Sophia Delgado
Strong and healthy nails can be an indicator of good health, but sometimes our nails need a little extra help to grow and strengthen. Nails grow from the nail matrix, the area of the finger that forms cells that eventually become our fingernails. This process depends on efficient blood flow to deliver nutrients and oxygen for healthy growth. There are many ways to improve nail health, including taking biotin supplements, applying nail hardeners, and making dietary changes to include more vitamins A, E, and D, protein, iron, and healthy fats.
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What You'll Learn
- Moisturise your nails and the surrounding skin with a hand cream or ointment
- Use nail hardeners, but with caution, as nails that are too hard can become brittle
- Eat a nutrient-dense diet, including vitamins A, E and D, protein, iron and healthy fats
- Take a biotin supplement, but check with your healthcare professional first
- Wear gloves when washing dishes or doing chores that involve water
Moisturise your nails and the surrounding skin with a hand cream or ointment
Moisturising your nails and the skin around them is a crucial step in keeping your nails strong and healthy. Nails can absorb water and are prone to becoming brittle when exposed to water for extended periods. This is why it is recommended to wear gloves when washing dishes or performing other chores that involve submerging your hands in water.
To combat the negative effects of water exposure, you should moisturise your nails and the surrounding skin with a hand cream or ointment. You can use any type of hand cream or ointment that you typically use on your hands. However, there are also nail- and cuticle-specific creams and ointments available. These products can help seal in moisture and protect your nails from future damage. Ointments, such as Aquaphor Healing Ointment, are particularly effective in nourishing and protecting your nails. After applying the cream or ointment, you can further enhance the moisturising effect by wearing cotton gloves, which help lock in the moisture.
In addition to using creams and ointments, you can also try nail- and cuticle-specific oils, such as cuticle oil or straight jojoba oil. Applying oil at least once a day, or even 2-3 times a day, will nourish your cuticles and help seal your nails. Oils can be used in conjunction with creams and ointments by first applying the oil, then wiping off any excess, and finally applying the cream or ointment.
Exfoliation is another important step in the moisturising process. Just as you would buff off dead skin cells to allow your moisturiser to better penetrate the skin, you can also exfoliate your nails to remove dead nail cells. Products containing glycolic acid or urea can be used to exfoliate your nails once a week. After exfoliating, you can then apply your chosen moisturiser to add back moisture to your nails.
By consistently moisturising your nails and the surrounding skin, you can help prevent nail damage and promote the growth of strong and healthy nails.
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Use nail hardeners, but with caution, as nails that are too hard can become brittle
While nail hardeners can be effective in strengthening nails, they should be used with caution. Overly hard nails can become brittle and crumble, so it is important to strike a balance between hardness and flexibility. Consistent use of nail hardeners is key to achieving successful results, but it is also important to allow your nails to breathe and give them time to strengthen.
Nail hardeners can be a helpful short-term solution, but for long-term nail health, it is important to address the root causes of brittle nails. Nutritional deficiencies, dehydration, and certain medical conditions can all contribute to nail brittleness. Ensuring adequate intake of vitamins, especially biotin, and maintaining proper hydration can help improve nail health.
Additionally, excessive exposure to water can negatively impact nail strength. Wearing gloves while washing dishes or performing chores that involve submerging your hands in water can help protect your nails. Using cuticle oil and nail moisturisers can also nourish and protect your nails, sealing in moisture to prevent dryness and brittleness.
It is worth noting that frequent gel, acrylic, or long-lasting manicures can contribute to nail weakness. The removal process, which often involves harsh acetone and aggressive scraping, can be particularly damaging. Giving your nails a break between applications or limiting these types of manicures to special occasions can help mitigate their negative effects.
Overall, while nail hardeners can provide short-term strength, addressing nutritional and lifestyle factors, maintaining proper hydration, and being mindful of the products and treatments used on your nails will contribute to healthier and stronger nails in the long term.
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Eat a nutrient-dense diet, including vitamins A, E and D, protein, iron and healthy fats
Eating a nutrient-dense diet that includes vitamins A, E, and D, protein, iron, and healthy fats is essential for achieving strong, healthy nails.
Vitamin A plays a crucial role in nail growth and health. Foods rich in beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, include orange and yellow vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and squash.
Vitamin E, found in nuts, seeds, and avocados, is another important nutrient for nail health. These foods provide healthy fats, which help supply the body with magnesium, essential for bone and nail health, resulting in stronger and shinier nails.
