Hormonal disorders, lack of vitamins, housekeeping, manicure with gel and acrylic materials negatively affect the appearance and reduce the durability of nails. Brittle nails can indicate various problems in the body, often caused by poor nutrition and lack of nutrients. To keep nails healthy and beautiful, it is important to take care of them.
Causes of breaking fingernails
Nails consist of a stratum corneum, the quality of which is determined genetically, but in addition to heredity, it can be caused by various reasons. Nail growth is carried out by cell division in the matrix. The structure, shape, thickness and growth rate of the nail depends on the state of the matrix. The cuticle acts as a protective barrier between nails and skin.
When damaged, water and bacteria expose them to possible infections. Instead of trimming the cuticle, push it back slightly. The nail plate has a porous structure and easily absorbs moisture, various chemicals that the hands have to come into contact with.
Additional information! The causes of broken nails can be many and varied, ranging from stress, malnutrition, thyroid problems, or prolonged exposure to water. The dry air in the room also weakens the nails. You need to start with a diet, as well as use homemade products to strengthen nails.
Brittle nails are often the result of a lack of valuable elements in the body: protein, calcium, iron. A good diet can bring good condition to the nail plate.
Vitamins for beautiful nails
Calcium is essential for bones as well as nails as it makes them strong and hardy. Low calcium intake is a common cause of flaky nails. When nails break or peel easily, start by increasing your diet with dairy products such as milk, yogurt, cheese, as well as spinach and other vegetables. You can start taking nutritional supplements with vitamins A, B, C and calcium. Tea and coffee interfere with the proper absorption of this important nutrient.
If the diet is low in iron and vitamins, this leads to brittleness and foliation of the nails. Iron deficiency in the body is a pathological condition that leads to a decrease in the concentration of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood. Iron deficiency makes nails brittle and hollow. In this case, it is necessary to enrich your diet with fish, eggs, meat and legumes, as well as dairy products, green vegetables and sesame, which will improve the appearance of nails.
Useful products
Zinc is a very important mineral that keeps nails healthy. Its deficiency is manifested by white spots on the nails, while they grow slowly.
Magnesium helps with stress, which contributes to poor nail growth. Magnesium deficiency slows down nail growth.
Note! If the reason for the unsightly appearance of the nails is a lack of moisture, it is recommended to consume fruits, liquids (water and juices), as well as vegetables. Apply a moisturizing cream to the nails once a day, if possible at bedtime or after a long stay or contact of the nails with water.
Vitamins for brittle nails should be included in the diet in order to have healthy and strong nails. Vitamin supplementation has been scientifically proven to strengthen hair and nails.
- Low vitamin A intake can be the reason why nails become brittle and dry. Vitamin A is very important for cell growth: it protects the surface of the nails and promotes their rapid growth.
- Vitamin B12 is responsible for the formation of red blood cells in the body, which carry oxygen and other necessary elements to all tissues of the body and, of course, to the nails.
- Brittle nails may indicate a biotin deficiency. Vitamin B7 or biotin increases the thickness of the nails and reduces their fragility. A daily intake of 2.5 mg of biotin increases the strength of nails and makes them less brittle. The result from its use is seen slowly, but you can see the difference after a few months.
- Vitamin B9 or folic acid is essential for the growth and health of nails. Its deficiency causes pigment changes in the nails and makes them brittle and hard.
- Vitamin C increases the production of collagen, which is an important protein that strengthens nails. Its deficiency can make nails brittle and slow their growth.
Aesthetic care can be detrimental to nail health, such as false nails, high formaldehyde nail polish, removing nail polish with harsh chemicals.
The problem of brittle nails occurs more often in women after the nails are strained by household chores related to water. Contact with chemicals such as detergents, disinfectants and cleaners without the use of gloves causes skin irritation and nail peeling. If your nails are dry and lack moisture, they are much easier to break. Hand cream must be used after each hand wash. This will to some extent prevent brittleness of the formed nails. If there is enough moisture in the nails, they will be less brittle and injury will be avoided.
