A new study suggests that UVA radiation emitted by UV lamps in nail salons is not powerful enough to cause skin cancer.

Researchers from Georgia Regents University in Augusta led by Dr. Lyndsay Shipp tested 17 UV lamps used to dry and set nail polish from 16 different salons. They then measured levels of radiation emitted by these lamps and compared the findings to a specific number that denotes a risk of skin cancer.

Their analysis and calculation revealed that it would take several sessions before the UV lamps caused skin cell damage that could potentially lead to skin cancer. The number varies depending on the machine used. Analysts estimated eight minutes of exposure per session and concluded that one has to spend a total of 208 minutes before damaging his or her skin cells.

"Our data suggest that, even with numerous exposures, the risk for carcinogenesis, remains small. That said, we concur with previous authors in recommending use of physical blocking sunscreens or UVA protective gloves to limit the risk of carcinogenesis and photoaging," Dr. Shipp said in a press release.

Though the risk factor is low, health experts recommend wearing at least SPF 15 sunscreen on their hands prior to the nail appointment.

This isn't the first time UV lamps have been proven not to cause immediate skin cancer. A similar study published in 2012 showed that it would take between 13,000 and 40,000 10-minute nail-drying sessions, or 250 years of weekly manicures, before an individual develops skin cancer. The study was conducted after two middle-aged women claimed that their skin cancer - which developed on the back of their hands - was caused by the UV nail lamp exposure.

The results of this study can be read on the April 30 issue of JAMA Dermatology.