That is the explanation why many manicurists will typically advise in opposition to having naked nails. By making use of a layer of nail varnish, you shield the nails from water absorption – that means they’re much less more likely to peel or break up. “Simply do not depart the color on for too lengthy,” warns Dr. Stern.
Use glass nail information
Whereas typical cardboard emery boards are usually the file of alternative as a consequence of their affordability and the way shortly they work, they’re truly not your best option on the subject of nail well being.
“Emery boards trigger microscopic openings and splits on the tip of the nail that result in peeling and cracks,” Dr. Stern explains. “I choose glass or crystal nail information over cardboard emery boards as a result of they don’t trigger microscopic openings or tears and as a substitute create a clear edge on the nail,” she says.
Go for non-acetone polish remover
“When it comes to chemical publicity, polish remover is an enormous one: Acetone tends to be particularly drying to the nail and might make brittle nails worse,” Dr. Stern says, noting that it is best to hunt out conditioning formulation that include elements like soy, or have added moisturising advantages from oils. Strive the Cutex Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover which is enriched with coconut oil, or the Manucurist Inexperienced Nail Polish Remover.
Keep away from nail merchandise with formaldehyde
If typical nail-strengthening merchandise sound too good to be true, that is sadly as a result of a lot of them are. “Many so-called nail strengtheners nonetheless include formaldehyde or formalin, elements which are very damaging to the nail,” warns Dr. Stern. “Formaldehyde will initially harden the nail; nevertheless, with time, the nail turns into paradoxically brittle and is prone to lifting or separating off of the nail mattress.”
Formaldehyde also can trigger extreme allergic reactions on the surrounding nail folds, she provides, prompting the pores and skin to change into extraordinarily irritated, swollen and painful. Translation? When looking for nail merchandise, go for these formulated with out formaldehyde.
Moisturise with nourishing elements
“Moisturising is absolutely the cornerstone of any good hand care routine,” notes Dr. Shotter. “Frequently apply a wealthy, nourishing hand cream, paying particular consideration to your cuticles. Search for lotions containing elements equivalent to hyaluronic acid, shea butter, or glycerin for intense hydration. Maintain a hand cream by your sink or in your purse, to assist construct the behavior of making use of it after each time you wash your palms. This can assist replenish moisture misplaced throughout cleaning and forestall dryness. To go the additional mile, you need to use a hand masks or put on cotton gloves to lock in moisturiser in a single day,” she provides.
“When on the lookout for a nail and cuticle moisturiser search for merchandise which are wealthy in phospholipids, which have been proven to extend nail flexibility, thus combatting brittleness,” Dr. Stern agrees. “Therapeutic massage the product into your cuticles a number of occasions every day.” You will discover phospholipids in merchandise containing sunflower oil and Brazil nut oil: In line with Dr. Stern, each oils are particularly wealthy in phospholipids.
Deal with nails with glycolic acid
Lastly, make sure to hunt down nail therapies containing glycolic acid. “Glycolic acid has been proven to rejuvenate brittle nails,” confirms Dr. Stern. “Identical to we do peels for the pores and skin to take away the superficial layers of lifeless cells, this technique can be relevant to the nail,” Stern says.