UV light is necessary when working with gel polishes. As we discussed earlier, the gel polish consists of components that activate by an LED light. The components change in state and harden on the surface of the nail. Therefore, not every regular polish works when using a UV or LED lamp. When buying a nail varnish, look for signs that indicate compatibility with an LED lamp. For instance, investigate the package and look for compounds like benzoyl peroxide or oligomers. This chemical is one of the main ingredients used in nail varnishes. Look for alternatives to gel polish. For instance, shellac is one of the beloved substitutes for gel varnish. It has the same properties as the gel one and is cured with UV light. Shellac leaves a glossy finish and provides additional protection from breakage due to a harder structure. Shellac is lighter than gel; therefore, it does not bulk when cured with LED light.