By Zaidie Crowe, Senior Staff Writer
These days, just about every neighborhood offers a choice of affordable nail care and nail artistry from one of the many nail salons that exist. The variety of services and options to show off beautiful nails includes the widespread use of nail extensions ranging from simple everyday styles to exquisite and elaborate designs for special occasions. I often hear people say they must wear extensions to hide nails that are ‘ugly,’ which translates to unhealthy nails.
The following are some tips to improve the care and condition of your hands and nails.
Moisturize Frequently
I am sure that you know how quickly your hands start to feel coarse and rough if you fail to moisturize after washing or doing repeated hand movements for a few hours. That is because your skin needs to be kept hydrated, and the skin on the hands and soles of your feet seem to soak up moisturize more quickly than other areas of the body.
Without regular moisturizing care, your hands will start to look ragged and begin to snag. It is painful and unbecoming. Purchase small tubes of hand cream to carry with you and position them strategically around your home. Apply moisturizer to damp skin works best and allows for maximum absorption.
Avoid Hot and Cold Temperatures
Your hands, like other portions of your skin, will react to extreme temperatures. The cold weather will wreak havoc by drying your skin, and hot water will have the same effect. Wear gloves to keep hands and fingers toasty during the winter, use household gloves for chores to protect against cleaning products, and avoid hot water when washing hands or taking showers. These actions will go a long way to counteract the negative effect of extreme temperatures and household chemicals on your hands and nails. We suggest using lukewarm water whenever possible to protect your skin from drying out.
Prevent Brittle, Easily Breakable Nails
We have all heard the saying that we are what we eat. It is correct, and our nails will tell the tale of a diet that is not balanced and provides us with sufficient nutrition. A good variety of vitamins and minerals will ensure that our nails get the right food to keep them strong and healthy. In some instances, supplements may help until nails’ condition improves sufficiently to be maintained by eating health-giving foods. If you are concerned that your nails are not responding to proper care and a good diet, you should raise the matter with your physician to get professional advice and help.
Protect Nails
Do not practice using your nail as a tool or instrument to open cans, reach wedged or tricky objects, etc. These actions can weaken, chip, or split your nails. Also problematic is using gel nails if you ignore certain precautions. Do not peel off the gel polish if you notice it is lifting, as this will strip moisture from your nails.
Additionally, please do not wear it for extended periods as it may peel and weaken your nails. According to an article by MacFarlane DF, Alonso CA, gel nails require ultraviolet light and may be a risk factor for nonmelanoma skin cancer. – Occurrence of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers on the Hands After UV Nail Light Exposure. Arch Dermatol. 2009;145(4):447–449. doi:10.1001/archdermatol.2008.622 published by jamanetwork.com.
Take a Break during the Pandemic
If you are dependent on regularly scheduled visits to the nail salon for your nail care, then the pandemic is probably a trying time for you. However, this might be an excellent opportunity to take a vacation from the constant use of nail extensions or varnish. Although your fingers look beautiful from these services, it is beneficial to allow your natural nails time to breathe. If you are ever without nail polish, the constant wear will significantly weaken your nail bed. Since the pandemic has restricted the frequency of in-person contacts with colleagues, business contacts, friends, or strangers, utilize the opportunity to take a break and allow your nails to go natural! Use acetone-free nail polish remover to clean your nails safely.
Finally, the best approach to pretty nails is to ensure adequate care of your nails’ health. The efforts of the manicurist will then be more effective and will enhance, not disguise, poor nail health. Neglecting your hands and nails care indicates that you are not intentional about overall health. Ultimately it is not possible to hide the condition of hands and nails unless you wear a pair of gloves all the time!
