How To Moisturize Nails: 7 Ways To Get Rid Of Brittle Nails
Having a wonderful nail design will become meaningless if you have dry and cracked skin around the nails. Nail art enhances the beauty of your nails but if the skin isnt compatible and doesnt complement the nails, there will be no beauty at all. This dryness or cracking might be the result of excessive cold, dry weather, and nail biting habit. Luckily, you can efficiently repair the dry skins surrounding your nails by following some easy steps. You will know how to moisturize nails from the rest of the article.
Treatment For Dry Nails
If your nails are dry or brittle, youre likely suffering from a nutrient deficiency, or you dont moisturize them often.
Either way, the best way weve found helpful is to try as much as possible to avoid overexposure to water.
Overexposure of nails to water causes nails to go dry. The best way to remedy this is to moisturize more.
What Can I Do About Brittle Nails
One of the first things to consider if you have brittle nails is your daily routine. People who have their hands in water several times a day are particularly susceptible to problems with their fingernails, and even washing dishes by hand several times a day can lead to this condition. The solution is to cover the hands with rubber gloves. They can be purchased at any supermarket or drugstore, and will effectively protect the nails from absorbing large amounts of water during the course of the daily routine. For individuals who perform tasks that require the hands to be in water for extended periods, consider wearing a thin pair of cotton gloves underneath the rubber gloves. The cotton will absorb perspiration from the hands and prevent the moisture from collecting around the nails.
Poor nutrition can also cause brittle nails, so a healthier diet can provide a solution. Biotin is a nutrient that promotes the health of nails, and can be found in several vegetables, most notably cauliflower and lentils. Foods rich in vitamin A, potassium, phosphorus, and niacin are also helpful. In the way of herbal remedies, horsetail is often considered to be an excellent source of necessary vitamins and minerals to combat nail problems.
You May Like: Nails At Dollar General
How Do I Treat Dry Nails
There are certain features of your nails that you cant do much about, such as how fast they grow, but if you have dry nails, there are several things you can do to help reverse the condition. Some tips revolve around the basics of daily living, such as consuming more water and limiting exposure to certain harsh chemicals, such as those contained in detergents and cleansers. Other tips include wearing protective gloves when washing dishes or performing any other type of work when your hands must be immersed in water, such as washing the car. Some studies say that taking a biotinsupplement can help dry, brittle nails. Dermatologists recommend over-the-counter cosmetic products that protect the nails, and they say the ingredients you should look for are amino acid and protein.
Dry, brittle nails can be prone to a condition known as onychoschizia, which means a split nail, and soft nails are as prone to the condition as dry nails. Sometimes the causes of dry nails can be traced to a vitamin deficiency, such as too little biotin, a B vitamin. Other times, an iron deficiency might be the culprit. Women, who suffer more from brittle nails than men, can develop dry nails as a result of a low level of estrogen in the body. Brittle nails also can be caused by a deficiency of the mineral copper.
Avoid Certain Nail Treatments
Hardening products with dehydrating ingredients can potentially worsen their condition given that its formulation cannot fit the specific qualities of your nails. This would eventually lead them to even splitting further.
Hardening products with Acrylate are often recommended for splitting cases. However, according to Skinsight Web site, acrylate can potentially cause an allergic reaction in the skin.
Recommended Reading: Best Place To Buy Essie Nail Polish
How Long Until You Can Start To See Results
As long as youre applying cuticle oil and following the advice of your therapist, you could start to see a difference in your nails in a little over a week. You should definitely avoid any biting or picking and just be conscious of household cleaning supplies and the use of hand sanitiser.
Now that were in a global pandemic its more than likely your nails and hands are a lot drier than usual due to washing them so much, so make sure you keep a good hand cream on you at all times.
What Is A Nail Split
Brittle nails on fingers or toes are also called nail split ends, as the nails break off, similar to split ends on hair. The hair splinters there.
There are two different types :
- Onychorrhexis : The brittle nail tears in a longitudinally fibrous manner, vertically from the nails free edge.
- Onychoschisis : The nail plate splinters in layers, horizontally from the edge.
Both forms of nail split can be caused by repeated moisture penetration and drying of the hands and fingernails and systemic diseases.
A knowledgeable doctor can often deduce possible causes from the type of nail change.
You May Like: What Do Nail Techs Make
Nutrition And Your Nails
The state of your nutrition affects your fingernails and surrounding tissues. And nails grow rapidly, making them easy to measure for growth rate, which may be impacted by certain health conditions7. A change in the nails could provide information on nutritional deficiency states, according to WebMD5.
Read more:Factors That Affect Nail Growth
Changes in the nails thought to be associated with nutrition include transverse, longitudinal ridging brittleness and spoon nails, a condition indicated by very soft nails that are concave or scooped-out in appearance as the name suggests 14. Nutrients associated with a change in the look of nails are vitamins, iron, calcium, zinc, fluorine, protein and unsaturated fats.
