As with any nail service, there are pros and cons to getting a manicure with gel nail polish. Though gel polish may be long-lasting and better looking, it can also be toxic to your skin, nails, and overall health. According to Teen Vogue, some (not all) polishes utilize ingredients like dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde, and toluene in their formulas, which are carcinogens. Here's a few other things to look out for.

Since gel polish requires a UV (or LED) lamp to dry down, your body is being exposed to radiation. It's only for short amount of time but still not ideal. No, LED nail lamps are not a "safer" option compared to UV lamps. "Although many people mistakenly believe these lamps do not use UVA [rays] to cure, they, in fact, use higher intensities of UVA wavelengths in order to achieve the shorter curing times," Dr. Chris Adigun, a dermatologist, told Teen Vogue. "This higher intensity of UVA irradiance means that it requires less time for these lamps to potentially harm the skin."

That's important to keep in mind. Additionally, the removal process — achieved by soaking the polish in acetone and removing with a nail scraper — can be damaging to your skin and nail health, per the outlet. Regular nail polish may have its faults — examples include long drying time and short-lasting length, according to Kiara Sky — but it ultimately may be safer and healthier to use in the long run.