Isla Bennett
Healthy and well-groomed nails can instantly make your hands look more youthful and attractive. To achieve this, it is important to have a nail care routine that includes regular moisturization, the use of cuticle oil, and the avoidance of harsh nail care products. Maintaining nail hygiene, wearing gloves during cleaning or gardening, and consulting a dermatologist for any nail concerns are also essential for nail care. Additionally, paying attention to your diet and including vitamins, supplements, and protein-rich foods can contribute to stronger and clearer nails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency of nail care | Once a week |
| Moisturizing | Use hand lotion and rub it into the fingernails and cuticles |
| Nail polish | Use acetone-free nail polish removers to prevent nails from drying out; use a base coat to prevent staining and a top coat to decrease chipping |
| Cuticles | Use cuticle oil or a serum-like strengthener; avoid cutting or removing the cuticle as it can break the seal of protection |
| Hangnails | Clip them off carefully to avoid ripping live tissue |
| Washing hands and dishes | Wear gloves to protect nails from harsh chemicals and moisture |
| Biting nails | Paint a layer of clear gel on nails, which may be more difficult to bite through |
| Manicures and pedicures | Ask the technician to leave cuticles untouched and ensure tools are sterilized |
| Nail hardener | Apply a protective layer to strengthen nails |
| Diet | Include vitamins and supplements like biotin, Vitamin E, and fish oil, as well as protein-rich foods like beans, fish, and nuts |
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What You'll Learn
Moisturise your hands and nails regularly
Keeping your hands and nails moisturised is an important step in maintaining nail health. Moisturising your nails helps to maintain nail flexibility and prevent nail splits. It is recommended to moisturise your nails after trimming them, and to rub lotion into your fingernails and cuticles when applying hand lotion.
There are a variety of products available to help moisturise your nails. One option is to use a cuticle oil or treatment, which can help to seal the area at the base of the nail and prevent bacteria and the possibility of infection. Cuticle oils containing jojoba oil are a popular choice, as they can keep cuticles soft and easy to maintain, prevent them from cracking, peeling or bleeding, and strengthen your nails. Serum-like strengtheners are another option, as they are absorbed quickly and typically contain moisturisers to rehydrate dry, brittle nails.
In addition to using specific nail care products, you can also improve your nail health by tweaking your diet. Adding vitamins and supplements like biotin, Vitamin E, and fish oil to your daily regimen can help to strengthen your nails. Eating protein-rich foods like beans, fish, and nuts can also contribute to healthier nails.
It is also important to consider the potential impact of certain activities on your nail health. For example, cleaning dishes in hot, soapy water without gloves can weaken your nails, while gardening can result in dirt caking underneath your nails. Wearing gloves when performing these tasks can help to protect your nails. Similarly, wearing mittens or gloves in cold weather can prevent dry, flaky, scaly skin and maintain the benefits of your moisturising routine.
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Use cuticle oil to prevent cracking and peeling
Cuticle oil is a great way to prevent your nails from cracking and peeling. It is a moisturising product for your nails and cuticles, usually made from vegetable oils, and sometimes containing vitamins and citric acid. The oil helps to prevent your nails from drying out and becoming brittle, which can lead to cracking and peeling. It also helps to protect your nail polish from peeling away and encourages longer-lasting manicures.
You can purchase cuticle oil that contains vitamins or other ingredients such as antioxidants. For example, Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream includes both Vitamin E and antioxidants, while Opi Avoplex Nail & Cuticle Replenishing Oil contains Vitamin E and has a brush for application. If you're looking for a more luxurious option, Dior Crème Abricot has been a popular choice since 1963.
There are also various natural oils you can use to nourish your nails and cuticles. Coconut oil, walnut seed oil, avocado oil, baobab seed oil, sweet almond oil, and rosemary oil are all recommended. These oils can be applied using your fingertip or a soft brush, and only a few drops are needed.
It's a good idea to use cuticle oil in between and after manicures, at night before bed, and after washing your hands to avoid cracking. If you're getting a manicure, ask your nail technician to leave your cuticles untouched and ensure their tools are sterilised to prevent infection.
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Wear gloves when washing dishes or gardening
Wearing gloves while washing dishes or gardening is an effective way to protect your nails and skin. Gloves act as a barrier, shielding your hands from harsh chemicals, hot water, and skin irritants commonly found in cleaning products and dish soap. Without this protection, your hands are vulnerable to becoming dry and cracked, and your nails can become frail and prone to splitting.
