How To Maintain Healthy Nails?
A good character is essential, but the first thing that people notice about you is your appearance. A well-kept appearance tells people that you are an organized person. This is especially integral if you are meeting people for the first time.
Healthy, good-looking nails are a part of a well-groomed appearance. Similar to your hair and skin, your nails also require a regular care routine to ensure they remain in their best form. This article outlines some of the best tips to maintain gorgeous nails so you can be proud to take them to work or any social event.
Moisturize the Cuticles and The Nail Bed
Cuticles are an essential part of the nail structure because they act as a barrier keeping the nail bed safe from infections. Thus instead of cutting or trimming them, ensure they stay at their best shape by frequently moisturizing them. Keep in mind that even a slight trim can damage the cuticles and hence expose your nail bed to infections such as nail fungus.
Most of the time, nails break when they lack moisture. To help prevent the breakage, ensure you moisturize your nail bed frequently. Don't use plagiarised sources.Get your custom essay just from $11/page
Stop Picking Your Nail Polish and Biting Your Nails
As a habit or a way of getting rid of the nail polish, some people pick the polish from the nails by hand. However, this is dangerous and unhealthy. Besides running the risk of breaking your nails or cuticle in the process, you end up removing some layers of your nail. As the polish comes off, it comes off together with some layers of the nail hence weakening the nail.
Just like picking nail polish, some people have the habit of biting their nails. Such people usually do this absent-mindedly when they are bored or nervous. Also known as chronic onychophagia, nail-biting can cause abnormal nail growth, body infections like colds, or soreness on the skin surrounding the nails.
Take Biotin
If you have relatively strong nails, a healthy diet is all you need to maintain them. However, if you have weak nails, you should consider taking biotin supplements. Several studies have shown that biotin supplements help in increasing nail thickness as well as preventing nail breakage and splitting. To get the best results out of biotin, experts advise that you take about 2.5 milligrams a day.
Choose Your Nail Polish Removers Wisely
There are many nail polish removers in the market. Generally, there are acetone and non-acetone nail polish removers. Every dermatologist agrees that nail polish remover that is acetone-based should be avoided at all costs if you want to have healthy nails. Acetone is a harsh chemical known to strip nails, thus making them brittle.
Most nail polish remover brands state on their label whether they are acetone-based or non-acetone based. You only have to be on the lookout.
Avoid Full Nail Extensions
When applied frequently, nail extensions can cause bacterial and fungal infections on the nails. Other times, the damage can be permanent. Even though nail extensions have been a huge fashion trend in the recent past, experts advise that people avoid wearing them if they want to have healthy nails. If you must wear extensions, then opt for nail tips. Even though the tips can still have negative effects on your nails, their risk of infections and damage is lower since they cover a smaller area compared to the full nail extensions.
Don’t Forget Your Toenails
Most people tend to pay more attention to their fingernails and forget about the toenails. However, toenails need the same if not more care as the fingernails. Furthermore, toenails are prone to infections since the fungus can easily grow on them, especially when one wears closed shoes often. This is because fungus thrives in moist and dark environments.
To avoid the infections caused by a careless pedicure, always carry your instruments when going to have a pedicure at the salon. Also, never let the attendant dig around the cuticle or under the nail. Avoid the problem of ingrown nails by always cutting the toenails straight across and not at an angle.
Watch Out for Infections
Consult your doctor as soon as you notice any changes to your nails. Even though injuries like a broken nail or ragged edges can be treated at home, an infection requires the attention of a doctor so you can get the appropriate care and treatment. Signs of bacterial infection include pain, swelling, and redness. Symptoms of nail fungus include red, irritated, and puffy skin around the nail bed.
However, some nail problems may indicate an underlying health condition. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the following are some nail conditions and their respective underlying health problem.
- Slowed growth rate, thick, and yellowish nails – Lung disease
- Pale nail beds – Anemia
- Half pink nails – Kidney disease
- Yellowish nails and blush at the base – Diabetes
- White nails – Liver disease
Signs of Healthy Nails
Generally, healthy nails are those that are strong and can grow long. The following are some of the signs to look out for so you know whether your nails are healthy or not.
- Do not break easily – If your nails are weak and seem to separate from the nail bed, you could be suffering from onycholysis. According to the Mayo clinic, onycholysis can cause infections or injuries. Aside from iron deficiency, Onycholisis can be caused by frequent wetting and drying of the nails.
- Your cuticles are there – Contrary to popular belief and what you may have heard from the beauty shop, cutting cuticles is a bad idea. Cuticles act as barriers and protect the nail matrix from fungus, bacteria, and yeast.
- Your nails are not filled with ridges – Harvard Health Publishing explains that the appearance of many ridges on the nails is an indication that one has unsatisfied nutritional needs, drug reaction, or a nail plate infection.
Having healthy nails is possible. All you have to remember Is to moisturize your nails and watch out from the products your nails come into contact with, including the nail polish removers, shampoos, and other harsh cleaning materials. If possible, always wear gloves when washing. Remember to keep your nails and cuticles moisturized at all times.