UV Curing Light VS LED Curing Light

Hello everyone! I’m a star employee at CHROMÉCLAIR, a brand of hema free gel polish brands.

Gel lamps, also known as nail gel lamps, are specifically designed for curing gel polish or nail gel during the nail art process. Based on their light emission principles, they are categorized into LED lamps and UV lamps. So, what’s the difference between LED gel lamps and UV gel lamps? Which one is more effective? Today, we’ll unravel these mysteries for you.

01 Safer Than Others

Standard UV lamps typically operate at a wavelength of 365nm, falling under the UVA spectrum. UVA rays, also known as aging rays, can cause significant skin damage even in small doses. Prolonged exposure to UVA can also harm the eyes, with such damage being cumulative and irreversible. That’s why some users notice their hands darkening and drying out after frequent light therapy sessions! LED lamps emit visible light with wavelengths between 400nm and 500nm—similar to ordinary lighting—and pose no harm to human skin or eyes. Therefore, from a safety perspective, LED light therapy lamps offer superior protection for skin and eyes compared to UV lamps!

02 Gel Curing Speed

Since LED lamps have longer wavelengths than UV lamps, curing a gel polish under an LED lamp typically takes about 30 seconds, whereas a standard UV lamp requires 3 minutes to achieve the same result.

03 Who’s More Comfortable?

Conventional UV lamps generate significant heat during operation, typically reaching temperatures between 50-70°C. Accidental contact can easily cause burns. In contrast, LED lamps are cold light sources that do not produce the intense heat of UV lamps. Even touching the lamp tube with your hand feels cool. This is especially beneficial for nail enthusiasts with naturally thin nail surfaces, as LED lamps significantly reduce the burning sensation and discomfort associated with UV lamps.

04 Which Is More Versatile?

UV lamps can cure all brands of gel polish and UV gel, but LED lamps can cure all gel polishes yet may not necessarily cure UV gel. So in terms of versatility, UV lamps have the edge!

05 Who’s More Cost-Effective?

Currently, UV therapy lamps and LED therapy lamps on the market vary significantly in price, with LED lamps being more expensive. Does this mean UV lamps are more cost-effective? Not necessarily. In the long run, LED therapy lamps offer environmental benefits and eliminate the need for frequent bulb replacements. So, Aimi breaks down the numbers to show you which option saves you more money!

• Standard 36W

Price (¥80 per unit) + Lamp tubes ¥160 (typically replaced twice yearly; each tube costs ¥5, totaling ¥40 annually, or ¥160 over four years) + Five-year electricity cost ¥324 (based on 10 hours daily, totaling 18,000 hours over five years; 36W consumes 648 kWh; electricity cost calculated at ¥0.5/kWh) = ¥564

• LED UV LAMP A2.5W

Price (¥180 per unit) + Lamp tube ¥0 (LED bulbs rarely require replacement) + Five-year electricity cost ¥22.5 (10 hours daily = 18,000 hours over 5 years; 2.5W consumes 45 kWh at ¥0.5/kWh) = ¥202.5

The cost-saving advantage is crystal clear! Plus, LED lamps are more environmentally friendly with recyclable materials. From every economic perspective, LED lamps are the superior choice!

Overall, if you’re using gel polish products, an LED lamp is your best bet! However, if you’re using UV gel, you’ll first need to check whether your UV gel lamp is compatible!

While UV lamps have a lower purchase cost, they come with more hidden risks. Neither nail technicians nor DIY enthusiasts should use them long-term! There are now combined UV/LED lamps available on the market. If you need both gel polish and UV gel applications, these hybrid lamps are worth considering!

■ Precautions

1. Do not place the device in direct sunlight or in high-temperature, humid environments.
2. Do not stare directly at the light source while the device is operating, as it may damage your eyes.
3. Do not touch the nail lamp with wet hands to prevent electric shock.

We hope this article helps you understand curing lamps more easily!

CHROMÉCLAIR offers Base coats, Top coats, solid color gel polish without HEMA, and hema free cat eye gel polish.

Their website also features nail art tutorials, such as:

Nail Art Techniques：Brushstroke-Free Nail

How to Do the Magical Girl Nail Art at Home?