Ever looked at your nails and wondered why they sometimes look dry or brittle? Well, the secret might be in how much water you give them. Just like skin, nails require water to be healthy. Below are reasons keeping your nails hydrated is so important.
What happens when nails get dry?
Dry nails can be more than just aesthetic problems; they can actually cause real issues, like the following:
- Your nails may break more easily
- They may start peeling or flaking
- You might notice more hangnails
- Your cuticles could be coarse and hurt
Nobody wants any of those things. Fortunately, many of them can be avoided by keeping your nails hydrated.
How Water Helps Your Nails
Water is like a magic ingredient for your nails. It does a lot of things:
- They keep your nails flexible so that they will not break easily.
- They help your nails grow stronger.
- They keep the skin around your nails soft and healthy.
Think of your nails as sponges. If they have enough water, they are soft and pliable. When dry, they become hard and can break with relative ease.
Signs Your Nails Need More Hydration
How will you know if your nails are thirsty? Well, watch out for these signs:
- Brittle or readily breakable nails
- Peeling or splitting nails
- Dry and rough cuticles
- White spots on your nails
- Nails that feel hard and inflexible
If any of the above applies, it may be time to put a notch higher in hydration.
Easy Ways to Keep Your Nails Hydrated
It doesn’t have to be such a chore to keep them hydrated. Here are some easy things you can do:
Try Cuticle Oil
Cuticle oil does an amazing job with your cuticles and helps to keep your nails healthy, too. Use it daily for best results. Lemero Cuticle Oil is a great option for this purpose. It can nourish your cuticles and nails, helping to maintain their health and appearance with regular use.
Use Hand Cream
After washing your hands, put on some hand cream. This locks in moisture.
Wear Gloves
Wear gloves when you’re doing dishes, cleaning, or using harsh soaps or chemicals. This helps keep your nails safe.
Be Gentle with Your Nails
Try to avoid using your nails as tools, like to open packages. It can injure your nails and make them dry.
Drink More Water
Yes, it really is that simple. Drinking water helps your entire body, including your nails.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Food with a substance called biotin-like eggs, carrots, and nuts-can help you have strong and healthy nails.
Too Much Water Can Be Bad
While water is good, too much can be a problem. If your nails are in water for too long, they can get soft and weak. This is the reason your nails may peel after a very long bath. To avoid this:
- Don’t soak your nails for too long
- Dry your hands well after washing them
- Use a nail hardener if your nails get too soft
Hydration and Nail Polish
If you love nail polish, it is hard not to wonder how the stuff affects hydration. Here’s what you want to know:
- Some nail polishes can dry your nails out
- Always use a base coat to protect them
- Sometimes, give your nails a break from polish
- Use nail polish remover as infrequently as possible since it is drying
When to See a Doctor
Sometimes the problem with nails is not in their hydration. If one has tried hydrating the nails and the problems persist, perhaps it’s high time to see a doctor. They will be able to check if there is another reason as to why such nail problems are occurring.
Wrapping It Up
Hydration is the key to having strong and healthy nails. And it’s well worth it, without being at all too complicated. Remember, your nails are a part of your body, and not just a piece of art to show off colors on. Just give hydration some attention, and it shall be well worthwhile: a good look with good health. Give your nails a drink and watch them thrive!