Caleb Foster
Flaky fingernails are a common problem, affecting about 20% of the population. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including overexposure to water, vitamin deficiency, and the use of acrylics or gel manicures. Nails are made from keratin, a protein also found in hair, and they absorb water easily. When nails absorb water, they expand, and when they dry out, they contract, which weakens the nail structure over time and leads to brittleness and peeling. This can be prevented by wearing gloves when doing chores and applying a moisturiser or nail oil after washing hands.
Why are my fingernails flaking?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Genetic | Yes |
| Age-related | Yes |
| Product-related | Yes |
| Exposure-related (water and chemicals) | Yes |
| Behavioural (peeling polish off) | Yes |
| Lack of moisture | Yes |
| Improper removal of nail enhancements | Yes |
| Diet | Yes |
| Nutritional deficiency | Yes |
| Regular use of acrylics or gel manicures | Yes |
| Trauma or damage to the nail | Yes |
| Lack of exfoliation | Yes |
| Vitamin deficiency | Yes |
| Iron deficiency | Yes |
| Lack of niacin (vitamin B-3) | Yes |
| Lack of biotin (vitamin B7) | Yes |
| Nail-biting | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Flaking can be caused by overexposure to water and chemicals
Flaking nails can be caused by overexposure to water and chemicals. Nails are porous and can absorb water readily. When nails absorb water, they expand, and when they dry out, they contract. Repeated cycles of expansion and contraction weaken the nail structure over time, leading to brittleness and flaking.
Water is not the only culprit. Harsh detergents, cleaning agents, and solvents often used in household chores can further strip nails of their natural oils and weaken them. Soaps and cleaning products are designed to remove oil and grease from surfaces, but in the process, they also remove the protective natural oils from your skin and nails. Over time, the layers and coating of the nail start to break down, and you will notice peeling and flaking.
To prevent this, it is recommended to wear gloves when doing the dishes or any other chores that involve water and chemicals. It is also important to dry your hands and nails thoroughly after washing them and to regularly apply a hand cream that contains vitamin E to replenish any moisture that is lost.
There are also some overnight treatments that work by hydrating the keratin cells of the nails. These treatments usually contain ingredients like antioxidant-rich green tea extract, Vitamin E, and sweet almond oil.
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It could be a result of nutritional deficiencies
Fingernail flaking can be caused by a variety of factors, including overexposure to water, age, and the regular use of gel manicures or acrylics. However, one potential cause that is often overlooked is nutritional deficiencies.
Nutritional deficiencies, especially a lack of vitamins and minerals, can lead to nail flaking and other nail problems. For example, a deficiency in vitamin B7 (biotin) is known to cause brittle nails that are prone to cracking and peeling. Similarly, a lack of vitamin B3 (niacin) can result in peeling skin around the nails. Iron deficiency is another common nutritional deficiency that can manifest as dry, peeling nails.
To address nail flaking caused by nutritional deficiencies, it is important to ensure adequate intake of essential vitamins and minerals. This can be achieved through a well-balanced diet rich in nutrients. Additionally, oral supplements containing specific vitamins and minerals can help strengthen nails and prevent further peeling. For instance, oral supplements with biotin and L-Cysteine have been clinically proven to improve nail health.
It is worth noting that nail flaking can also be a result of external factors, such as exposure to water, harsh chemicals, and certain behaviours like nail-biting or picking at polish. Therefore, it is recommended to maintain a balanced approach to nail care, including proper nail hygiene, moisturization, and the use of appropriate nail care products.
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Nail-biting and picking at polish can cause flaking
While nail-biting doesn't directly lead to flaking nails, it can cause other nail issues that may lead to flaking nails, such as an infection. "Nail-biting can cause infection of the nail and can put you at risk of spreading germs to your body," says Dr. Green. "This puts you at risk for other health issues due to the exposure of bacteria and viruses, which can be trapped on your fingers and underneath your nails."
