As we age, our nails will inevitably change, just as our skin does. For some people, their nails tend to grow more slowly or become dry and brittle causing them to split or crack. While for others, their nails become hard and thick or may even change color or shape. This can be discouraging for many. However, there are things you can do to counteract these changes that come with age, and maintain nail health ensuring you have healthy, beautiful nails for many years to come.
Nutrient Rich Food and Supplements
The health of our hair, skin, and nails is often a reflection of our diet. As we get older we often become more deficient in the necessary vitamins and nutrients we need. These vitamin deficiencies will show up on our nails. This can take form in ridges, discoloration, or shape changes. It’s important to make sure you’re getting enough vitamins to support the health of your nails like biotin, iron, magnesium, protein vitamin A, Omega-3s, and zinc. These vitamins and minerals promote healthy nail growth from the inside out. You can ensure you’re consuming these nutrients through a well-balanced diet or with supplements. However, always speak with your doctor before consuming any supplements. These essential vitamins and minerals will promote healthy outer beauty, including beautiful, strong, and healthy nails.
Stay Hydrated
While diet is important, staying hydrated is essential for good health, and your nail health is no exception. Drinking enough water daily will help your nail beds to stay moisturized and strong. Staying properly hydrated will also keep them from becoming brittle and weak causing them to peel or break.
Keep Nails Clean, Dry, and Moisturized
Regularly moisturizing your hands and applying cuticle oil to your cuticles will keep your nail beds nourished and hydrated which will promote healthy growth and keep your nail beds and cuticles in good condition. It’s also important to keep your nails clean and dry, as this will discourage any kind of fungal infections underneath your nails. If you do have any kind of nail infection, it’s important to see a doctor that can prescribe the proper treatment or medication.
Minimize Water Exposure
If you have your hands in water too often your nails will become weak and brittle, causing them to break easily. If you find yourself over the kitchen sink washing dishes regularly, it would be beneficial to wear gloves. To counteract any over exposure of water to your nails, remember to always apply moisturizer after.
Routine Manicures
Having regular manicures in the salon or performing them yourself at home will ensure your nail beds and cuticles are at their optimal health. Routine manicures will keep your nails clean, boost circulation, remove dead skin, and ensure your nails are always looking their best. You’re also less likely to pick at or bite your nails if they are regularly well-manicured. Even a small cut from picking at the skin around your nails will allow bacteria or fungi to enter which can cause an infection.
Be Mindful of the Nail Products You Use
A lot of nail polishes and treatments have harsh chemicals that can weaken and damage your nails. It’s important to look for non-toxic polishes and skip the acetone when it comes to polish removers. For aging nails, it’s also best to avoid hard gel or acrylic nails as these can weaken your natural nails, causing them to become brittle and break easily. SNS dip powder nails are a great solution to a manicure that promotes healthy, nourished nails, without damaging the nail bed. The formulas are non toxic and the bases and sealers used in the manicure process will keep your nails hydrated, while providing a number of nutrients to nourish and maintain the overall health of your nails. The durability of dip powder allows your natural nails to grow without causing any damage and the manicure lasts chip-free for at least 2 weeks.
Conclusion
Age doesn’t need to get in the way of having healthy, beautiful nails. There are many things you can do for nourished, hydrated nails and maintain your overall nail health so they’re always looking their best.
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