Tips for Healthy Nails at Home
Long, strong, healthy nails are possible. Strong and healthy nails can be an indicator of good health, but sometimes they are not as strong as you would like them to be.
The good news is you can change your lifestyle and habits to help strengthen your nails and get them where you want them to be. Here are some tips that you can use to help strengthen your nails quickly.
Here are dermatologist's tips to keep your nails healthy:
1. Avoid using gel or acrylic nails, if possible
While it's touted as an easy alternative for those who have difficulty growing their nails, overuse can cause the nails to peel, which weakens the nails. If you must get one, don't wear it all the time.
The ultraviolet light exposure required for gel paints has been identified as a cancer risk factor, although the exposure is much lower than what you would get with UV tanning equipment. Exposure also causes skin to age which supports healthy nails.
Keep your nails clean and dry.
Too much water immersion can cause your nails to become brittle and break easily.. Wear gloves when washing dishes, and try not to get your hands in the water when bathing.
It's impossible to always avoid soaking your hands, but it's something to watch out for.
Cut the nails straight.
Use sharp nail scissors. Round the nails a little at the ends for maximum strength.
Nail Polish
Wearing nail polish will not damage your healthy nails, although you may need to apply the polish regularly. As part of your at-home manicure treatment, make sure you choose an acetone-free nail polish remover when you decide to get started. Wear gloves for better nail care when working with your hands, such as when you garden or clean the house, to protect nail polish and keep dirt off your nails.
Cut toenails regularly.
The fashion trend is to have neat, more natural looking, shorter nails and not the long claws of the past. Trimming your nails regularly helps you keep your nails healthy and helps prevent snagging or breaking. How often you trim will depend on how quickly your nails grow. You can use a fine file to smooth out the edges of nails. As part of your manicure, you can also lightly scrub the surface of your nails, especially if you are prone to bumps. Keeping them short will minimize your risk of trauma and injury.
Avoid "digging" ingrown toenails, especially if they are infected and painful. If you have an ingrown toenail, see a dermatologist for treatment. (aad.org)
Moisturizes nail bed and cuticles.
There is little medical data to show that moisturizing the nail bed will help your nails grow, it can make your cuticles look better and help protect your nails from breaking from a lack of moisture. If your nails are brittle, that could mean they need moisture, applying oil around the cuticles can help moisturize the entire nail, which will reduce the chance of chipping and cracking.
Remember the toenail count too!
Everything that applies to your nails applies to your toenails, which experts say may be more prone to problems due to a sloppy pedicure. Because the feet are in the shoes more often -- a dark, humid environment -- mold can grow more easily. If you're getting a regular pedicure, it's recommended that you bring your own instruments and don't allow the technician to dig under your nails or around your cuticles. Cutting toenails at an angle -- rather than straight across -- increases the risk of ingrown toenails, and they can be painful and sometimes develop into infection.
Keep your nails in shape and free from rips by filing them with an emery board.
Be patient with the growth of your nails
If you're a chronic nail-biter, you know the victory is ultimately growing your nails past your fingertips. Healthy habits and patience pay off in nail care. But the main focus is on finding ways to strengthen your nails, not looking for ways to grow nails fast. Stronger nails can lead to longer nails if you practice good nail care, but all of this takes time. If you're struggling with brittle nails that keep breaking and breaking, it's a good idea to trim your nails short until they're strong again; then they will have the foundation they need to grow for longer.
About the Manicure and Pedicure
If you're relying on a manicure or pedicure for healthy looking nails, keep a few things in mind. Stick to salons that feature current state licenses, and only work with professionals who are also licensed by state boards. Do not get your cuticles removed, because cuticles serve to close the skin to the nail plate, so removal can cause nail infections. Ensure that your nail technician properly sterilizes all tools used during the procedure, to prevent the spread of infection.
You may also ask how foot baths are cleaned. Ideally, a bleach solution is used between the client and the filters are cleaned regularly.
It's easy to neglect your nails — but taking a few basic steps can keep your nails healthy and strong.
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