How to Keep Your Nails Healthy and Strong
1. Proper Nail Hygiene
Proper nail hygiene is essential for keeping your nails healthy and strong. Washing your hands frequently is the first step towards achieving that goal.
Not only will it help to remove dirt and bacteria, but it will also get rid of any germs or viruses which may be present on the skin surface. Additionally, washing your hands often can reduce the risk of infection from cuts or scratches on the nail bed.
Keep in mind that warm water with a mild soap should always be used when cleaning your hands as this helps to keep them moisturized and free from dryness.
Trimming your nails on a regular basis is an important part of proper nail hygiene.
You should use sharp manicure scissors or clippers to trim them straight across, rounding the edges slightly with an emery board afterwards.
Additionally, make sure you always clean under the tips of your fingernails as dirt and bacteria can build up in these areas if left unchecked.
Additionally, it can also damage the surrounding skin of the nail bed, which can result in redness, swelling, and pain.
It is important to maintain proper nail hygiene in order to keep your nails healthy and strong.
A nail file can be used to shape and smooth the edges of your nails while also preventing them from splitting, chipping, or breaking. Additionally, filing your nails regularly helps promote blood circulation around the cuticles which can help strengthen them over time.
2. Moisturize and Condition Nails
Using a cuticle oil or cream is an important step in taking care of your nails. Cuticle oils and creams can help nourish the skin around your nails, keeping it soft and moisturized.
This will prevent the skin from drying out and cracking, leading to discomfort and potential infection. Be sure to massage the oil or cream into the cuticles for best results.
Additionally, opt for products that include natural ingredients such as Vitamin E, almond oil and jojoba seed oil which are all known to help keep nails healthy and strong.
Nail strengthening treatments can help make the nails more resilient and less prone to splitting, chipping, and peeling.
Additionally, these treatments contain ingredients that provide moisture and nourishment for stronger, healthier-looking nails. When applying a nail strengthening treatment or base coat, it’s important to ensure that you cover the entire nail from cuticle to tip; this will help protect them from further damage.
To keep your nails healthy and strong, it is important to moisturize and condition them. You can do this by using a hand cream or lotion after you wash your hands.
Make sure to massage the cream or lotion into each nail bed as well as around the cuticle area for maximum hydration.
Additionally, applying an oil such as almond oil onto your nails can also be beneficial; this provides extra nourishment to ensure that they stay healthy and strong over time.
3. Protect Nails from Damage
When doing any sort of household chores, such as gardening, cleaning or using harsh chemicals like bleach, it is always a good idea to wear gloves. This helps protect your nails from potential damage caused by these activities.
Gloves also help prevent the absorption of chemicals into your skin and can reduce contact with dirt and germs that may cause infection. It is important to choose gloves that fit properly so they do not slide off during use.
Glove sizes vary based on the manufacturer; make sure you check the sizing chart before purchasing them.
Nail polish removers that contain harsh chemicals like acetone can be very damaging to your nails. They strip away the protective oils and moisture from the nail, leaving it dry and brittle.
To keep your nails healthy and strong, opt for natural alternatives or non-acetone options when removing your nail polish. These products are gentler on the nail bed and will help protect against breakage caused by overexposure to chemicals.
Make sure that you wear gloves when doing any kind of activity involving water, such as washing dishes or bathing pets.
When considering artificial nails such as acrylic, be aware that they can damage the natural nail by weakening it with frequent use. This occurs because removing these types of nails causes trauma to the nail bed and surrounding areas.
Additionally, applying them incorrectly or using harsh products to remove them may lead to further damage.
4. Choose a Healthy Diet
Eating a well-balanced diet is essential for healthy and strong nails. Aim to include foods that are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals such as lean meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low fat dairy products, fish, and nuts.
Additionally, you should aim to include foods that are high in biotin such as eggs (especially egg yolk), nuts like almonds or walnuts; legumes such as lentils or beans; cauliflower; brown rice; avocado; banana; mushrooms; salmon.
5. Take Breaks from Nail Polish
It’s important to give your nails a break from nail polish every few weeks. This allows them to “breathe” and stay healthy.
If you must use nail polish, make sure that it is non-toxic and natural. Nontoxic polishes are free of chemicals such as formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), touene, xylene, ethyl acetate and camphor which can be harsh on the skin and nails.
Natural polishes are made with plant-based ingredients so they won’t harm the environment either!
6. Avoid Trauma to Nails
When typing, using tools, or participating in activities that may cause trauma to your nails, it is important to use caution and wear protective gear. For example, when doing yard work or playing sports such as baseball and basketball, wearing gloves can help protect your nails from getting scraped or injured.
If you are working with tools such as hammers and saws, be sure to wear safety glasses and protective clothing. Also take care when typing on a keyboard; make sure not to press too hard on the keys so that you don’t damage your nails while typing.
Taking these simple precautions will go a long way towards keeping your nails healthy and strong!
7. Seek Professional Help
If you are experiencing chronic nail problems, it is important to consult a dermatologist or other medical professional. They will be able to recommend a treatment plan that specifically addresses the underlying causes of your issues.
Additionally, consider seeking out regular professional manicure and pedicure services as part of your regular nail care routine. A professional can help ensure that your nails stay healthy and strong by providing advice on proper maintenance techniques such as filing, buffing, and polishing.
This will also help reduce the risk of infection due to improper handling of tools and products used during treatments.