Over the past few weeks there’s been a lot of media coverage regarding the potential risks of at-home gel manicure systems. Recently, the BBC reported that the Office for Product Safety and Standards would be investigating the increase in allergies occurring due to nail products. Following this, the British Association of Dermatologists reiterated the importance of safety to professionals, noting caution for DIY kits, which can be particularly problematic “due to the lack of experience the public has with these products”. 

In some cases, people have reported nails loosening or falling off, skin rashes or, in rarer cases, breathing difficulties, according to Dr Deirdre Buckley of the British Association of Dermatologists in an interview with BBC. She says dermatologists are treating people for these allergic reactions to acrylic and gel nails “most weeks”.

CND™, distributed by Creative Nails in New Zealand, welcome the attention and awareness the BBC are bringing to the issue. They say the recent epidemic of allergic reactions coincides with the increasing use of private labeled nail products and at-home gel systems.

Launched in 2010, after five years of intense research, development and safety assessments, CND™ changed the nail industry with the patented Shellac™ gel polish system. Ever since, they have embarked on an ongoing programme of continual research, development and safety assessments. Last year, they were voted the USA’s number one gel nail polish, a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality.

Often the products in question are made by third party manufacturers as cheaply as possible, using questionable formulations and ingredients (including strong sensitisers that can lead to these reactions), CND™ explains. The allergy will come after repeated exposure from the product being in contact with the skin.

Which ingredient is the issue? Methacrylate. The ingredient is also in plastics but in a physical form it is totally safe. In its liquid form it can cause a lifelong allergy, which will flare up anytime you are in contact with it. This can be an even more problematic issue as it is also used in medical procedures, dentistry, diabetes treatments and joint replacements.

The best way to reduce this risk is to commit to the full system of a brand and buy it from the authorised distributor. If products are cherry picked from different ranges and a different lamp is used, the coating can look cured but it may not be correctly cured – the product can seep onto the skin after the service. CND™ offer Shellac™ for professionals and for in-salon or at-home enthusiasts they offer Vinylux.