Gel Pedicures - What you are actually doing to your toenails

TPO in gel manicures and pedicures was banned in Europe last September. One year later and gel pedicures are going strong in the US. What is actually wrong with this? 

In the US, the FDA follows guidelines that differ from the European Union guidelines. Therefore, gel polishes have not been affected here. Gel polish in manicures and pedicures is in full swing. Nonetheless, there are three important problems with gel and acrylic polish:

1. Besides TPO, the polymer composition in gel and acrylic polishes is more dense than bone. Everyday shear forces on the toenails as we walk and exercise are meant to be absorbed by the bone. When toenails have gel and acrylic on them, their density exceeds that of the underlying bone. Consequently, everyday sheer forces from walking and exercise, which the bone is meant to absorb, hit the nail instead. This eventually deforms the nail bed causing pincer, thickened, and painful toenails. The trauma to the toenails could be irreversible. 

2. Gel polish is porous, allowing water to penetrate. When water is present, fungus and mold grow. Thus, I am seeing an uptick in fungal toenail infections in those applying gel and acrylic to their toenails. If you thought gel pedicures were expensive, well the fix for fungal infections is more expensive and takes over a year to clear. 

3. Gel and acrylic polishes cure with UV light. They advertise as being "faster" than a regular pedicure since you don't have to sit for it to dry but you are exposing your feet to a high dose of Ultraviolet radiation instead. 

Bottom line: skip the gel and acrylic pedicure and keep your toenails healthy!