Healthy nails feel smooth and have an even color, whether they're on your hands or your feet. Because your hands and feet do a lot of work every day, it's easy to damage your nails. If you notice peeling or pitting on your nails, yellowish discoloration, white spots or curling, your nails aren't as healthy as they could be.
Moisturize Regularly
Healthy nails are well-hydrated nails, and many nail problems are more likely to occur when your nails are dehydrated. Dermatologist Audrey Kunin, M.D. says in Good Housekeeping magazine that dry nails are prone to peeling, cracking and breaking and that dry, unsightly cuticles are likely to turn into painful hangnails. To avoid many nail problems, moisturize your fingernails and toenails every day with an intensive moisturizer.
Protect Your Nails
Take measures to protect your nails from damage. One of the most effective ways to do this is to get out of the habit of using your nails as tools. Don't use your nails to pry, poke or pick things, recommends the Mayo Clinic. Along the same lines, keep a pair of plastic flip-flops handy so you never have to walk with bare feet in public places. Phoebe Rich, M.D., a nail disorder expert and clinical associate professor of dermatology at Oregon Health and Science University, tells Good Housekeeping that health club, swim center and even shoe store floors are potential breeding grounds for bacteria that can damage nails.
Groom Carefully
You can protect your nails by clipping them straight across and filing them in only one direction, says the Mayo Clinic. Sawing back and forth with a nail file or emery board can weaken your nails. You may find it easier to trim your nails after soaking them for a few minutes to soften them up. Resist the urge to pull off hangnails, which almost always involves pulling off living tissue, according to the Mayo Clinic. Instead, clip hangnails short to prevent them from catching on clothes and ripping.
Watch Out for Water
You may think you're hydrating your nails when you wash dishes or soak in the tub for a long time, but soaking your nails in water actually dries them out and causes them to weaken over time. Cleaning products and some bath products can exacerbate the problem. If you regularly get your nails wet, Good Housekeeping recommends wearing protective gloves or applying a coat of clear nail polish to protect your nails.
References
- MayoClinic.com: How to Keep Your Fingernails Healthy and Strong
- Good Housekeeping: Click here to find out more! Don't Miss These: GoodHousekeeping.com: Tip and Tricks to Your Best Hair Ever Great Buys & Stylish Ideas for Home Decor A Girl's Guide to Grilling The Right Way to Wear a Maxi Dress 26 DIY Decorating Ideas to Try And check these out: Poolside Picks: 29 Cool Cover-Ups 10 Most Popular Haircuts of All Time Maintain Your Mane in the Heat 30 Fabulous Kitchen Design Ideas Everything You Need to Know About Your Hair Color You are here: Home > Style and Beauty > Nails > Want Strong, Healthy Nails? Go back to Stain Buster Go back to 30-Minute Clutter Solution Go back to PArty Planner Buzz up! What is this? Want Strong, Healthy Nails?
Member Comments