Karen

According to a study in the April 2009 issue of Archives of Dermatology, there’s real danger in the dryers most salons use to give nails that hard, smudge-proof finish.

The study examined two healthy, middle aged women with no history of skin cancer and little recreational UV exposure. Both had developed skin cancers on the top of their hands, and reported previous exposure to UV nail lights. Since the study was so small, further investigation is needed, but still, it’s scary to those of us who indulge in regular manicures.

New York City dermatologist Dr. Neil Schultz explains that the UV light that comes on halfway through the nail drying cycle is pretty much like setting your polish with a mini tanning bed. “It’s incredulous that no one has picked up on this!” he told StyleList. More >