Should UV Gels “Burn Like Crazy”?

Pregunta: If UV gels “burn like crazy” under the UV lamp, students are told that it is because the gel is “bad”? In my opinion, the problem is more related to the way the gel is being used during application. What do you think?”

Respuesta: I do agree with this. When UV gels are properly applied and cured, they can become warm. However, they are NOT supposed to “burn like crazy”.  Of course, this assumes the students are using a quality, brand-named UV gel that is well formulated, and properly applied. And then, of course, cured as directed by the manufacturer in the correct lamp. Manufacturers take steps to ensure their UV gel doesn’t “burn like crazy”.  If anyone is getting this amount of excessive heat, then it would seem they are NOT properly applying and/or curing. 

Cómo identificar la sensación de quemazón en la aplicación de uñas de gel UV

Individuals experiencing a burning sensation when applying UV gel may find this article relevant, as it addresses the causes and solutions for this issue. Some common symptoms associated with UV gel application include a burning sensation during or after the process, excessive heat felt on the nails, nail plate separation from the nail bed (onycholysis), increased sensitivity of the nail bed, the risk of nail bed infection, and potential loss of the nail plate if not properly addressed.

Para determinar si este artículo puede proporcionar la información y orientación necesarias, consulte los siguientes puntos para obtener una visión general rápida:

• Sensación de quemazón durante o después de la aplicación del gel UV
• Sensación de calor excesivo en las uñas
• Separación de la lámina ungueal del lecho ungueal (onicólisis)
• Aumento de la sensibilidad del lecho ungueal
• Riesgo de infección del lecho ungueal
• Posible pérdida de la lámina ungueal si no se trata adecuadamente

Causas y consecuencias del calentamiento excesivo de las uñas de gel UV

If the UV gel is applied too thickly or cured in an unsuitable nail lamp, then excessive heating may occur. These are the two most common reasons for this to happen. When the “correct” thickness of UV gel is applied, they may become warm. But when applied too thickly, more heat is released, and the nail can become very warm. When one also uses a nail lamp that releases too much UV energy for curing that UV gel, then overheating becomes very likely to occur. That’s because one symptom of over-curing a UV gel es la liberación de cantidades excesivas de calor. 

Comprender y tratar la onicólisis en las uñas de gel UV

Este tipo de quemadura puede hacer que la lámina ungueal se separe del lecho ungueal. Esto crea un espacio abierto, que se denomina onicólisis. Una vez onicólisis occurs, the nail bed may later become infected. It can eventually lead to complete loss of the nail plate unless proper care is taken to reverse the condition.  Once onycholysis occurs, the nail plate should be kept short and clients will have to be careful not to injure them until they can grow out again. When the hyponychium seal under the free edge is reestablished, then the nail plate should continue to grow normally.  Depending on the severity of the onycholysis, this condition may take one or two months to resolve itself. During that time, clients should be instructed to wear gloves, keep their nails clean and dry, and do everything they can to prevent catching the nail on objects which could pry the nail plate back, and lead to even more nail bed separation. Keeping the nail plate short will help prevent additional damage. 

Prevención de quemaduras por fricción

The other possible reason the UV gel may feel too hot could be because the nail bed has been friction burned by overly-aggressive filing techniques. This is often done when nail technicians use heavy-handed filing techniques. In other words, using too much downward force on the nail file.  When an electric file is improperly used on the nail plate, the result can be friction burns to the lecho ungueal.  Friction burns cause the nail bed to become super-sensitive to even normal and acceptable levels of warming that normally wouldn’t be a concern. The client’s natural nails should be gently and carefully filed and not treated roughly while being filed.

Buenas prácticas de aplicación y curado de geles UV

When it comes to achieving optimal results with UV gel nail enhancements, it is crucial to follow certain best practices. One important guideline is to apply UV gels in thin layers, ensuring a proper cure and avoiding potential issues. By applying the gel in thin layers, it allows for better control over the curing process, minimizing the risk of excessive heat generation. This method promotes a more even distribution of UV energy during the curing phase, leading to a more stable and durable nail enhancement.

Además, el uso de la lámpara UV adecuada es esencial para conseguir un curado correcto. No todas las lámparas UV para uñas son iguales, y el uso de una lámpara inadecuada puede dar lugar a resultados de curado subóptimos. Cada producto de gel UV suele venir con instrucciones específicas sobre la lámpara UV que se recomienda utilizar. Seguir estas directrices garantiza que el gel se exponga a la longitud de onda y la intensidad de luz UV adecuadas, lo que facilita un proceso de curado completo y exhaustivo.

Curar correctamente el gel UV es de suma importancia, ya que influye directamente en la durabilidad y longevidad de la mejora de la uña. Un curado inadecuado puede provocar diversos problemas, como astillado prematuro, descamación o incluso el desprendimiento completo del gel UV de la uña natural. Si se aplican capas finas y se utiliza la lámpara UV adecuada, los técnicos de uñas pueden garantizar un curado correcto, lo que se traduce en uñas de gel UV bonitas y duraderas.

Be sure to checkout our latest article – La escandalosa realidad de los geles que queman