Since this is such an important issue, I wanted to comment on some of the points brought up this very interesting discussion. There are things called "universal truths" about artificial nail products. These truths are based on chemistry and biology, not opinion... and they are scientific principles and are not specific to any one companies education. They are truths that all responsible companies should be teaching.
One of these truths is, "liquid monomer and UV gels should not touch the skin". Anyone who tells you anything differently is not telling you the facts and they are putting your skin's health at risk. This is based on both chemistry and biology facts.
All monomer liquids can be used safely, so I completely agree that the monomer liquid is "safe". But, that's not to say that monomer liquid is safe no matter what you do or how you use it. It is only safe if used correctly and properly. In other words, it's up to the nail professional to use these products in a safe fashion. The same is true for UV gels.
The correct and proper usage for ALL artificial nail enhancement systems including UV gels, liquid and powder and fiberglass or wrap systems is to avoid skin contact. There are no exceptions to this rule! Anyone who tells you differently is not giving you the straight story and they are ignoring or ignorant of the scientific facts.
This information is backed up by prestigious Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) expert panel. This panel of unbiased, independent scientists and medical professionals determined that artificial nail liquid monomers are "safe as used" by professional nail technicians as long as they are instructed to "avoid skin contact" and are taught about the potential risks of developing adverse skin reactions, as well as, how to avoid this potential problem.
I agree 100% with the CIR's conclusions and it is because of their recommendations that many companies are finally beginning to teach this universal truth. So, the importance of keeping liquid monomer off the skin is not just my "opinion", it is an absolute and irrefutable fact. Nor is this a "CND" only recommendation. OPI, NSI and other leading companies also teach this in their education.
If you want to learn more about these issues, I recommend reading Chapter 12, "The Healthy Salon" in my book "Nail Structure and Product Chemistry-Second Edition", Thompson/Delmar Learning. In this chapter you will learn how to work safely and avoid overexposing yourself and/or your client's skin. If you're interested in learning more of these universal truth, you will also find them in this book.
I hope this information was useful and helpful.
Thanks,
Doug Schoon
VP of Science & Technology
Creative Nail Design, Inc.
