UV and LED lamps both do the same thing: dry nail products. But a lot of you have asked us what the difference is between these two types of lamps. You'll find out in this article!
LED vs UV: an unnecessary conflict
Let's start with a few definitions. The term LED means light-emitting diode: a semiconductor device that emits light when an electric current is passed through it. An LED lamp is a lamp with multiple light-emitting diodes.
The term UV refers to a type of emitted light: ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light has a shorter wavelength than visible light (between 380 nm and 449 nm). It is invisible to the human eye.
So when you make a distinction between a “UV lamp” and an “LED lamp”, you've got your language wires crossed! The two terms are not contradictory: you can absolutely have an LED lamp that emits UV rays. Manucurist lamps are a case in point!
Manucurist lamps
So, what IS the difference between a UV lamp and an LED lamp? It's just a question of wavelength.
UV lamps are lamps that are used to cure UV gel nails: they emit a wavelength of around 350 nm because UV gel nails need that wavelength to cure.
LED lamps like the 18W Travel Lamp and the 36W Pro Lamp emit 365 nm to cure gel nail polish like Green Flash.
Both of these lamps emit blue light as well as ultraviolet light. This blue light has no effect on the curing of your Green Flash polish; it's just a visible indicator that the lamp is working.
Flash without fear!
We've known about the dangers posed by UV light emitted by the sun for many years. Prolonged exposure to UV light can lead to sunburn, premature ageing, allergies and in extreme cases, skin cancer and eye damage. Plenty of reasons to be wary of UV light!
But rest assured the UV light emitted by the sun and UV lamps is very different. Green Flash gel polish lamps are a lot less powerful than the sun or tanning beds! So little UV light is emitted that it is harmless to your skin. Which means you can enjoy your Green Flash routine risk-free!
Any questions or comments? PM us on Instagram @manucurist.
Buy your Green Flash kit here!
