Do’s and Don’ts for Nail Beauty

Do you ever wonder why your nails turn a certain color or look a certain way? The appearance of your fingernails and toenails can determine your overall health. Nails can indicate certain conditions you have or how well your body is functioning.How Do Some Unhealthy Nails Look Like?

1. Pale/White Nails: This condition, also known as leukonychia, can partially be white or have white spots and lines. This is a very common condition that’s harmless and it usually results from a physical injury, excessive nail-biting, trauma, anemia, dietary deficiencies, or excessive use of manicures.
2. Yellow Nails: Yellow nails can be caused by two factors: a fungal infection or nail polish. If you paint your nails too much, your nails can be stained due to excessive exposure to chemicals. Besides having a fungal infection, yellow nails can also indicate whether you have thyroid disease, lung disease, or diabetes.
3. Cracked or Split Nails: This nail condition is known as onychoschizia. If you notice your nails easily splitting and cracking, it’s because you have been wetting and drying your nails too much. A possible way of your nails becoming brittle can result from washing dishes without wearing gloves.
4. Soft or Bendable Nails: Your nails are weak if you notice them bending easily or feeling soft. These types of nails are usually caused by being exposed to lots of chemicals such as nail polishes or nail polish remover like acetone.

Don’ts for Nail Care

1. Refrain from biting your nails. We all have some sort of habit to help us rid of our nervousness or anxiety, but there are other ways to alleviate that. Biting your nails can cause an infection and inflammation due to all the bacteria from your mouth.
2. Don’t paint your nails too much or it could cause your nails to stain a yellow color. There is nothing wrong with wanting to glam up, but I recommend limiting your nail salon visits to when you have special occasions such as a party, date, weddings, etc.
3. Don’t cut too much of your cuticles or cut them at all. Cuticles are crucial for protecting your nails and the skin around your nail from infection. When you cut your cuticles, this leaves a wide opening for bacteria exposure.
4. Do not share nail tools with anyone. Bacteria can spread and cause others’ nails to have an infection. For example, if you have a fungal infection and use a nail clipper, do not let your friend or family member use that same clipper, because they can also develop a fungal infection. If you go to a nail salon, I recommend making sure the place is sanitary and the workers disinfect all their tools before using it on your nails.

Do’s for Nail Care

1. Use a physician-grade moisturizer for your hands. Thoroughly rub the product into your skin and nails.
2. Take biotin supplements to enhance the strength of your nails and its growth.
3. Wear gloves when doing any chores that require exposing you to water. If you have a load of dishes to wash, I recommend using a pair of gloves.
4. Disinfect and sanitize your nail tools every time you use them. This will prevent any germs and bacteria from spreading.
5. Trim and buff your nails when needed. If you have long nails, a lot of bacteria and germs can get stored under them.

Stay beautiful!