Nail health may seem frivolous to some, but when you have cracked, dry, and irritated nail beds, it can cause enough discomfort and pain to start taking it seriously. Growing strong nails not only can be aesthetically pleasing for those of us who partake in manicures and pedicures, but it’s also just sound practice for general care of the integumentary system, which, according to the Cleveland Clinic, is “an organ that consists of a few main structures: skin, nails, hair and glands, along with the nerves and blood vessels that support them.” So, that’s your health lesson for today. Now, let’s run down a few tips, finger and otherwise, on how to maintain healthy nails.
Start with the cuticle, which is the transparent skin located above and around the nail base. Think of it as the “root” of your nail. And when they become dry and dehydrated, it can lead to redness, swelling, white patches on the nails, discoloration, and all sorts of other problems. And while most nail techs will trim or remove dead cuticle skin during a treatment, you can maintain cuticles at home with hydrating cuticle oil. Oil keeps the cuticle not only hydrated but flexible to withstand everyday wear and tear. I’ve used Sally Hansen’s Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oil available at Ulta. I have both the travel pen version and the “stopper” container. There’s also Dr. Dana Nails’ Nourishing Cuticle Oil with a mess-free rollerball applicator to create a strong cuticle barrier function. Oil, while you can apply it on the go, is also best applied at night to give the oil time to absorb.
Cuticles aren’t the only thing you need to hydrate. Keeping your hands adequately moisturized throughout the day also benefits your nails. Using a nourishing and hydrating hand cream helps keep skin supple and acts as a protective barrier. Ideally, you’d moisturize after every time you wash your hands, which I try to do with travel-sized products like The Body Shop’s Shea Hand Balm in my at-home work desk. You can also keep products by the sink for a quick rub after using the restroom. In my everyday makeup pouch when I do leave the house, I have on hand (pun intended) Malin + Goetz’s Vitamin B5 Hand Treatment with bergamot scent, which I also dab a bit behind my ears for a fragrance boost whilst I’m out and about. For any cream, use a massaging motion when applying to boost blood flow to hands and cuticles, which supports nail health even further.
Next up, nail files. You may find that traditional, rough emery boards can be too abrasive for natural nails, causing micro tears that lead to splits and breakage. That’s where glass or crystal nail files come in, which aren’t as fancy as you may think. Glass files are not shards of glass, but instead they are chemically treated and tempered pieces of glass that feel dense rather than fragile. You can find glass files well under $10, such as Manucurist.com’s Glass Polisher that can be used to smooth, buff, and shine a natural nail. Or there’s Ulta Beauty’s Glass Nail File & Travel Case for $7 to help keep your nails smooth and bright on the road. Also, unlike emery boards, glass files are non-porous and can be washed and sanitized between uses.
Lastly, exfoliating your nails. Glycolic acid is a staple in many skincare routines, and it can also benefit your nails, both fingers and toes. You can apply a glycolic acid toner, like Good Molecules’ Glycolic Exfoliating Toner, using a cotton swab, then follow with a dab of cuticle oil. Or there’s Dr. Dana’s Nail Renewal System Set that exfoliates and hydrates nails for a chip-free shine. If you’re experiencing brittle nails, peeling, or have post-gel manicure damage, this type of system or a combination of exfoliate and cuticle oil should see results in about a week.
Speaking of brittle, if the texture and natural shade of your nails have you concerned from an aesthetic view, you may also want to consider your general health. Brittle nails are an indication you may be suffering from a vitamin D deficiency. Nails with white spots can point to a calcium deficiency. Again, your nails are part of the integumentary system, so taking care of them is not just for vanity’s sake, but also part of overall self-care and wellness.
