A fresh gel manicure is just about the most satisfying thing you can do to your nails. But it can also be one of the most time-consuming and messy! That’s why it’s important to use a good curing lamp to speed up the process and set your polish properly. The two most popular types of nail polish uv nail lamp and LED, but what’s the difference between them? And which one is safer for your skin? To find out, we talked to a couple of dermatologists.

Experience Professional Results: UV LED Nail Lamps

UV nail lamps emit UV rays that react with the photoinitiators in gel polish to make them harden. This allows the nail technician to cure the nail quickly and easily. However, if you expose your hands to this light too often it can damage your skin. According to the FDA, long-term exposure can lead to wrinkles, age spots, and even skin cancer.

However, the amount of UVA absorbed by the skin during a manicure session is relatively low. And if you apply sunscreen, you can significantly reduce your skin’s risk. Moreover, the bulbs of most nail curing lamps have a short lifespan. So, you need to replace them regularly if you want to continue using the same nail lamp. This can add up to a significant cost over time. LED nail lamps are more expensive than their UV counterparts, but they last much longer and don’t emit any harmful UV rays. In addition, they’re safer for the environment.