Remember how we talked about 2022 being about new you and new nails? If you haven’t read that article read it here. We are going to help you achieve that this year so let’s get into it shall we? Awesome!
Now, I don’t need to tell you that the nails are an important part of the body (all parts are actually important). They protect your fingertips and enhance your ability to pick up items, plus they serve a cosmetic purpose as well.
Nails have multiple tough layers that can peel and this causes them to appear thin or become weakened and eventually lead to the nails splitting. Your nail serve as a window into your body and gives clues about your health and peeling nails can be a symptom of many different conditions.
What Causes the Nails to Peel?
This can be caused by various internal and external factors, some of which that might not even be health related.
For internal causes, I highly suggest you go see a doctor, do your first physical examination of the year just to make sure that everything is good and things are working well. Better to be safe than sorry.
Trauma or damage to the nail can cause peeling. Soaking hands in hot water while doing the dishes or prolonged water exposure can dry the nails out. Now we’re not saying don’t do your chores or clean your house but instead get really good hand moisturizer.
Other eternal causes include;
- Overusing the nails as a tool
- Picking or peeling off nail polish
- Removing your acrylics without proper care
- Biting your nails
Some underlying health conditions such a anemia, tuberculosis and endocrine hormonal issues can manifest in the nails. Nail color changes like yellowing can be related to lung health. Skin conditions such as Psoriasis and side effects of some medications can also affect the nails.
How to care for Peeling Nails
If you suspect that your peeling nails are the result of an Iron deficiency, you may want to consider increasing your Iron intake. Examples of foods high in iron include;
- Baked potato with skin
- Fortified breakfast cereal
- Lean meats
- Lentils
- Spinach
- White beans
You can also take a daily iron supplement.
If you regularly perform household chores that involve water, wear protective, cotton-lined rubber gloves and if you partake in water activities such as swimming, apply lotion or cream to your hands and nails. Remember, a good hand moisturizer is a must, and if you are wondering which moisturizer to buy, I recommend you use a nail-specific moisturizer like sunflower oil that is ‘rich in phospholipids’ which are known to prevent splitting or cracking nails. For added protection, you can also use a nail strengthener like ISDIN Si-Nails Strengthening Treatment. It helps coat the nail and protect it from trauma such as banging your nails or washing without gloves.
How to Prevent your Nails from Peeling
For my acrylics lovers, I cannot stress the importance of taking off your nails the proper way. Gently remove all nail coating without scrapping or pulling. If you force off the nail coating, it will cause nail damage and peeling that will ultimately scar your nail beds. This can lead to thin, fragile nails.
Care for you nails by filing them with a nail file around the tips of the nails. The nails should be filed into a curve, not into sharp points on the sides or tips, this helps prevent snagging, breaking or splitting
Nail care does not only stop at filing, you should also buff your nails. Buffing your nails can give them a healthy appearance but in order to achieve this, make sure to use a one-direction buffing motion because a back-and-forth motion can thin the nail plate, making your nails prone to peeling.
Too much water can cause the nail to peel but what can you do if you don’t have a choice regarding that? Simple, you can apply a clear nail polish and choose one with nylon fibers that are especially helpful in strengthening the nail.
I hope we’ve answered the questions you have regarding this topic, comment down below and let us know what your thoughts are. You can also talk to us about what areas you would like us to cover for the rest of this year. You are our audience, you speak and we respond.