Although nails are composed mostly of keratin, a type of protein, the way the tissue is formed suggests that nail development also involves cholesterol, various metals and at least 11 other nutrients.
- The state of your nutrition affects your fingernails and surrounding tissues.
- Read more: Factors That Affect Nail Growth Changes in the nails thought to be associated with nutrition include transverse, longitudinal ridging brittleness and spoon nails.
- Nutrients associated with a change in the look of nails are vitamins, iron, calcium, zinc, fluorine, protein and unsaturated fats.
Take A Biotin Supplement
Biotin is one of the B vitamins. Because its water-soluble, it isnt stored by the body, so you have to ensure that you consume it daily.
Biotin can help strengthen hair and nails and also helps the bodys nervous system to function properly. It can be found in foods like sardines, cooked eggs, and legumes, or you can take a B vitamin or supplement.
Check with your healthcare provider before taking a biotin supplement to ensure that its safe for you.
Recommended Reading: How Do You Get Nail Polish Out Of Carpet
Your Nails Dry Out As You Age Losing Their Natural Oils Which Act As A Glue To Hold The Nail Layers Together
If you have thin fingernails and dry skin to begin with, you can expect this to happen to you “sooner rather than later.”
Exposing your hands to harsh soaps, cleaning products, solvents, and rough work makes the problem worse because it pulls natural oil from your nails and damages the nail keratin protein. At first, your nails begin to “fray” on the edges, becoming brittle. Eventually, the layers split.
Nail hardeners make the problem of nail splitting worse, too. This is because the alcohols, formaldehyde and other chemicals in the nail hardeners really dry out your natural oils.
Ditch Nail Polish Removers That Contain Acetone
A nail polish remover loaded with acetone is harsh on weak nails and can dry them out something fierce. This can cause peeling, splitting, and those unsightly white, mottled marks, says Dr. Solomon.
Her rec? Tenoverten Non-Acetone Polish Remover. Its essential oil-based, removes polish in a matter of seconds, and feels very gentle on nails and cuticles, she says.
Read Also: Does Varisi Nail Solution Work
Biotin Is Probably The Best Supplement Ingredient To Possibly Help Brittle Nails
I tell patients to go to their favorite, high-quality natural food store and ask the vitamin specialist for their best nail formula. It’s important to know that many of the ingredients in these supplements are lavishly present in whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, natural oils, beans, and fish.
Eating a richly nutritious diet is key to supporting healthy nails and vitamin supplements should be used in addition to, not in place of, a healthy diet.
Be patient. Your fingernails grow slowly at a rate of about 1mm per month. As you age, the growth slows down even more. This means it will take several months for the dry and split portion of your nails to grow out.
If your entire nail is brittle, it could take as long as a year for your nails to improve. Keep up the good nail care, nutritious diet and your vitamin supplements, hang in there and don’t give up!
Lastly, there are internal diseases that can affect splitting fingernails, the most common being thyroid problems and anemia. Some skin diseases affect the nails as well and cause splitting. If your nails don’t improve, see your doctor.
References:
Abdullah L, Abbas O., Common nail changes and disorders in older people: Diagnosis and management.Can Fam Physician. 2011 57:173181.
Keep Them On The Shorter Side
If youre having trouble with weak nails, consider cutting down the length while you build up their strength, suggests Dr. Solomon. Shorter nails are less prone to breaking because there are fewer exposed edges to tear, and less surface area where water and chemicals can be absorbed. Once trimmed, prevent snags by gently rounding the edges with a nail file.
Also Check: How To Treat Nail Fungus With Vicks
Apply Cuticle Oil Daily
Cuticle care is always a good idea, problem nails or not. Thats because dehydrated, frayed cuticles can lead to damaged nailbeds and infection if theyre left untreated rehydrating and moisturizing that surrounding skin is key for top-notch nail care. Add a cuticle oil to your daily routine: Many options include fatty acids and vitamins that nourish the nails and fill in any micro-cracks in the skin.
While using the dropper daily is enough to keep nails healthy, chief educator of Paintbox Evelyn Lim says you can use a cuticle oil up to three times a day if your tips are feeling especially dehydrated . Apply cuticle oil at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Why not?
Read Also: What Can You Put On Nails To Make Them Stronger
How To Moisturize Dry Toenails: The Ultimate Guide
The first approach to take when planning on giving your toenails some treat is to start with a soak.
Yeah, you heard me right, a soak is that which should be done first before every other thing. Soaking the toes helps to keep them soft and ready to be moisturized.
Heres how to do it
- Fill a bowl that is big enough to accommodate your toes with warm water.
- Add a few salts to it depending on the size of your bowl
- Insert your toes on it. Let them sit comfortably for 15 minutes
- After which, you can then trim your nails out.
