Sophia Delgado
Peeling nails can be caused by a variety of factors, including external trauma to the nail, vitamin deficiency, dehydration, and improper removal of nail enhancements. While peeling nails are typically not a cause for concern, they can be unsightly and frustrating. Luckily, there are several simple solutions to prevent and treat this issue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Causes | External trauma to the nail, vitamin or mineral deficiency, exposure to water and<co: 4,11,16,17,18>chemicals, improper removal of nail enhancements, nail-biting, dehydration, underlying health conditions, age-related changes, exposure to UV rays, and more |
| Prevention and Treatment | Increase iron intake, keep nails short and moisturized, use nail hardeners and strengtheners, wear gloves when washing dishes, avoid gel manicures, file nails gently, moisturize cuticles, address underlying health issues, and more |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid nail biting and picking at your cuticles
Biting your nails and picking your cuticles can be a hard habit to break. However, it's important to stop, as it can cause infections and damage the tissue that makes your nails grow, resulting in abnormally shaped nails.
One way to stop nail biting is to identify your triggers. For example, are you biting your nails out of boredom or stress? Once you know what's causing you to bite your nails, you can develop a plan to avoid these situations.
You can also try a gradual approach. First, stop biting the nails on one hand, then, when that's successful, move on to the other hand.
If you tend to bite your nails and cuticles when you're nervous, try to find an alternative behaviour. For example, you could squeeze a stress ball or silly putty, or gently apply pressure to a specific part of your body.
You could also try putting something bitter-tasting on your nails, such as salt or jalapeño juice. This will remind you not to put your fingers in your mouth.
If you tend to bite your cuticles, try carrying a cuticle cutter to trim them when you have the urge to pick them. Keeping your cuticles hydrated with oil can also prevent the rough or frayed skin that may prompt picking.
Finally, if you're struggling to stop biting your nails and cuticles, consider speaking to a therapist or dermatologist.
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Moisturise your nails and cuticles
Keeping your nails and cuticles moisturised is essential for maintaining healthy and beautiful nails. Nails are made from keratin, a protein also found in hair, and they have multiple layers that can peel, causing them to appear thin and weak.
One way to prevent this is to establish a daily moisturising routine. You can use a moisturising oil or a cuticle oil, massaging it into your nails and cuticles. There are many products on the market designed to strengthen your nails and moisturise your hands and cuticles. For example, Olive & June's Cuticle Serum is an award-winning product with a non-greasy formula that includes hydrating ingredients like avocado oil, jojoba oil, and cactus flower extract. You can also use coconut oil, a classic hydrating beauty staple that traps water in your skin.
The frequency of moisturising your cuticles should be influenced by factors such as skin type, daily activities, and environmental conditions. If you notice dryness, cracking, or irritation, you may need to moisturise more. If your cuticles seem well-hydrated, you can continue with your routine.
Additionally, it is important to pay attention to the removal of nail coatings. Avoid peeling or chipping nail polish, as this can strip away a layer of your nail. Instead, use cotton balls or swabs with an acetone-based or acetone-free remover to gently rub away old nail polish. Always follow up with a moisturiser after removing nail polish.
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Take supplements like biotin, iron, or zinc
If you suspect that your nails are peeling due to an iron deficiency, consider taking iron supplements. Nails are made of a protein called keratin, which makes them strong. However, a lack of iron can lead to thin, weak nails that are prone to peeling. By increasing your iron intake through supplements, you can help strengthen your nails and reduce peeling.
Biotin supplements are another option to consider. Biotin is known for its ability to promote nail strength and hair growth. If your nails are weak and brittle, biotin can help fortify them and reduce the occurrence of peeling. It is a safe and effective way to improve the health of your nails.
Zinc supplements are also worth exploring, especially if your nails have discoloured areas. Zinc is essential for maintaining healthy nails, and it can help address any discolouration or abnormalities. Taking zinc supplements may help restore your nails to their optimal condition, reducing peeling and enhancing their overall appearance.
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen. They can advise you on the appropriate dosage and provide guidance based on your individual needs. Additionally, it is always beneficial to prioritise a well-balanced diet rich in nutrients to support the health of your nails and your overall well-being.
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File your nails correctly
Filing your nails is an important step in nail care, but it can cause damage if not done correctly. Here are some tips to help you file your nails properly to prevent peeling:
First, position a nail file parallel to the side of your nail. Then, move the file from the side toward the centre. From the centre, move the file down across the opposite side. Always file in the same direction—avoid sawing back and forth, as this can increase the chances of your nails breaking or peeling. Filing your nails into a rounded shape, rather than a square shape, can help prevent snagging.
It is also important to use the right type of nail file. If you want to reduce the length of your nails, use a rougher grit to file them down, then smooth them out with a fine-grit nail file. This will help create a smooth surface on your nail and get rid of any rough edges.
In addition to proper filing, it is important to be mindful of other factors that can contribute to nail peeling. For example, avoid peeling or chipping nail polish, as this can strip away a layer of your nail. If you need to remove nail polish, use a gentle, acetone-free remover and rub your nails gently until the polish comes off. Always follow up with a moisturiser after removing nail polish to prevent dryness.
Nail biting is another habit that can harm your nails and cuticles, making them more prone to peeling and infection. It is best to avoid biting your nails and, instead, use tools or other alternatives to open things.
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Avoid gel manicures
Avoiding gel manicures is a good idea if you want to prevent your nails from peeling. Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking, and repeated use can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands.
Gel manicures require UV light to set the gel, and this can be damaging to the nail bed. The UV light from the lamp can be just as harmful as UV light from the sun. In addition, gel manicures can cause nail fungus and put you at risk of developing a skin or nail infection due to the filing down of the nail bed.
If you get gel manicures, it is important to be proactive with your manicurist. Ask if their tools are sterilized and ensure they are cleaning and disinfecting their tools after every client. You can also ask your manicurist to use a peel-off base coat, which can make it easier to remove the gel polish later on.
To keep your nails healthy, it is recommended to take breaks from gel manicures and give your nails a chance to repair. You can apply a moisturizing product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times a day to minimize brittleness and help prevent chipping.
If you decide to remove your gel manicure at home, be sure to use an acetone-based remover and always follow up with a moisturizer. You can also try a nail-hardener or nail-strengthener product to treat existing damage.
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