Caleb Foster
Peeling nails can be caused by various factors, including external trauma to the nail, exposure to chemicals, and certain manicure habits. It can also be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as iron deficiency or lung disease. To prevent and treat peeling nails, it is recommended to avoid picking or peeling nail polish, use gentle and acetone-free nail polish removers, and keep nails moisturized. Proper nail care, such as regular exfoliation and buffing, can also help. Additionally, maintaining a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can address potential nutritional deficiencies contributing to nail peeling.
Characteristics and their Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Trauma to the nail, underlying medical condition, exposure to chemicals, manicure habits, diet, dehydration, age-related changes, iron deficiency, exposure to UV rays, and more |
| Prevention | Use a nail strengthener, wear gloves when washing dishes, dry hands and nails after washing, apply hand cream with vitamin E, avoid over-buffing, moisturize nails (e.g., with coconut oil), maintain a well-balanced diet, etc. |
| Treatment | Increase iron intake (through supplements or spinach), keep nails moisturized, use a nail file instead of pulling off artificial nails, trim nails after showering, use a glass nail file, exfoliate with glycolic acid, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid nail polish and manicures
Nails are made of many layers of compacted cells. When the bonds between these cells loosen, the layers separate, and the nail peels. This can be caused by external trauma to the nail, such as picking at nail polish, pressing on your nails, or even just from the removal process.
To avoid this, it is recommended to reduce your manicure frequency and use a gentle, acetone-free nail polish remover. Acetone is extremely dehydrating and can dry out your nails, making them more prone to peeling. Instead, use cotton balls or swabs to gently rub away old nail polish.
If you have a gel or shellac manicure, you should avoid peeling it off, as this can damage your nails. It can take months for your nails to recover from this kind of damage. Instead, use an acetone-based remover to gently remove the polish.
Additionally, avoid over-buffing your nails. Buffing can remove layers of your nails, wipe away essential oils, and catch on peeling sections. If you do choose to buff your nails, use a one-direction buffing motion and avoid pressing down hard.
You can also try other methods to prevent peeling, such as taking multivitamins or nail supplements, regularly exfoliating your nails, and keeping your nails moisturized.
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Take supplements
Peeling nails can be a result of various factors, including trauma to the nail, excessive moisture, and certain underlying medical conditions. While there are several treatments for nail peeling, taking supplements is one way to address the issue from within.
Nail supplements are not regulated by an independent medical body, so it is important to consult a healthcare professional or a dermatologist before starting any new supplement. Additionally, supplements will only make a difference to your nail health if you are deficient in the vitamins they contain.
Biotin, a water-soluble vitamin, can help strengthen nails and promote hair growth. It is often recommended for those with weak and brittle nails. Iron supplements are also suggested for those with thin nails, as they can help thicken them over time. If your nails have discolored areas, zinc supplements may be beneficial.
Collagen-boosting supplements have gained popularity for nail health. These supplements are said to improve nail strength and growth, resulting in less breakage and peeling. Some people also notice improvements in their skin and hair alongside healthier nails.
It is important to remember that supplements may take several months to show noticeable effects. Additionally, maintaining a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can help address any nutritional deficiencies contributing to nail peeling.
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Moisturise nails
Keeping your nails moisturised is an important step in preventing nail peeling. Nails are made up of layers of keratin, a structural protein also found in your skin and hair. When nails become dry, they are more prone to splits, breakage, and peeling.
To prevent this, you can use a nail-specific cream or cuticle cream, which can help to strengthen nails and prevent cracking. Look for ingredients like vitamin E, sunflower oil, Brazil nut oil, and phospholipids, which increase nail flexibility and combat dryness. You can also use your regular hand cream, which will also work on your nails.
Oils are another great way to moisturise your nails. Oils tend to absorb better than creams and can help keep the layers of keratin in your nails bonded together. Jojoba oil is a popular choice, as its molecules are similar to the sebum naturally found in our skin, allowing it to penetrate the nail plate more easily. Other oils to consider include squalene, sunflower oil, and Brazil nut oil.
