Razširjenost uporabe gel lakov za nohte ter osveščenost žensk v Sloveniji o povezanih tveganjih

Kljajić, Melisa (avtor), Bjelošević Žiberna, Maja (mentor)

Uporaba gel lakov za nohte je v zadnjih letih postala izjemno razširjena tako med profesionalnimi kozmetičnimi saloni kot tudi med splošnimi uporabnicami. Njihova priljubljenost temelji predvsem na dolgotrajni obstojnosti, estetskem videzu ter mehanski odpornosti, ki jo omogoča posebna sestava gel lakov. Za razliko od klasičnih lakov ti za strjevanje potrebujejo UV ali LED svetlobo, pri čemer imajo ključno vlogo fotoiniciatorji. Ob izpostavitvi svetlobi fotoiniciator absorbira energijo in preide v vzbujeno stanje, pri katerem nastanejo radikali, ki sprožijo proces polimerizacije. Tekoča zmes se tako spremeni v trdno in obstojno polimerno strukturo. Kljub številnim prednostim uporabe gel lakov pa se vse več pozornosti namenja tudi možnim tveganjem, povezanim z izpostavljenostjo UV svetlobi in določenim kemičnim snovem v izdelkih. Zaradi vse večje uporabe teh kozmetičnih izdelkov postaja pomembna tudi osveščenost žensk o pravilni in varni uporabi gel lakov ter o možnih vplivih na zdravje. V okviru diplomske naloge smo s pomočjo pregleda literature in spletnega vprašalnika raziskovali razširjenost uporabe gel lakov za nohte ter osveščenost žensk v Sloveniji o tveganjih, povezanih z njihovo uporabo. Poseben poudarek smo namenili fotoiniciatorjem, predvsem snovi TPO (trimetilbenzoil difenilfosfin oksid), njegovi vlogi v gel lakih, vplivu na zdravje ter prepovedi uporabe v kozmetičnih izdelkih. V raziskavo je bilo vključenih 168 anketirank, ki so bile razdeljene v dve skupini: študentke kozmetologije (1.–3. letnik) ter ostalo žensko populacijo, kjer je anketo izpolnilo 51 študentk kozmetologije in 117 anketirank iz splošne populacije žensk. Rezultati raziskave so pokazali, da je uporaba gel lakov zelo razširjena tako v kozmetičnih salonih kot tudi v domači uporabi, kljub temu da je večina žensk seznanjena z določenimi tveganji, povezanimi z njihovo uporabo. Ugotovljene so bile razlike med skupinama predvsem na področju informiranosti o fotoiniciatorju TPO, njegovi funkciji, sestavi ter možnih alternativah. Študentke kozmetologije so izkazale višjo stopnjo poznavanja sestavin in potencialnih tveganj v primerjavi z ostalo populacijo. Raziskava je prav tako pokazala, da so uporabnice v določeni meri seznanjene z možnostjo alergijskih reakcij in vplivom fotoiniciatorjev na zdravje, vendar kljub temu ostaja uporaba gel lakov zelo priljubljena zaradi njihove obstojnosti, estetskega videza in praktičnosti. Na podlagi rezultatov zaključujemo, da je ozaveščenost o tveganjih sicer prisotna, vendar obstaja potreba po dodatnem informiranju uporabnic o varni uporabi gel lakov in sestavinah, ki jih vsebujejo.

• Jezik: Slovenski jezik
• Ključne besede: Fotoiniciatorji, gel laki za nohte, kozmetični izdelki, trimetilbenzoil difenilfosfin oksid, UV/LED polimerizacija.
• Vrsta gradiva: Diplomsko delo/naloga
• Organizacija: FFA - Fakulteta za farmacijo
• Leto izida: 2026
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-187116
• Datum objave v RUL: 09.09.2026

Sekundarni jezik

• Jezik: Angleški jezik
• Naslov: Prevalence of gel nail polish use and awareness of associated risks among women in Slovenia

Izvleček

The use of gel nail polishes has become increasingly widespread in recent years, both in professional beauty salons and among the general population. Their popularity is primarily attributed to their long-lasting durability, aesthetic appearance, and mechanical strength, which are determined by their chemical composition. Unlike conventional nail polishes, gel nail polishes require curing under UV or LED light, during which photoinitiators play a crucial role. When exposed to UV or LED light, photoinitiators absorb energy and generate free radicals that initiate the polymerization process, transforming the liquid or semi-liquid formulation into a solid, cross-linked polymer. Despite their numerous advantages, growing attention has been drawn to the potential risks associated with exposure to UV radiation and certain chemical ingredients contained in these products. As the use of gel nail polishes becomes more widespread, it is important to ensure that users are informed about their safe application and potential health effects. In the diploma thesis, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of gel nail polish use and women’s awareness of the risks associated with their use in Slovenia. The research was based on a literature review and an online questionnaire. Emphasis was placed on the photoinitiator TPO (trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide), including its role in gel nail polishes, its potential health effects, and its prohibition in cosmetic products. The survey included two groups of respondents: cosmetic science students (from the first to third year of study) and women from the general population. A total of 168 respondents participated, including 51 cosmetic students and 117 women from the general population. The results showed that the use of gel nail polishes is widespread both in beauty salons and home use, even though most respondents were aware of at least some of the associated risks. The greatest differences between the two groups were observed in their knowledge of the photoinitiator TPO, its role, composition, and possible alternatives. Cosmetic students demonstrated a higher level of knowledge regarding product ingredients and potential health risks than women from the general population. Although respondents showed some awareness of allergic reactions and the potential health effects of photoinitiators, gel nail polishes remain highly popular because of their durability, aesthetic appearance, and practicality. Overall, the findings indicate that additional education on the safe use of gel nail polishes and their ingredients is still needed.

• Ključne besede: Cosmetic product, gel nail polish, photoinitiators, trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide, UV/LED polymerization.