Nail Dryers and other Items in Beauty Salons that could Affect your Health

Beauty salons promote a series of services that aim to transform some body parts to meet a specific aesthetic. However, there are increasing alerts about the dangers of many cosmetic procedures due to their lack of regulation and the use of products that could cause long-term damage. In January, it was published in Nature Communications Magazine. An investigation reveals that the radiation generated by nail dryers used for manicures can cause mutations and damage to DNA.

In the experimentation, human and mouse cells were exposed to ultraviolet light, type A, generated by these devices. A 20-minute session caused the death of 20% to 30% of cells. Thus three consecutive exposures killed between 65% and 70%. In addition, damage to mitochondria and DNA was found, which is related to the development of skin cancer. Although more studies would be needed to determine the safety of this type of device more precisely, the truth is that they raise an alert about the dangers that they can cause when used repeatedly.

We consulted Dr. Sebastián R. Gil Quiñones, a specialist in epidemiology, researcher, and third-year resident in dermatology at the Universidad del Bosque in Colombia, to talk about the effects of ultraviolet light is divided into three types A, B, and C, used in these drying lamps. "The skin has three layers called epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis; type A ultraviolet light penetrates deeper into the skin to the dermis, generates immediate tanning, damages dermal collagen causing long-term aging of the skin and plays a role -although minor- in the development of skin cancer and also causes pigmentary changes such as spots Type B ultraviolet light penetrates to the epidermis, that is, the most superficial layer of the skin and causes what we know as the burn solar radiation and late tanning; this type of radiation is more directly involved in the development of skin cancer by generating mutations in these epidermal cells," explains the doctor.

In this regard, it should be noted that nail lamps are not the only aesthetic procedure in which one is exposed to ultraviolet light. It also happens with tanning beds and, in fact, with light lamps, computers, or device screens. "The evidence tells us that the risk of skin cancer with the use of tanning beds is 58% for squamous cell carcinoma, 24% for basal cell carcinoma, and 47% for melanoma," explains the doctor.

Likewise, it indicates that the damage they produce occurs at the molecular level, so it can be challenging to determine an immediate effect on the skin. For this reason, he points out that it is necessary to observe any changes in the exposed skin, especially the appearance of nodules or lesions that do not heal or spots of blackish or inhomogeneous brown pigment. In addition, this is combined with other lifestyle factors: "Exposure to tobacco, acetaldehyde (present in the alcohol we consume), and minerals such as arsenic could also increase the risk of skin cancer. Likewise, everyday cosmetic products or herbal waters could contain elements that could cause irritative or allergic reactions," warns the specialist.

Keratin and Micro Blading: Other Procedures to be Careful with

Keratin is a trendy hair straightening treatment. However, for several years there have been warnings about its risks. The main danger is that many keratins contain formaldehyde, a chemical irritating the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. It has been linked to respiratory problems, asthma, and cancer. Keratin releases vapors that are as dangerous for the hairdresser as those who use them on their hair. You may experience headaches, skin or eye irritation, and respiratory tract problems. Although many keratins have already abandoned the presence of formaldehyde, they may still have a high presence of other harmful chemicals. For example, methanol.

A study by the US National Institutes of Health examined 33,947 women and found that women who frequently used hair straightening products were twice as likely to develop uterine cancer. And it is that although they are sold in supermarkets or beauty salons, many cosmetic products contain chemicals that are harmful to health that, with repeated use, could interfere with the development of diseases.

We recommend you read: Hair products are related to uterine cancer

On the other hand, it has been discovered that metals such as cobalt, iron, or mercury are found in micro blading or micro pigmentation inks and used in permanent makeup for eyebrows and other areas. These can affect health in the long term and also interfere with procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging. They can also change their color over time. It should not be forgotten that cuts are also made in the skin and that, if the proper procedure is not followed, they can also cause infections.

How to Know that a Product is Safe?

As Dr. Sebastián Gil Quiñones affirms, it is not always easy to determine which products will have a long-term harmful effect. "While many of the effects of our everyday products are determined to even over decades (when patients begin to develop problems with their skin or other organs after repeated exposure to these products), dermatological products are tested in laboratories and pass various security filters." For this reason, the specialist recommends knowing the product that will be applied to review the health records. For example, in Colombia, the entity in charge of issuing sanitary authorizations is INVIMA or the FDA in the case of the United States, but where global products or chemicals can be consulted.

Before undergoing aesthetic treatments that involve intervention on the skin, it is necessary to inquire well about the procedure and the suitability of the person who intends to apply them. Also, be suspicious of those who offer spectacular systems at low costs. Products of dubious origin tend to have low prices precisely because of low-quality materials.