Here are five recommendations from dermatologists for maintaining healthy and resilient nails.

 

There have been a lot of nail styles this year, from metallics and 3D art to skinny French tips and acrylics that don't match. But having good nails is always in style. It's possible to keep your nails in great shape. Keep reading to learn how and what items can help you.

How nails should look when they are healthy

Look at your nails for a long time, focusing on their shape, color, and general look. See what? It means that the nails are healthy if they look strong and clear.

Dr. Stacey Tull, founder of St. Charles County Dermatologic Surgery, says that healthy nails are strong, smooth, the same color all over, and lay on a healthy pink nail bed.

When your nails are unhealthy and weak

Are your nails weak or do they break a lot? Don't like the way your nails look, feel, or are thick? Then you might want to look more closely.


"The state of your nails could be a sign that you have a health problem deeper down." According to Dr. Michael I. Jacobs, clinical associate professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College and medical technology director at Cortina, nails that are too pale can be a sign of heart disease, anemia, or a lack of certain nutrients. "Your nails splitting a lot could be due to problems with your thyroid, psoriasis, eczema, or damage to your nails." If you're not sure, talk to your doctor.

But nail problems don't always have to be so bad. Too much of a chemical (like those in cleansers and nail paint removers) or too much water could make your nails weak and break easily.

How to keep your nails healthy

It's okay if your nails aren't very healthy. For better nail health and to treat common problems, it's not hard to do. The experts say the following are some simple things you can do to improve your nail care.

Clean your hands.

To stop the spread of germs, we all know to wash our hands often. But it is also very important for nail health because it keeps nail problems away. Don't forget to use hand cream afterward!

Always cut your nails.

If your nails aren't healthy, you should cut them short even if they look good. This means taking breaks and putting health ahead of length.

Eat well.

Sometimes, weak nails can mean you don't have enough of a certain vitamin. Increasing the amount of biotin-rich foods you eat can help keep your nails healthy.

Dr. Beth Goldstein, founder of Modern Ritual Health and board-certified dermatologist, says that foods high in biotin and omega-3 fatty acids, like fish and flaxseed, are good for your nails. The foods she lists are eggs, nuts, seeds, sweet potatoes, beans, greens, almonds, sunflower seeds, and nuts.

Take good care of your nails.

The cuticles are a big part of keeping your nails healthy. They keep germs and fungus from getting between the skin and nails by acting as a shield. Do not pick at or cut your nails by yourself. This could cause discomfort or an infection. Use a balm or nail oil instead to keep them fresh.

Take a break from your hands.

It's clear why people like gel nails that last a long time. On the other hand, they can weaken and break nails that are otherwise healthy. During the break, give your nails a treatment that will make them stronger.

Dr. Divya Shokeen, a board-certified dermatologist at the Ocean Skin and Vein Institute, says that nail-strengthening paints usually have ingredients that strengthen nails and make them more resistant to breakage.