In addition to dehydration, over-hydration can also damage your nails. Brittle nails can be associated with both dehydration of our body and its excess hydration. Some dermatological diseases, such as psoriasis or various fungal infections, can affect the nail plate. Visit a doctor to recommend the appropriate treatment.
Important! With frequent use, acetone and all kinds of nail polish removers make nails brittle and dry. Do not leave polish on nails for too long, as it contains ingredients that dehydrate them and lead to brittleness. You need to let your nails rest for a few days before painting them again.
Frequent application of artificial nails can ruin the look of natural nails. Products used as a base for nail polish contain strong chemicals that make the nail surface weaker.
If brittle nails, they need treatment and proper care to correct the condition.
Ways to deal with brittle nails: what to look for
How to improve the situation if the nails exfoliate? There are nutritional supplements containing a variety of vitamins that strengthen the nail matrix, making nails more resistant over time. There are creams, oils, gels, pencils that strengthen the structure of the nail, promote proper and healthy growth. The use of appropriate nail health products is a must because they will not be able to return to normal unless they are helped with treatment.
Work with gloves. With gloves in everyday work, you can protect your nails and avoid wear and tear. This is a very good habit. Constant hand washing causes dehydration and dry skin and nails. Thus, they become prone to breakage and cracking. Use the cream after washing your hands, highlighting the area above the nail matrix.
Thyroid disorders can also cause problems with nail strength and hardness. If you have thyroid problems, be sure to visit an endocrinologist so that he can give you the appropriate drugs to control the symptoms.
Nails can peel due to stress or lack of sleep. These two factors can be corrected. There are great solutions to help you sleep better. Drink herbal tea before bed to soothe the body and mind.
Means for strengthening nails at home
Nails need proper care just like skin! If they often break, you need a good tool to strengthen them. There are many nail strengtheners sold in stores, but there are also homemade natural recipes that are just as effective but much cheaper. This will make them strong and healthy.
After a nourishing bath or mask, apply your usual hand cream. If you mix extra virgin olive oil with almond oil (two tablespoons of each oil), you get a very powerful mixture for strengthening nails. Apply to nails and cuticles and leave for ten minutes.
Strengthening cream for brittle nails: 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 spoon of pure honey, a pinch of salt and egg yolk. Mix all the ingredients and apply the mixture on your nails. Leave on for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water. Repeat three times a week.
Home remedy with olive oil and lemon. Mix olive oil and lemon, and apply with a piece of cotton wool on the nails. Leave it on for as long as you like, this way it provides fast nutrition and shine to damaged nails.
Olive oil and essential oils. You will need 10 ml of olive oil, 10 drops of lemon essential oil and 10 drops of lavender essential oil. Apply one drop to each nail. Massage for about 30 seconds in a circular motion. At the end, you can wipe off the remaining liquid on your fingers with napkins. This home remedy for strengthening nails can even be applied daily (even better, every night before bed).
Tea, salt, and olive oil are one of the best homemade remedies for strengthening nails. Brew some tea, and pour it into a bowl, add salt and olive oil. Stir the ingredients with a spoon while they are still warm, place the hands on your hands for at least 5 minutes. Blot the surface of the nails with a napkin. You can use this recipe even every day: it moisturizes and strengthens nails while softening cuticles.
Vaseline is great for strengthening and moisturizing nails. Apply a small amount of Vaseline to each nail for 15 minutes. Vaseline cosmetic with chamomile softens the cuticle and the area around the nails,
Add a clove of crushed garlic, 5 drops of lemon and 5 drops of iodine to the pharmacy remedy for strengthening nails. Mix well and leave for 2 days. Apply it for the next two weeks.
Onions are one of the most effective home remedies for strengthening nails. Cut an onion in half and rub your nails for five minutes. Then let them dry.
Healthy, beautiful nails should be smooth, have a uniform color, and the skin tone underneath should be pinkish.