Size: N/A | Watts: 36W | Who it’s for: everyone
What’s the difference between UV and LED nail lamps?
When shopping for a lamp to set your gels, you might notice that “UV” and “LED” are used interchangeably or together. So what’s the deal? “One main difference is the bulb—LED stands for ‘light-emitting diode.’ A diode is a type of bulb,” says celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec. “UV lamps emit broad-spectrum ultraviolet (UV) light. This means they cover a wider range of wavelengths to cure gel products.” The downside is that UV lights take longer to cure nails—think two to three minutes.
Both lamps cure polishes, but true UV lamps have largely been phased out. “I have not seen a nail lamp with traditional UV bulbs in probably close to 8 years—they are very outdated,” she says.
Are UV/LED nail lamps safe?
In short, yes. You’re right to be hesitant about anything that exposes your skin to UV rays, but, as Kandelic puts it, “you get more UV exposure walking to your mailbox than in an entire nail appointment.”
Gel polish itself can be potentially irritating, so if you’re experiencing an adverse reaction, you might not be tolerating the chemicals in your lacquer. Dana Stern, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist and the founder of nail-care line Dr. Dana, explained to Allure that you can get contact dermatitis from a gel manicure; you’ll notice it on the skin surrounding the nail. Still, this isn’t an allergic reaction. Rather, it’s a response to an “irritant” due to “damage to skin cells caused by overexposure to a harsh chemical,” she says.
How should I use a UV/LED nail lamp?
Ideally, go for a system over a single product. You get the best results “by using a full system as it was meant to—base color, colors, top coat, and their lamp—and following the manufacturer’s directions,” says Kandalec. While there are a ton of high-rated options on Amazon, if you’re shopping for something not on this list, be sure it’s from an authorized seller that supplies an MSDS (material safety data sheet) with the lamp or kit.
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