However, gel nail polish containing TPO are still available in the United States, which leaves the Salongoers to question the possible risks.
What is TPO?
The TPO is considered to be a “photoinitiator”, which means that it helps to absorb the energy of UV or LED light, and “accelerates the polymerization of acrylate monomers in gel varnishes”, explains Chris Adigun, MD, a dermatologist specializing in nail disorders and the founder of dermatology and the laser center of Chapel Hill. To translate: TPO creates the hard and durable surface that makes the gel varnish attractive.
Not all freezing nail products do not contain TPO, notes Dr Adigun.
Is TPO harmful to your health?
Currently, there are no large -scale human studies on TPO health effects, explains Sharrón L. Manuel, MD, reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist at HRC Fertility in Pasadena, California.
The EU has classified TPO as a “reproductive toxic” category 1B, based on the alleged negative effects on fertility or human reproduction, explains Dr Manuel.
“Although the path of administration in these animal studies is very different from a human exposed by the freezing manicure, the EU is still cautious, because the data is not yet there to exclude potential damage to humans,” she said.
Manuel agrees with the prohibition: “We do not yet have enough data to be extremely worried, but we also do not have enough data to support the security of the use of gel varnish containing TPO in humans.”
Other experts also support the EU decision. “This precautionary prohibition – which means that no dangerous effect of TPO has not yet been observed – seems reasonable given the generalized popularity of freezing manicures and the rarity of safety data for freeze -manicure lovers and living room workers,” explains Adigun.
She adds that while the nail plate acts as a “formidable obligation to the systemic absorption of TPO and other nail cosmetic ingredients” for people who receive gel manicures, workers from the manicure show can be exposed to TPO and other photos by inhaling or ingesting freezing dust – and there is limited data on the risks chronic, low exposure of the low level.
In the United States, there is currently no restrictions on TPO in frost varnish. A spokesperson for the Personal Care Products Council, a commercial group representing cosmetics and personal care companies, said that in the United States, companies must demonstrate to the Food and Drug Administration that their products and ingredients – including the Polis of TPO and Gel that contain them – are safe and respected in the FDA regulations. In other words, if a product is available in stores and salons, the FDA does not think it poses a security risk.
The industry undertakes to “maintain the highest standards of safety, quality and transparency,” said the spokesperson.
Should you avoid gel manicures?
There is no solid evidence that the TPO has risks of fertility or other risks to human health. But if you are worried, you can buy gel varnish without TPO or ask for in your living room
“Finally, this ban can influence the regulatory trends of beauty products worldwide, and we can start to see more products without TPO under development,” explains Manuel.
If you actively try to design or if you are in your first trimester of pregnancy, when the fetal development is critical, Manuel suggests to limit your exposure or avoid the TPO if possible.
“As a specialist in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, I tend to be more careful and conservative until we can prove that TPO is safe,” she said.
Gel manicures have been linked to other health risks
Gel manicures can cause brittle, peaky or crisp nails, and repeated exposure to UV light could increase the risk of skin cancer and accelerate the aging of the skin on the hands. Acetone in Polish moves can also be severe on the skin.
The AAD recommends applying sunscreen on your hands before exposure to UV light, avoid picking the varnish on your nails, and soaking your fingers (rather than all your hand) in acetone to remove the varnish. In addition, take breaks between manicures and hydrate your nails and cuticles.
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