Nail Care Essentials: Tips for Maintaining Healthy Nails

Understanding Nail Health

Healthy nails should exhibit certain qualities, including being firm, shiny, and smooth. They can have minor lines but should predominantly be smooth, according to dermatologist Dr. Shari Lipner.

The Importance of Nail Care

Professional nail technician Titilayo Bankole emphasizes that nail care is often overlooked compared to other hygiene practices like hair or dental care. Nails play a crucial role in everyday tasks. The absence or damage of nails can make simple actions like picking up objects or buttoning shirts challenging, notes Dr. Lipner.

Tips for Healthy Nails

It’s important to maintain regular hygiene and inspect your nails frequently, says Bankole. Picking at cuticles or overexposing nails to water are common causes of damage. Neglect can lead to brittle nails, hangnails, and more severe issues like fungal infections.

Avoid Cutting or Removing Cuticles

Cuticles serve as a protective barrier against bacteria, fungi, dirt, and debris. Removing cuticles can increase infection risk, explains Dr. Dana Stern, a dermatologist specialized in nails.

“So many people want to trim their cuticles, push their cuticles, take away their cuticles. We need to understand why we have cuticles in the first place,” says Lipner.

Instead of removing them, Stern recommends gently pushing cuticles back with a washcloth during showers or baths. This method helps maintain hygiene without compromising protection.

Proper Nail Clipping Techniques

To prevent ingrown nails, clip straight across rather than in a curve. Curved nails may grow incorrectly, leading to discomfort. Use glass or crystal files to smooth edges, as they create a sealed and smooth finish, recommends Stern.

Be Mindful of Buffing

Gentle buffing can enhance nail appearance and aid growth. However, excessive buffing can weaken the nail plate.

Moisturize Your Nails and Hands

Dryness can lead to cracks, reducing the nail’s protective ability. Applying cuticle oil hydrates and preserves the nail and surrounding skin. Bankole suggests a blend of oils such as grapeseed and vitamin E for antioxidant benefits.

For hand care, opt for creams, which are richer in oils than lotions, providing longer-lasting moisture.

Monitor Nail Changes

Regular checks for color and texture discrepancies are vital. Green spots, dark lines, and excessive ridges may indicate a need for professional evaluation.

Take Manicure Breaks

Frequent manicures can weaken nails. Acetone polish removers and heavy acrylics contribute to brittleness, advises Stern. Periodically allowing nails to recuperate by taking breaks from polish helps maintain their health.

Use Gloves to Avoid Water Damage

Nails absorb water significantly, expanding with exposure. Continuous water contact can weaken them, so wearing gloves during activities like dishwashing is beneficial.

Nails Reflect Overall Health

Changes in nail appearance can signal broader health issues, including vitamin deficiencies or liver conditions. Any unusual changes should be discussed with healthcare providers during regular check-ups, notes Stern.

For medical checks, ensure nails are free of polish and enhancements so that any irregularities can be thoroughly examined.

Edited by Malaka Gharib. Feedback is welcome via voicemail at 202-216-9823 or email at [email protected]. Listen to Life Kit on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Subscribe to the newsletter and follow on Instagram @nprlifekit.