People are all abuzz about the gel manicure, which lasts longer than regular nail polish and doesn’t chip. But do you know what really goes into the gel manicure process? First, gel manicure polish is applied and “cured” under ultraviolet (UV) light. To take the gel manicure polish off, you have to soak the fingernails in acetone for 15 minutes. Newsflash: Acetone can cause serious skin irritation that’s not so pretty. Need more reasons why you might want to stay away from the gel manicure? Take a look at these, from the American Academy of Dermatology.