Similarly, picking at your nail polish can cause nail peeling. "While the exact mechanism is not entirely understood, generally speaking, nail peeling occurs when cell-to-cell adhesion is disrupted," says Dr. Rose. "Our nails are made of many layers of compacted cells. The connection between one cell and other adjacent cells can be compromised as the bonds between them loosen. This is what occurs when the nail peels. The cell-to-cell adhesion breaks down and the layers separate."
To prevent nail peeling, Dr. Rose recommends applying a nail strengthener and using a gentle, acetone-free nail polish remover instead of picking the polish off bit by bit. It's also important to strike a balance between keeping your nails adequately hydrated and preventing excessive exposure to water and harsh chemicals. Moisturizing and protecting your nails can help mitigate the negative effects of water exposure.
Additionally, it's recommended to wear gloves when doing chores that involve harsh chemicals or prolonged water exposure, such as washing dishes. Applying a moisturizer or nail oil after each wash can also help prevent flaking and peeling.
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Age and genetics can be factors
The structure of the nail plays a role in this process. Nails are made up of multiple layers of compacted cells, and the connections between these cells can weaken over time, leading to peeling. This is similar to how our skin becomes drier and starts to peel as we age. The nail cells become detached, lifted, and separated, resulting in that familiar flaking appearance.
Additionally, the natural oils within our nails can deplete with age, causing them to dry out and become more brittle. This is exacerbated by activities such as hand-washing, the use of chemical solvents, and exposure to strong soaps or cleaning products. The protective natural oils in our nails are stripped away, leaving them vulnerable to flaking and peeling.
Age-related health conditions and nutritional deficiencies can also contribute to nail flaking. For example, vitamin deficiencies, especially a lack of iron, vitamin B-3 (niacin), or vitamin B7 (biotin), are commonly associated with nail peeling. Addressing these deficiencies through oral supplements or dietary changes can help mitigate this issue.
In summary, age and genetics are important factors in nail flaking. The aging process affects the structure and composition of our nails, making them more susceptible to external factors and health conditions. By understanding these factors, we can take preventive measures, such as maintaining proper nail care, wearing gloves during household chores, and ensuring adequate nutrient intake, to minimize nail flaking as we age.
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The use of acrylics or gel manicures can cause flaking
The use of acrylics or gel manicures can cause nail flaking. While these manicures might feel like self-care, they can ruin healthy natural nails and might even cause unexpected health problems in a small proportion of people who get them.
The removal of gels and acrylics often peels away fragments of the nail plate, damaging the nail's keratin layers, which can weaken the nail, cause it to become brittle, and appear white (a condition known as pseudoleukonychia). The nail glue used to attach acrylics to the natural nail is typically a mixture of alcohol, cyanoacrylate, and photo-bonded methacrylate, with other ingredients including formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. The chemicals in the nail adhesives can cause skin irritation and dermatitis.
The removal process for both gel and acrylic manicures can wear down natural nails, causing stripes running across the ends of the nails, as well as changes and damage to the capillaries underneath. Removing the nails can also cause traumatic onycholysis, where the nail is pulled away from the bed underneath. The chemicals used for removal, including acetone for gel nails, can also dry out the nail and surrounding skin and be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Additionally, the prolonged wearing of gels and acrylics can lead to pseudo-psoriatic nails, where extra skin grows under the nail, resembling the red and crusty appearance of psoriasis. Many manicure enthusiasts with pseudo-psoriatic nails test positive for an allergy to methyl methacrylate, which can cause the permanent loss of fingernails in severe cases.
To repair dry and damaged nails, you can use a nail serum or oil to hydrate the keratin cells of the nails and promote healthy nail growth.
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Frequently asked questions
Fingernails flaking can be caused by a variety of factors, including overexposure to water, age, a nutritional deficiency, and the regular use of acrylics or gel manicures.
To prevent nail flaking, you can wear gloves when doing chores, dry your hands and nails thoroughly after washing them, and regularly apply a hand cream that contains vitamin E to replenish any lost moisture.
There are various treatments for nail flaking, including topical treatments, nutritional supplements, and oral supplements containing niacin and biotin. Applying a nail strengthener can also help prevent nail separation.
