A trip to the nail salon is a quintessential stop on a day of pampering, but there’s no denying it costs a pretty penny to get filed, trimmed, and lacquered. But, taking care of your nails at home can be a daunting task. Between clipping cuticles, moisturizing nail beds, and trying to paint with our non-dominant hand, it’s almost worth the cost to avoid the hassle of at-home nail care.
With the right tools and products, though, you can ensure that your nails stay healthy and strong, with or without a few coats of your preferred polish.
Just Like with Skin, Start with a Good Moisturizer
Like the rest of our body, our nails require hydration to stay in tip-top shape. Though our nails appear to be hard, nonporous surfaces, they are actually made of keratin layers with small gaps in between. When exposed to the elements, these layers can separate, causing our nails to peel and flake. A moisturizing barrier over the nail surface helps keep air and water out. That’s why nail hydration techniques include applying petroleum jelly or dipping in olive oil.
Moisturizing is especially essential after removing nail polish, as both polish and acetone are extremely drying.
Add Biotin to Your Daily Supplement Routine
Biotin, a type of vitamin B, has been shown to increase nail thickness and strength. It’s also great for skin and hair, as biotin deficiencies have been linked to common issues associated with both.
Cover all your bases with products like Elon Skin Anew, a vitamin supplement which contains ingredients including hydrolyzed collagen, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, grape seed extract, and biotin to keep your skin, hair, and nails healthy. Biotin doses of 5,000 – 6,000 units daily are needed to make a difference.
Tread Lightly Around the Cuticles
Cuticles serve an important role when it comes to both skin and nail health. They are a critical part of our skin barrier, keeping out bacteria and germs while also protecting your nail growth matrix, which lies right below it. That’s why experts agree that cutting your cuticles is a big no-no.
If you feel that your cuticles go too high up on your nail, you can very gently push them back with an orange stick. You should also moisturize the area to keep them soft and flexible.
Speak to Your Dermatologist About Any Sudden Changes
You might associate dermatologists with skin, but they’re also experts in nails. So, if you notice a sudden change in the shape, texture, or color of your nails, it’s time to schedule an appointment. Nails are a good indicator of your overall health, and any issues you have with them can be signs that something more serious is going on behind the scenes.