Vitamin D, obtained from eggs, also contributes to nail strength by regulating calcium levels. Additionally, eggs offer biotin and healthy fats, further promoting nail health.
Protein is crucial for nail health, and animal proteins like chicken, turkey, beef, and fish are excellent sources. These foods provide collagen, which is necessary for nail strength and flexibility. For plant-based sources of protein, beans, legumes, and tofu are good alternatives.
Iron is integral to nail health as it ensures that nail beds receive adequate oxygen for healthy nail growth. Meat, such as beef liver, is a good source of iron, as are spinach, black-eyed peas, and asparagus.
While dietary sources are preferred, supplements can be beneficial when it is challenging to obtain sufficient vitamins and minerals from food alone. Biotin supplements, for instance, have been shown to strengthen brittle nails.
In addition to a nutrient-dense diet, remember that nail care practices, such as moisturization and avoiding excessive water exposure, are also crucial for maintaining strong and healthy nails.
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Take a biotin supplement, but check with your healthcare professional first
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is an essential nutrient that supports your metabolism and helps convert food into energy. It also promotes healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of protein-building amino acids that are essential for nail growth.
Although biotin supplements are generally safe, it is always a good idea to check with your healthcare professional before taking any new supplement, especially if you are experiencing nail or hair issues. Biotin deficiency is rare, but consuming biotin through supplements may help strengthen brittle nails and improve their growth. Small clinical trials have shown that biotin supplementation may improve conditions such as trachyonychia, which causes rough and brittle nails, and it may help nails become more firm and thick. However, these trials are small, and more research is needed to prove the efficacy of biotin supplementation in normal, healthy individuals.
Additionally, while biotin is water-soluble and easily excreted from the body, it can interfere with the accuracy of certain lab tests. Therefore, it is important to inform your healthcare professional if you are taking biotin supplements, especially if you are getting bloodwork or lab work done. They can advise you on the proper dosage and any potential side effects, as well as test you for any deficiencies and recommend appropriate treatments.
It is worth noting that most people get adequate biotin through a healthy diet. Biotin-rich foods include fish, seeds, and certain medications. Adult daily multivitamins and prenatal vitamins typically contain 100% of the recommended daily value for biotin. However, if you are concerned about not getting enough biotin or experiencing nail issues, your healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance and recommend the best course of action for your specific needs.
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Wear gloves when washing dishes or doing chores that involve water
Water can be a nail's worst enemy, causing weak and brittle nails. Therefore, it is important to wear gloves when washing dishes or doing chores that involve water.
Washing dishes with bare hands can leave your hands feeling dry, rough, and grimy. This is because the hot water you use to rinse off grease and grime from your dishes can strip your hands of their natural oils, which create a waterproof barrier. By wearing gloves, you can protect your hands from the harsh effects of hot water and prevent your nails and skin from drying out.
Additionally, wearing gloves can act as a barrier between your hands and the chemicals in cleaning products, which can be harsh and drying. This is especially important if you have sensitive skin or are prone to skin irritation. Gloves can also protect your hands from bacteria and pathogens that may be present on dishes and surfaces, reducing the risk of infection and illness.
When choosing dishwashing gloves, opt for durable and waterproof ones that fit comfortably. You may also want to consider gloves with a gentle cotton or fabric lining if you have sensitive skin. It is recommended to use a different pair of gloves for each household chore, such as cleaning the bathroom or handling chemicals, to avoid cross-contamination.
By taking this simple precaution of wearing gloves, you can help keep your nails and skin healthy and strong while doing chores that involve water.
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Frequently asked questions
Eating a nutritious diet is a great way to improve nail growth. Incorporating vitamins A, E, and D, protein, iron, and healthy fats into your meals can help keep your nails healthy and strong.
Consistent use of nail strengtheners is key for successful results. Prescription strengtheners are the best choice for long-term use as they contain chemicals that increase nail strength and trap moisture to prevent future brittleness.
If your nails are too hard, they may become brittle and crumble. This is because they do not have enough moisture to make them flexible.
If you are experiencing brittle nails, keeping them shorter will allow them time to build up strength. Shorter nails are also less prone to breaking. You can also try moisturising your nails and the surrounding skin with a hand cream or cuticle oil to prevent further nail impairment.
