From reading my posts, you know that I am a fan of gel mani’s, such as CND Shellac (Read CND’s response HERE), Calgel, OPI Axxium Soak-off Nail Lacquer.  As a matter of fact, for my vacation I ended up getting an OPI Axxium Gel Mani in the shade Cajun Shrimp because it was the most practical thing to do since it is low-maintenance and I wouldn’t have to worry about my nails looking a mess due to chipping.

So what’s the point of me writing this post?  Well,  in my March 2012 issue of Good Housekeeping   magazine (page 120), there was an article titled “4 Risks of Gel Manicures”.  This of course comes right before I am just about to get a gel mani this weekend! Don’t you hate that?

In the study Good Housekeeping conducted, 10 products were tested, which are as follows:

Professional Use

CND Shellac

Gelish Soak-off Gel Polish

Jessica Professional Geleration

Le Chat/Nobility Competition Gel

NSI Polish Pro

OPI Axxium Soak-off Gel Lacquer

Orly GelFX

At-home use

Couture Gel Nail Polish

Nutra Nail

Red Carpet Manicure

What are the risks?

1.  They contain skin irritants, such as methacrylates, which can cause skin redness, itching, and/or swelling in some people. 

2. Products contain toxic Chemicals.

Nutra Nail may contain a carcinogen, called BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole)

CND Shellac contains methyl pyrrolidone, which may cause reproductive harm, per its packaging. 

3.  Using the UV light to “set” four of these gel manicures introduce you to unnecessary radiation.

Acording to GHK, even though you’re only exposed to the UV light up to 8 minutes each session, cumulative exposure increases your risks just as if you were using a tanning bed.

4.  Soaking off the gel can lead to long-term problems

Since acetone, the product used to soak off the gel is used, has a drying effect on the nails and skin.  Cracking, peeling, or brittle nails as well as chapped skin can occur.

Good Housekeeping suggests, for the above reasons, to stay away of gel manicures. I would love to see a more information on this study, including rebuttals from industry experts.  Calgel, which wasn’t mentioned is something I will consider to continue to get, especially since I do not get them often.

What are your thoughts?  Now, knowing the risks of gel mani’s will you continue to get them?

No need to worry about how you’re going to get ll yummy for your honey on Valentine’s Day.  LUSH has you covered with the release of their Valentine’s Day goodies, which feature  items to make bath time and bedtime more enjoyable.

These are my top picks to ensure you not only have the right gift, but, to make sure your night is hot & steamy…

Do Knot Disturb Knot Wrap

This is one knot we wouldn’t mind undoing! Inside you’ll find four products sure to make your Valentine’s Day a little more special. The paper band around it can be used as a door hang once cut out, .:wink wink:. Contents: Soft Coeur, Lust soap, Sex Bomb, French Kiss, $28.95

Lots of Love Gift

This Valentine’s Day, give your beloved a gorgeous cherry-blossomed covered hatbox of love! Nestled inside are seven sensual treats for the bath and shower; everything you need for a romantic night in! They can relax in a tub full of lavender bubbles and rose fizz, while they soap up with sexy jasmine suds and our incredibly softening body conditioner. They’ll step out, only to cover themselves in chocolate and honey (courtesy of the Soft Coeur massage bar and your hands) and a spritz of 1000 Kisses Deep perfume. $49.95

Love Potion Massage Bar

Give your love a little rub and cast a spell with this sensual massage bar. Delicately scented with the fragrance of Love perfume this heart stopper is sure to put you, and keep you, in the mood, $9.95. 

Leap Frog Bath Bomb

Ladies the world over will be popping the question as 2012 is a leap year, and it’s the girls’ turn to do the asking! LUSH has created the Leap Frog bath bomb, made with the sultry scent of jasmine, sandalwood, ylang ylang, rose and neroli, to help ladies everywhere get a ring on their men. Once he gets a whiff, he’ll have to say yes, $4.95.

Note: If you don’t take baths, try rubbing it on your skin.  The scent lingers all day long & your skin feels smooth.

*Images courtesy of LUSH Cosmetics NYC Union Square

Check Part I of my Valentine’s Day Gift Guide here

lush valentine’s day