Healthy nails feature a smooth appearance with consistent coloring, according to MayoClinic.com. Achieving healthy-looking nails requires proper care and nutrition. Healthy nails help you feel confident about the appearance of your hands and feet. Caring for your nails also helps you notice changes that may indicate a health problem. Yellowing, separation from the nail bed, indentations across the nail, pitting, curled nails or opaque nails may indicate a health problem.
Trimming and Filing
Trimming and filing your nails on a regular basis keeps them looking healthy. Handling the nail care after a bath or after soaking the nails makes them easier to work with and is a safer option, according to MayoClinic.com. Trim your nails straight across with clippers or sharp manicure scissors. Follow the trim with an emery board to smooth the edges. Keep your cuticles intact to avoid infection in the nails. Hangnails should be clipped off rather than ripped, which often tears the surrounding tissue.
Moisturizing
Most people moisturize their skin, but many people overlook their nails. Massaging lotion into your nails each time you apply lotion to your hand keeps your nails healthy. Additional lotion after using fingernail polish remover is also a key step in keeping your nails healthy.
Protection
Protecting your nails keeps them healthier and prevents damage. Wearing rubber gloves while you wash dishes and clean protects your nails from the water and cleaners that you use. Keeping your nails dry prevents bacteria and other organisms from growing. Reader's Digests suggests applying hand lotion before putting on the gloves to moisturize. Avoid using your nails to scrape, pry or poke items, as this may cause damage to the nails.
Biotin and Zinc
A daily biotin supplement may benefit your nails by making them thicker, according to MayoClinic.com. A dose of 2.5 milligrams is sufficient for nail health. Reader's Digest suggests that zinc may also help your nails look healthier if you are low on zinc. White spots on the nails can indicate low zinc levels. Foods such as milk and boiled eggs provide lots of zinc that may help your nails.
Polishing
Nail polish helps to protect your nails, preventing splits or breakage. MayoClinic.com recommends a thin layer of polish, which is removed and reapplied once a week. Only use nail polish remover once a week to keep the nails stronger. Choose a nail polish remover without acetone or formaldehyde, which can dry out the nails and make them look less healthy.
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