Rubber or plastic gloves are a good option, as they are durable and can protect your hands and nails from the stress of washing dishes and gardening. If you have sensitive skin, opt for latex-free gloves, as many gloves are made from latex and can cause an allergic reaction. Gloves with a gentle cotton or fabric lining are ideal for those with easily irritated skin. For extra comfort, consider gloves lined with moisture-wicking foam or long sleeves to prevent water from entering the gloves.
It is important to change your gloves frequently, as wearing the same pair for extended periods can create a warm and humid environment, leading to the growth of natural skin yeast, which is detrimental to nail health. Always wash your hands with soap and dry them completely before putting on a new pair. Additionally, consider using different pairs of gloves for various household chores to avoid cross-contamination.
By wearing gloves, you can effectively protect your nails and skin from the damaging effects of water, chemicals, and other irritants, thus maintaining healthy and strong nails.
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Avoid harsh nail polishes and nail polish removers
While it's fun to paint your nails and experiment with different colours, it's important to be mindful of the products you use. Some nail polishes and removers can be harsh and damaging to your nails and skin.
Nail polishes that contain ingredients like formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, and toluene can weaken your nails and make them more susceptible to splitting and yellowing. These chemicals are also associated with various health risks. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, recognised by the National Cancer Institute as a potential cancer-causing substance. It is also one of the most common substances that cause allergic contact dermatitis. Dibutyl phthalate (DnBP) is an endocrine disruptor, linked to issues like hormone changes, diabetes, and thyroid irregularities. Toluene can cause eye irritation and damage to the kidneys and nervous system.
To avoid these potential issues, opt for nail polishes that are labelled as "five-free," which means they are free from the aforementioned harmful chemicals. There are also brands that go beyond this and offer polishes that are 7-free or 10-free, excluding additional substances. These polishes provide a safer alternative, allowing you to enjoy coloured nails without exposing yourself to these health risks.
When it comes to nail polish removers, acetone-based removers are the most common and effective in dissolving nail polish. However, acetone can be harsh, drying, and damaging to your nails, skin, and cuticles. It is advisable to use acetone removers sparingly, limiting their use to no more than twice a month. Non-acetone removers, on the other hand, may contain ethanol or methanol, which have their own set of potential health risks. Ethanol has been linked to neurological problems and cancer with prolonged exposure, while methanol can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs, causing dizziness and headaches.
To minimise the negative impact of nail polish removers, opt for acetone-free or gentle removers. After removing nail polish, remember to rehydrate your nails and skin with essential oils or vitamin E to nourish and protect them. Additionally, always use a base coat before applying nail polish to prevent staining and a top coat to reduce chipping.
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Consult a dermatologist if you're concerned about nail health
While proper nail care can help prevent many nail disorders, it is important to consult a dermatologist if you are concerned about your nail health. Nails can provide a glimpse into your overall health, and any sudden changes in colour, texture, or shape could indicate an underlying problem that requires treatment.
For example, if you notice a new or changing dark streak on your nail, it is important to see a dermatologist for a skin cancer check. This could be melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, and early detection is crucial for successful treatment. Similarly, if your nail is lifting up, it could be due to a fungal infection or psoriasis, and a dermatologist can provide appropriate treatment.
Changes in nail colour can also be indicative of various health issues. For instance, pale nails can signify anaemia, while half-pink and half-white nails could indicate kidney disease. Blue half-moons on the nails could be a sign of poisoning, and greenish-black discolouration could indicate a bacterial infection. Thick, overgrown nails, known as Ram's horn nails, may be a result of psoriasis, ichthyosis, or poor circulation.
Additionally, if you observe that your nails are curving downward, accompanied by swollen fingertips and a spongy texture, this could be a sign of a severe health problem affecting your organs, including your heart, lungs, liver, stomach, or intestines. Curved nails can also be a harmless trait that runs in families, but it is still advisable to consult a dermatologist for an accurate assessment.
In summary, while some nail changes may be harmless, consulting a dermatologist is essential for peace of mind and to rule out any underlying health issues. They are trained to interpret these changes and provide effective treatment options to improve your nail health and overall well-being.
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