You may not realize it, but your hands make a huge impression and all the pretty polish in the world can’t hide peeling, brittle, unhealthy nails. According to a report by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, brittle nails that peel may affect as much as 20 percent of people.
Nails are made of keratin and small cells called onychocytes. The cells are extremely delicate and “10 times more absorbent than skin,” says Dana Stern, M.D., a New York City-based dermatologist.
The layers of nail fibers can become soft and flexible for several reasons, including exposure to water, harsh chemicals, changes in the weather and certain medical conditions. Here are some things to consider to fight and prevent peeling nails:
Protection
Your hands get more of a beating than just about any other part of your body. Try to remember to wear gloves when you are cleaning and doing dishes. This will protect your skin and nails from the harsh chemicals. Though it may not look like it, nails are extremely porous and too much moisture from water and harmful substances can cause the nails to be weak.
Hydration
Staying hydrated is not only good for your body, it’s great for your nails. Hydration of the insides makes your nails strong.
Vitamins
A multi-vitamin containing B-complex and biotin will keep your nails, skin and hair beautiful and healthy. Peeling nails need protein to strengthen them, so if you aren’t getting enough from your diet, invest in a good daily vitamin.
Limit Gel Manicures
As pretty and convenient as gel manicures may be, they can be very damaging to your nails over time. Between the amount of acetone needed to remove the polish and the heated lamp used to dry them, your nails have taken a real beating. Try to give your nails a break between applications.
If you have tried it all from strengtheners, diet and regimen changes and you see no results, then there may be a deficiency problem like anemia, or even something larger going on such as issues with your thyroid . Talk to your physician about possible skin conditions and health problems that could be causing your weak nails.
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