Made up of keratin and water, nails are similar to the skin: its good condition depends above all on how we take care of it. Are your nails damaged or discolored? Don’t worry; we have solutions for you!
1) Take a Break From Your Nail Polish
Nail polish can be harmful to your nails, especially if you apply several coats. From time to time, leave your nails without polish, so that they can breathe and recover. If you really can’t do without it, use a nourishing base to protect your nails. However, if the nails are too fragile, avoid them at all costs since it can dry out the nails even if there’s no acetone.
2) Don’t Forget to Moisturize!
Always moisturize your hands and nails after each wash. If it’s too hard for you, do it at least three times a day. Choose your cream carefully: not too greasy, not too sticky, and moisturizing.
3) Trim Your Nails
Today’s fashion trend is to have shorter, sharper and more natural nails, not long nails as in the past. Regular nail trimming helps to keep nails healthy and prevent them from getting stuck or breaking. The frequency of the cut varies according to how quickly your nails grow. Use a fine file to smooth the edges of your nails. As part of your manicures, you can also lightly polish the surface of your nails, especially if you tend to have streaks.
4) Look Out for Infections
Smoothing jagged edges and wrapping a broken nail in an adhesive bandage is not a problem, but if you see signs of infection, consult your doctor for necessary nail care. You will probably recognize the signs of a bacterial infection (redness, swelling, and pain), but you may miss the first signs of fungal nail infection, such as irritated, red and swollen skin around the nail bed. Fungal infections may improve with over-the-counter antifungal treatment but sometimes require prescription drugs. For optimal nail care, visit your doctor.
5) Wear Gloves for Dishwashing
Dipping your hands into warm, soapy dishwashing water can weaken healthy nails since it dries them out along with the rest of the skin on your hands. To protect your nails, you should wear dish gloves.
6) Rethink Your Products
Nail files: Instead of those old nail files, which create microscopic tears in the nail that lead to cracks and delamination, opt for a glass or crystal nail file.
Nail growth products: Many nail treatments or nail growth products on the market are clear nail polishes with market additives that have no scientific validity and do no good to your nails.
Nail polish remover: It is best to avoid using nail polish remover. But since most of us won’t give up the joy of a beautiful manicure, opt for acetone-free nail polish removers that contain oils and moisturizing ingredients instead.
7) Leave Your Cuticles Alone
It is common to cut or try to get rid of cuticles, but cuticles are not the enemy. They are the nail’s natural protective seal and damaging them can do more harm than good. For instance, a damaged cuticle may leave nails vulnerable and put them at risk of infection. In addition, a poorly maintained cuticle can have a domino effect. Dry or injured cuticles can damage the nail bed and adversely affect the pattern of nail growth. To prevent this, moisturize the cuticles with a cuticle cream or oil to help protect and strengthen your nails.
8) Have a Healthy Diet
Keeping a healthy diet is one of the secrets to strengthening nails. Antioxidant-rich foods like blueberries help protect the body’s cells from free radical damage, while fresh green leaves supply the iron needed to keep nails healthier. Magnesium-rich almonds are also ideal for smoothing vertical striae in the nails.
Do you have any other tips? Share it with us in the comments below!
