. And opting or requesting for nail polishes formulated to dry without the help of these harmful rays.
To help you out, we have listed a handful of recommendations to get the work done using gel nail polishes without UV light.
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Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish
Everyday wear but make it magical? Get glossy and neutral for any season. It is a muted pinkish beige perfect for work and play. So, what isn’t there to be obsessed about? It’s chip resistant and made to last a little over a week. Even though, some users say it lasts for at least 5 days and it’s great! To make it last longer, use a topcoat. Plus, it compliments many skin tones effortlessly.
One user on Amazon wrote, “Even if it’s slightly growing out, it’s not obvious and still looks great.”
Pros: Easy use, smooth glide, easy removal, sheer finish, smudge-proof
Cons: Need to applied carefully to avoid streaks
Revlon Colorstay Gel Envy Longwear Nail Ename l- 125 Vegas
It gives a boost of shine and colour with a special summery effect for 7 long days. You will love slaying these high-impact nail polishes without UV light use. It’s also good for your nails as it soothes using shea butter and other essential oils. Also, using it with a wide angle brush allows smooth finish and flawless application. Plus, the formula is made to adjust into a hard smooth finish. And you will find it easy to remove it without damaging your nails. Again, use it with a Revlon top coat for a long-lasting finish. Did you know adding a sheer coating prior to applying colours as this helps to display its true colour.
Pros: Instant drying, cruelty-free, vegan, smooth results, doesn’t chip
Cons:
Duri Nail Polish – 728 Venice Beach Sunset
Look pretty in pinkish purple wearing this stunning colour. The beautiful lilac shade comes with extra shine and is one of the opaque gel nail polishes without UV light. Plus, you get a stunning shade that gives a nice coverage and looks smooth as butter.
One impressed customer wrote, “This nail polish is so smooth it feels like silk love the color.”
Pros: Easy application, vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, formaldehyde-free. formaldehyde resin-free, DBP-free, toluene-free, camphor-free, triphenyl Phosphate-free, xylene-free, ethyl Tosylamide-free
Cons: Not very long-lasting
Essie Gel Couture Nail Polish & Top Coat – Wearing Hue
It’s a soothing shade that works on any occasion and on any skin tone. You can take it your manicurist too and even they would love to use it as it glides so smoothly. Also, you can wear it alone or layer it easily on other colours. Users love the versatility of this shade. One customer wrote on Amazon, “Does take multiple coats (3?) to build to an opaque look, but would probably be pretty layered over something else too!”
You can go at least for 5 days with no chips at all.
Pros: Smoothest application, highly durable, the brush is easy to handle, the finish is self-adjusting to be smooth.
Cons: Thin consistency can be built
Rimmel Super Gel
Buy this Rimmel Super Gel Nail Polish online
It’s the complete package as it comes in 25 different shades. Also, if you’re looking for instantly drying gel nail polishes without UV light use, you are at your safe space. The coverage is amazing and it gives a mirror shine too. The durability also seems to be a plus point, one customer wrote, “This gel polish is perfect for me… it lasts for about a week, which is brilliant as my nails grow very quickly and I like to keep them looking good. I tend not to use rubber gloves so the polish withstands all the washing up and hand washing, not to mention housework. It can be removed easily with ordinary polish remover. Highly recommend.”
Pros: Instant dry, opaque finish, easy application, diverse colour options
Cons: May scratch easy so make sure to add extra coats.
Picking the right gel nail polishes without UV light use
Ingredients: Avoid toxic ingredients that can be harmful for both your health and environment. Some examples include:
- Formaldehyde: This might be listed as formalin or ethylene glycol. This is usually the common cause of asthma, nausea, and even cancer.
- DBP: These formulas in nail polishes can bring down chipping. However, it can invite a slew of side effects such as organ damage and endocrine disruption.
- Toluene: It has harmful fumes that can lead to impaired breathing, neurological damage, nausea. and even hearing damage.
Production dates: Generally, you can use gel polishes for about 3 years. Therefore, picking your gel polishes without UV with an early production date isn’t a good idea. Plus, it can come with a harder, thicker texture that can spoil the blushing effect. Therefore, choose nail polishes with a later production date.
Brush: Ideally, your gel polish brushes need to be flexible, slim and smooth. So, it’s perfect enough to help spread evenly. Also, avoid thick or wide ones as the polish can drip everywhere.
Consistency: Pick gel polishes with medium consistency. If it’s too thin, it drips fast or if it’s too thick, it’s hard to apply. So, the sweet spot is where the magic happens.
Coating step: Generally, it’s best for your nails to come with the coating effect and add enough elasticity. Plus, it should be highly-pigmented to give that full-coverage coating glow. Also, test to see if it’s smooth enough without any wrinkles, bubbles, or shrinkage.
Final colour and finish: Online shopping can make it harder to judge the final look of gel nail polishes. Mainy because the picture and lighting can differ. Therefore, check the online reviews to get an idea while keeping an eye on the glossy effect.
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