Christine KellerNails are basically made from keratin, which is a protein that’s found in hair and skin. Living cells in fingers make protein, which is pushed towards the ends of fingers where they harden.
Some factors like age, disease, and environmental abuse, may contribute to brittle or weak nails. However, there are some ways to strengthen your nails using different natural methods.
Protecting your nails from such elements is one of the ways to get healthy and strong nails.
Polish Your Nails to Protect Them
Nail polish can help protect fingernails and hold the nail cells together. However, it is recommended to use a 5-free formula, which avoids formaldehyde resin chemicals, camphor, formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate.
Also, never skip the topcoat and base coat because these offer 2 additional protection layers that you do not like to miss out.
Wear Gloves When You are Washing the Dishes
You cannot bow out household chores entirely, but if you are exposing your hands to the water for a long period of time, throw on rubber gloves first. Fingernails will absorb water better than your skin. While it may sound like a great thing, it isn’t really.
If water is moving out and in the nails constantly, it puts strain on your delicate nail cells. Excessive water contact may result to weak and soft nails, which are susceptible to breakage.
Avoid the Nail Polish Remover with Acetone
While you absolutely get protection from using polish, it does not give you free reign to repaint and pain. Doing so may dry out your fingernails. The reason behind it is that nail polish removers are the number one enemy for healthy nails. Acetone found in removers dries out fingernails and brittleness may set in.
So, avoid using removers more than twice weekly and once you do, consider making it a non-acetone. If you have a standing appointment weekly manicure, you will notice that your fingernails are chipping and peeling. It is recommended to take a break for two to four weeks to strengthen them.
Take Biotin Supplements
B vitamins have been shown to help strengthen fingernails. Take two to three milligrams daily for 4 to 6 months.
It takes a long time for fingernails to grow out completely and biotin can help you build stronger new nails instead of repairing what you are sporting currently on your fingertips.
Just make sure to take quality made biotin supplements. If possible, ask for suggestions from your doctor, so you will be able to choose the one that would benefit you.
Use Cuticle Oil
Cuticle is the natural protective seal of your nails. Breaking it would weaken nails and will also put you at risk for bacterial infections.
Everybody will benefit from applying cuticle oil to keep the fingernails moisturized, but swimmers must get in the habit. Experts say that they are at risk of dry cuticles because of chlorine.
Coating your fingernails with cuticle oil and polish will keep them protected from any pool workouts.