Trimming your toenails properly is an essential requirement to prevent ingrown toenails. Ingrown nails, when not adequately trimmed, can become an avenue for fungal infection.
I know you may be thinking by now what an ingrown nail means, well here is a little information for you.
Read Also: How To Get Nail Polish Out Of White Clothes
Dry Brittle And Peeling Finger And Toenails
Brittleness is the quality of a substance or anything solid to break easily due to its quality to break or snap easily upon applying pressure or force. However much the hardness in our fingernails seems to be brittleness in them can make them dry out easily, get damaged and vulnerable to peeling.
Causes of brittleness include
Certain medications can also make them become brittle. Other than the above reasons, is also a sign of aging.
Top 5 Treatments For Brittle Nails
A lot of things can go wrong with nails. They can be brittle, pitted, discolored, flaky and ridged, among other common abnormalities. But brittle nails can be a natural part of the aging process, and they’re often represented by dry, cracking or splitting nails. They may also grow slowly or simply seem weak and easily breakable.
Nail abnormalities may be caused by a relatively minor condition like brittle nail syndrome, which is what it sounds like: excessively brittle nails, often caused by a lack of moisture. They also could stem from a lack of iron or zinc . But nail problems may also be representative of something more severe, such as hepatitis, jaundice, lupus or heart disease. When in doubt, look for basic causes first, such as a fungal infection, a reaction to nail polish or bruising from an impact.
There’s ongoing debate about whether brittle nails are caused predominantly by a lack of protein or moisture in the nails. Consequently, most treatments for brittle nails are concerned with one of these two factors. In this article, we’ll look at five ways of boosting nail health and learn why a candle may be just what your troublesome fingernails need.
Contents
“Brittle” nails are too hard, while “weak” nails are too soft .
Also Check: Nail Fungus Cures Vicks
What Are Brittle Toenails
When your toenails look cracked, dried up, and they peel at the edges, then these are considered brittle, which is a common affliction, especially in women and the elderly.
As we grow older, our body struggles to produce and maintain the natural proteins that keep our bodies looking and feeling healthy.
However, just like your skin, hair, teeth, and eyes can alert you of any anomalies in your body, brittle toenails can be a sign that says much more about you and your habits than age alone.
Dont Overdo The Hand Sanitizer
Because hand sanitizers are typically alcohol-based, constantly applying the stuff can dry out your nails and leave them super brittle. If you have to use hand sanitizer, try not to get it on your nails, and dont overdo it, says Dr. Solomon. Using hand sanitizer wipes can make it easier to avoid the nail area during applicationor if you prefer the liquid variety, make sure to slather on moisturizer afterward to balance the scales.
You May Like: How Much Does Dip Powder Nails Cost
Brittle Nails: Causes And Tips To Strengthen
2 Minute Read
If your nails split, peel, or are simply weak, you have brittle nails.
Brittle nails occur for a variety of reasons. They may be a normal sign of aging or the result of polishing your nails too frequently. When the weather is cold, brittle nails may result from dryness. Weak nails also can be signs of a health issue, such as hypothyroidism or anemia.
Before you assume the worst or head to the doctor, learn how to strengthen brittle nails and the reasons why you might be experiencing them.
Why Are My Toenails Brittle
Brittle, easily broken toenails have a variety of possible causes. There is often not one single cause, but rather a number of factors working together. Possible causes of onychorrhexis include:
One frustrating aspect of the brittle nail problem is that it can be the result of too little moistureor too much. Swimming coaches, lifeguards, and others who spend a lot of time in the water often report brittle nails, which are often directly attributable to their occupations.
On the other hand, the damage that occurs to the fingernails of someone who works with chemicals all day is generally caused by dehydration of the nail.
Also, as noted above, the reason our nails become increasingly fragile and brittle as we get older is that our bodies lose some of their ability to retain moisture as we age.
Recommended Reading: How Long Does Kiss Press On Nails Last
Use A Natural Nail Strengthener
Nail hardeners and strengtheners were traditionally made made with formaldehyde . This is why most natural or clean-leaning experts would tell you to avoid them, says Nadine Abramcyk, co-founder of clean salon tenoverten, as formaldehyde is a potentially dangerous ingredient. Now there are plenty of plant-based options that use ingredients like vitamin E, olive oil, garlic, and tea tree to feed the nail nutrients, rather than superficially strengthening it.
Home Remedies To Strengthen Brittle Nails
In this article:
Everyone desires strong, smooth nails on their fingers and toes. However, various factors can turn the nails brittle and textured.
This condition, medically known as onychoschizia, is categorized by thin, soft or dry, cracking, and splitting nails that can break off easily and have a slow growth rate.
While it is a common symptom of aging, it can often result from health problems such as nutritional deficiencies.
Also Check: How To Remove Contacts With Long Nails
