UV gels and other types of artificial nail coatings do not affect the growth of the natural nail plate and cannot make them grow thinner. Artificial nail coatings adhere to the uppermost surface of the nail plate and they have no effect on the growth matrix where the nail cells are created. Overly aggressive or heavy-handed filing techniques are what cause excessive thinning of the natural nail. Also, nail damage is often created when clients or nail technicians scrape or pry any artificial coating from the natural nail plate. To avoid this type of damage, nail professionals should take great care during nail preparation and while removing any nail coating. Clients should also be educated to avoid picking product from the nail plate.
— Doug Schoon is chief scientific advisor for CND.