Learn About How to Support the Health of Your Nails

Healthy nails are more than just a beauty statement - they’re a sign of overall wellbeing. In this article, we’ll explore the essentials of nail health, focusing on how to avoid damage and maintain strong, healthy nails. 

We’ll take a look at how to maintain nail health and support their strength and thickness and examine some of the ways that we can reduce nail brittleness, splitting, and chipping.  

Whether you’re dealing with brittle nails or just looking to keep them in better shape, this guide can help you nurture your nails from the inside out.

What Impacts the Health of Our Nails?

If you’re asking yourself why do my fingernails peel and crack? The truth is that nails can be caused by external and internal factors. 

Environmental elements like exposure to harsh chemicals, frequent handwashing, or extreme temperatures can weaken the nails, making them brittle and prone to breakage. 

Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in essential vitamins and minerals like biotin and zinc can also contribute. 

Additionally, physical trauma from activities like nail-biting or improper nail care, such as aggressive filing or cutting, can further contribute to nail damage.

Biotin

Biotin is a popular ingredient in many hair, skin, and nails supplements and is well-known for its role in supporting nail strength and growth when dietary intake is inadequate. It supports the production of keratin, the protein that makes up nails, resulting in thicker, more resilient nails.

Collagen

Collagen is a protein that assists in maintaining nail thickness and strength.

Zinc

Zinc plays an important role in maintaining the overall health and strength of our nails.

Assessing Your Needs

When choosing supplements to support nail health, it's important to assess your individual needs based on the current health of your nails and looking at your dietary intake. 

Start by identifying what you’d like to achieve with your nails - stronger nails, thicker nails, nails with less chipping? Consider whether these issues might be linked to dietary deficiencies, like a lack of biotin, or zinc. We suggest speaking to your health professional to help determine this.

Consulting with a healthcare professional can help you pinpoint the nutrients you may require.

Natural Changes in Nail Health Over Time

Nail health naturally evolves over time, which can be a reflection of lifestyle changes, or simply getting older.

In youth and early adulthood, nails are typically strong and flexible due to higher cell turnover and collagen levels. However, as we age, nails can gradually become thin or brittle due to a decrease in collagen production and potential nutritional deficiencies.

Adapting Nail Care Routines Over Time 

To keep our nails healthy for the long haul, it’s a good idea to embrace certain practices that support nail health as our bodies change.

Avoiding overly harsh nail products and opting for mild, acetone-free nail polish removers can reduce external damage, while incorporating nutrient-rich foods containing biotin and collagen (or supplements if your dietary intake falls short), can support nail resilience from within.

Protecting Nails in Winter Months

Protecting nails during winter is important, as colder weather can lead to dryness and brittleness. To keep nails healthy, start by moisturising regularly – both nails and cuticles can benefit from moisturising creams or oils to prevent splitting and cracking.

Wearing gloves when outside in the cold or doing chores like washing dishes can also protect nails from exposure to dry air and harsh chemicals.

Nail Care in the Warmer Seasons

In warmer months, nails are often exposed to more sun, water, and outdoor activities, which can weaken and dry them out. Applying a clear protective nail polish can shield nails from UV damage. Since swimming and frequent handwashing can strip moisture, it can be a good idea to moisturise nails and cuticles after water exposure.

Recognising Signs That May Benefit from Professional Care

It can be a good idea to consider professional advice regarding nail health if you notice persistent or unusual changes, as nails can sometimes signal broader health issues.

A dermatologist or a healthcare provider specialising in skin, hair, and nail health can provide expert insights and guidance.

Look out for signs such as discolouration, thickening, ridges, peeling, or changes in nail shape that don’t improve with regular care - these could indicate underlying conditions that your health care professional can identify. 

Pain, persistent inflammation, or unusual growth patterns around the nails can also mean it’s time to seek a professional opinion.

Incorporating supplements into your routine can be a helpful strategy for supporting nail health. 

By addressing specific nutritional gaps with targeted supplements like biotin, collagen, zinc, you can support nail strength, aid growth, and reduce the likelihood of common issues like brittleness and breakage.

Pairing these supplements with a diet rich in nail-healthy nutrients provides a holistic approach to nail care. 

Remember, choosing high-quality supplements and following best practices for their use are key to achieving the best results.