Tips for caring for healthy nails and not easily brittle

Take a good look at the appearance of your fingernails and toenails. Are the colors clean or dull? Does anyone have uneven ends because it has been partially broken? Is there a dent or do you see uneven lines on the surface? These are some of the features of unhealthy nails. So, what are the tips for caring for nails so they don't get damaged quickly?

Know the characteristics of healthy nails first

Nails are made of a special protein called keratin which is produced by the nail matrix at the nail bed, just below the cuticle.

Healthy nails should be strong and not break easily, have a flat and smooth surface, and be clear in color (clear white at the tips and a little pink on the cushion surface). Characteristics of healthy nails must always look clean.

Consult your doctor or dermatologist if you have any of the following abnormal nail characteristics:

Changed nail color, the change can be all over the nail or there may be dark lines under the nail bed.
Nail deformities, such as nails curving outward
Thinning or thickened nails
Nails that break easily even if you don't press them hard or hit hard objects
Swelling or pain around the nail

Tips for caring for nails to be healthy and strong

There are several tips for treating your nails that you can do every day to keep them healthy, strong, and clean. Among them:

Keep nails dry. This is to prevent bacteria from growing under your nails. If your nails are exposed to water for too long, this can make them damp and break easily. Avoid this by wearing cotton-coated rubber gloves when washing dishes, washing clothes, or when you use harsh chemicals.
Always keep your nails clean. Use clean and sharp nail clippers, try to have personal nail clippers that don't just lend to people. Cut the top of the nail straight across. After that, cut both sides of your nails again to form a blunt, not sharp part.
Use a moisturizer. Tips for caring for nails using this moisturizer are still rarely used by people. In fact, the nails should not be too dry either, there must be enough moisture. You can use hand lotion which is also applied to the nails and cuticles at the same time. this aims to keep the nails moist, not dry.
Take biotin supplements. Several studies have shown that biotin supplements can help strengthen weak or brittle nails. Please ask your doctor about biotin supplements.

What to avoid when treating nails

To prevent nail damage, avoid the following:

1. Do not bite your nails and cut nail cuticles

Many people have a habit of biting their nails. Where this can cause short nails and bad shape. This habit can damage the nail bed, which makes it easier for bacteria to enter into the nail.

Also, avoid cutting cuticles. Even a small cut on the side of your nail can allow bacteria or fungus to enter and cause infection.

2. Pulling out the skin on the edge of the nail

The skin on the outskirts of the nail is generally called hangnails . Not infrequently some people may feel uncomfortable so that they attract these hangnails.

When pulling or pulling hangnails, you may run the risk of tearing the skin tissue, which is a risk of infection, swelling, and pus. It is recommended to cut hangnail with nail clippers.

3. Do not use nail polish too often

Don't use nail polish frequently. If you want to use nail polish, choose a lighter content. Also, use acetone-free nail polish remover. Acetone and nail polish can make nails yellow and cracked on the surface.