What makes fingernails strong

You might have swapped your acetone polish remover, sure, but think about other ways your nails are exposed to chemicals on the daily.

For example, if you have traditional dish soap in your kitchen, perhaps wear gloves while cleaning to avoid drying out the nails. And even some natural-leaning dish soaps can have drying ingredients, like vinegar or lemon.

Like most aspects of skin care and life in general , prevention is key. While you can seek tips and tricks to restore nail health after noticing brittleness or frays, the best thing to do is combat those issues before they even make their appearance. You are now subscribed Be on the lookout for a welcome email in your inbox!

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August 27, Apply cuticle oil daily. Take a collagen or biotin supplement. Push your cuticles back. Commit to monthly maintenance. Invest in clean polish products. Base and top coats are especially helpful when your nails are on the weaker side because they provide your nails with an additional protective barrier from things like dehydration and breakage, says Dr.

Bottom line: Your nails need to breathe. Applying a keratin treatment between manicures, such as CND RescueRXx , can help nourish your nails during the hiatus. The sooner you treat any underlying health issues that might be messing with your nails, the sooner they can grow in healthier and stronger. Like what you just read? Go here to subscribe. Weight Loss.

Type keyword s to search. Today's Top Stories. Ab Exercises for a Stronger Core. How to strengthen your nails and keep them that way. If you rely on manicures or pedicures for healthy-looking nails, keep a few things in mind. Stick to salons that display a current state license, and work only with technicians also licensed by the state board.

Don't have your cuticles removed — they act to seal the skin to the nail plate, so removal can lead to nail infection. Also, make sure your nail technician properly sterilizes all tools used during your procedure to prevent the spread of infection. You might also ask how the foot baths are cleaned. Ideally, a bleach solution is used between clients and the filters are cleaned regularly. It's easy to neglect your nails — but taking some basic steps can keep your fingernails healthy and strong.

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You may opt-out of e-mail communications at any time by clicking on the Unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. What about other dietary sources? Naturally, biotin-rich foods include cold-water fish such as salmon, almonds, peanuts, Swiss chard, and eggs. It's worth noting that not all experts are unanimous about whether biotin can actually improve your nail strength, so proceed with caution.

Virtually everyone has heard that acetone-based nail polish removers are bad for your nails. But Dr. Stern said that even ethyl acetate ones which are often perceived as being gentler are still solvents. If you must use them, Dr. Stern advises not using them more than once a week. If possible, take a week break in between polish removals, because that step is far more damaging to your nail than the actual polish. Stern suggests simply switching to a moisturizing cleanser in a cute travel dispenser to keep clean without drying out your nails.

But with great color power comes great responsibility.