When applying moisturisers or oils, make sure to massage them into your nails and cuticles. This helps to reduce peeling and brittleness, as well as stimulate blood circulation around the nails. It is recommended to moisturise your nails frequently, especially after water exposure and before bed.
In addition to using moisturisers and oils, you can also protect your nails by wearing gloves when washing dishes or performing tasks that involve harsh cleaning products or detergents. These can be drying and damaging to your nails.
Finally, consider your diet as well. Including foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, walnuts, soy, eggs, and seeds, can help prevent dry and brittle nails.
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Avoid trauma to the nail
Avoiding trauma to the nail is crucial for maintaining nail health and preventing injuries that can be painful and challenging to manage. Here are some essential tips to avoid nail trauma:
Keep Nails Trimmed and Well-Maintained: Regularly trim your nails to maintain a short length. Longer nails are more prone to catching on objects and can bend or tear more easily. Short nails reduce the risk of accidental trauma. Additionally, avoid biting your nails or cuticles. Nail biting can cause acute paronychia, an infection that leads to swelling and irritation.
Wear Properly Fitting Shoes: Ill-fitting shoes, especially those that are too small, are a common cause of toenail trauma. Ensure your shoes have a wide toe box to prevent rubbing and trauma to the toenails. This is crucial in preventing nail deformities that can occur due to repeated trauma.
Protect Nails During Activities: When engaging in sports or activities that may pose a risk to your nails, wear protective gear such as gloves or appropriate footwear. This will shield your nails from potential trauma caused by impact or crushing injuries.
Be Mindful of Your Surroundings: Everyday activities can pose a risk to your nails. Be cautious when closing doors or drawers to avoid crushing your fingers or toes. Keep your hands clear of sharp objects that could cut or pierce your nails.
By following these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of nail trauma and maintain the health and integrity of your nails. Remember, nail injuries can be painful and take several weeks to heal, so prevention is always better than cure.
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Exfoliate and buff nails
Exfoliating your nails can improve nail health and prevent peeling. Physical exfoliation involves using a scrub to massage your nails and cuticles for 2-3 minutes, then rinsing with warm water. You can use a face, body, or hand scrub. Finish with cuticle oil and a hydrating hand cream.
Chemical exfoliation involves using products containing an AHA or BHA (glycolic acid, lactic acid, or salicylic acid). Glycolic acid is said to be one of the best for nail rejuvenation.
Buffing your nails can also help give them a healthy appearance. However, it's important not to over-buff, as this can remove layers of your nails, wipe away essential healthy oils, and catch on peeling sections. When buffing, use only 6 to 8 strokes per nail, and avoid pressing down hard. Avoid using a back-and-forth motion, as this can thin the nail plate, making your nails more prone to peeling.
If you have artificial nails, gently remove all nail coatings without scraping or pulling, as forcing off the nail coating will cause nail damage and peeling. File your nails with a nail file, shaping them into a curve rather than sharp points on the sides or tips. This helps prevent snagging, breaking, and splitting.
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Frequently asked questions
Some home remedies to prevent peeling nails include increasing your daily iron intake with supplements or spinach, keeping your nails moisturized, and wearing gloves when doing chores such as washing dishes.
Yes, your manicure habits can cause your nails to peel. Picking or peeling nail polish or acrylic nails can remove a layer of your nail and cause them to dry out. Changing nail polish too often can also expose your nails to excessive acetone, which is extremely dehydrating.
Yes, in rare cases, peeling nails can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. An iron deficiency is a common cause of peeling nails. Other nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of calcium, vitamin D, or B vitamins like biotin, can also lead to nail peeling.
When filing your nails, use a glass file instead of a traditional emery board to prevent damage. Avoid buffing your nails too often, and always buff in one direction with gentle, steady strokes to prevent weakening your nail beds. Keep your nails short and trim them after showering when they are softer to prevent them from splitting.
You can use a nail strengthener such as Ella+Mila First Aid Kiss Nail Strengthener or OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener. To remove nail polish, use an acetone-free remover and always moisturize your nails afterward. Exfoliating your nails once a week can also help remove damage and promote nail rejuvenation.
