Cracked, splitting nails?
As many as 20 % of the population suffer from brittle nails and dry, ragged cuticles.
In this blog we are going to explore the causes of ragged cuticles and brittle nails 💅....
There are many external and internal causes of brittle nails that break easily. They may be a part of every day life, or diet related. Some causes are:
- hand washing
- hand sanitisers
- hormonal changes
- environmental factors (heat or cold weather)
- chlorine
- cleaning products
- dietary insufficiency
- manicure procedures, such as acrylic and gel nail applications
Many of these causes can also lead to dry, ragged cuticles, otherwise known as 'hang nails'. Our cuticles actually serve a purpose as a protective barrier against bacteria and fungi, and yet are an often neglected aspect of our beauty regime! Damaged cuticles can allow the entry of pathogens that may cause further infection to both cuticles and the nail bed itself.
SO WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT?
- From a dietary perspective, ensure you are eating foods with the vitamins that help with nail growth. The main 3 elements are Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Biotin, known as Vitamin B7. It has to be said that several nail and cuticle products contain Biotin, but it is not nearly as effective for nail health as consuming foods which are rich in it. Biotin is a B Vitamin, and animal proteins in general are rich in it, such as chicken, eggs, liver, pork, yeast products and salmon. Plant based Biotin rich foods include nuts, seeds, spinach, broccoli, avocado and sweet potato.
- On the subject of eggs, raw eggs are no good due to a protein called avidin, which binds to Biotin and prevents absorption.
- Whilst Biotin is available as a supplement, it is known to interfere with laboratory tests, and unless you have a known deficiency, try to incorporate Biotin in the foods you eat. There is no harm in taking a multi-vitamin as any Biotin (is water soluble) not needed will be excreted in urine.
- Avoid acrylic nails! The process of applying these damage not just the nail itself, but the nail bed too. Consider that nails are filed, and placed under a curing light which is basically UV rays. Some say that LED lights are safer, but they have been referred to as tanning beds for nails!
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To get acrylic nails to stick, the surface of your natural nails must be filed until they feel rough. This thins your natural nails, making them weaker. Chemicals in the products used to apply artificial nails can irritate the skin around your nails and elsewhere.
To remove artificial nails, you need to soak them in acetone. If you want to wear artificial nails for more than a few weeks, you’ll need touch-ups every 2 to 3 weeks to fill in the gaps that appear as your nails grow. Frequent touch-ups can seriously damage your natural nails. In short, artificial nails can leave your nails thin, brittle, and parched. - Gel and Dip nails are now popular as they aren't so rough on your poor hands, but resist the urge to pick at them or pull off as it will surely cause further damage. Again, acetone is needed to remove them, and it's very drying to already damaged nails! For special occasions try stick on nails.
- Good nail and hand care practices will help to strengthen and nourish your nails. Avoid prolonged water (especially chlorinated) exposure. Wear cotton lined gloves for washing up.
- Don't use your nails as tools! Do you open soft drink cans with your nails? Use the pad of your thumb instead. Use dental floss, 'picksters' or a tooth pick to remove food stuck in your teeth.
- Keep nails a bit on the shorter side to prevent shagging and tearing. Don't pick or tear ragged cuticles! Use an oil and cuticle stick to gently push cuticles back. File nails regularly to prevent jagged edges that lead to breakages. And file in one direction only, starting at the outside nail corners. Use a fine grit file. The shape of nails can benefit or hinder growth and health. Nails filed in a square shape tend to break easily but oval shaped nails less frequently.
- Use a nail strengthener/base coat like Sally Hanson 'Hard as Nails'
- Use a good quality cuticle oil. There are many benefits for your nails and cuticles, including hydrating the dry skin and cuticle around nails, helping to tackle those pesky hang nails! Cuticle oils also help to stimulate nail growth, and boost circulation around the nails.
- Use hand cream often and massage in and around the cuticles.
- BE CONSISTENT!!! Nail care needs to be a regular part of your self care routine
Check out our hand creams and cuticle oil treatment!
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