Most people don't give much thought to their nails beyond applying a little polish or trying not to bite them during a stressful trip.
But nails are very important. They protect the tips of our fingers and toes and help with many of life's little tasks. And, like it or not, twisted nails can say a lot about a person's attention (or lack thereof) to detail.
Most people agree that a broken or jagged nail has a huge impact on seemingly mundane tasks, such as putting on a pair of socks or stockings. Yet, despite their practical importance, nails get very little consideration or appreciation – few of us know how to keep them healthy and in good condition. Nearly a quarter of people in the United States suffer from what is known as brittle nail syndrome. Brittle nails break and chip easily, and they can also come off in layers. They are much more likely to have jagged, rough edges rather than a smooth surface.
Although some health conditions can cause brittle nails, dry nails are also caused by activities such as washing dishes and using harsh cleaning products. [source: American Osteopathic College of Dermatology]The same things that make your nails look shiny and beautiful can also cause them to become brittle and fragile. Ingredients in nail polish, such as formaldehyde, can dry out your nails. And nail polish remover is doubly damaging. The acetone found in many nail polish removers is very drying to your nails.
For most people with dry, brittle nails, the best treatment is the simplest: moisturizing them. If you want to learn more about healthy nails, discover ways to prevent them from becoming brittle, and get some tips to help you moisturize your nails effectively, read on.
Hydration of brittle nails
Before you start applying moisturizer to your cuticles, it can be helpful to understand a little bit about nails and what makes them healthy or unhealthy. Nails are made up of layers of keratin, the structural protein that you'll also find in your skin and hair. Basically, your nails and the area around them have five main parts:
Nail plate: This is the part of the nail that is on the surface, which you can see, touch and tap.
Nail folds: are the areas of skin that surround the nail plates.
Nail Bed: The skin beneath the nail is called the nail bed, which is partially responsible for supporting the nail plate.
Cuticles: Cuticles are the protective layers of tissue that overlie the nail plate at the edge of the nail folds.
Lunula: The lunula is the whitish strip that appears at the base of the nail plate.
So why do nails become brittle? Nails grow from the cuticle at a rate of about 0.1 mm (0.004 inches) a day. As soon as the nail is exposed to daily wear and tear, it can start to suffer damage. Between the layers of keratin, there are small gaps. When nails are exposed to air and water, the gaps can swell. This causes the layers to separate more easily, resulting in a higher risk of breakage.
Applying moisturizer to your nails can prevent them from becoming brittle. Moisturizer protects the nail plate from air and water that can cause damage. There are two common methods for moisturizing your nails. One way is to apply a cream or ointment, such as Vaseline, to your hands, cuticles, and nail plates. Another is to soak your nails in oil, such as bath oil or olive oil. In extreme cases, you may want to combine these methods. First, dip your nails in oil, wipe off any excess oil from your hands, and then apply a moisturizing cream.
Read on for some practical tips to keep your nails hydrated and healthy.
Clues about general health
Most of the time, brittle nails are caused by conditions outside the body, such as dry air, frequent washing, or the use of harsh chemicals. However, sometimes, brittle nails are a sign of a more serious condition. In particular, thyroid disorders, including hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, can cause brittle nails. If your brittle nails persist even with regular moisturizing, or if you notice a change in your overall health, you may want to see your doctor.
Tips to hydrate your nails
Now that you know the common culprits of brittle nails and the basics of moisturizing, there are a few additional steps you can take to care for cracked, dry nails or keep brittle nails at bay:
Avoid nail polishes that contain formaldehyde. You should also avoid nail polish removers that contain acetone. If you have brittle nails but want to give them a little shine, limit your application of nail polish to twice a month.
Wear gloves when cleaning or washing dishes, as using soap and scrubbing can dry out your hands and nails.
Health experts recommend washing our hands frequently to avoid harmful viruses and bacteria, but all this washing is bad for your skin and nails. Use a mild soap whenever possible, and apply a moisturizer after washing.
Avoid long hot baths or showers, as hot water is especially drying to the skin. And, just like when washing your hands, be sure to moisturize your skin and nails as soon as possible after bathing. This way, you can retain any remaining moisture from the shower.
For intense hydration, apply a generous amount of hand cream or Vaseline before bed and then put on gloves or socks. Special cotton gloves are available in many stores for this purpose.
Choose a moisturizer that contains alpha hydroxy acids.
Use a humidifier in winter, when the air is often very dry, which can be harmful to skin and nails. [sources: Mayo Clinic, West].
