We love gel mani-pedis because they last long and don’t chip easily. However, the process of getting one involves using UV lamps to seal the gel polish to your nail, and these lamps emit high levels of UVA radiation, which can age your skin quickly. It could even put you at a higher risk of developing cancer.
This potential for damage is taken seriously in medical circles, and the American Academy of Dermatology recommends that we apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to our hands before getting a gel treatment.