Our nails are often the most neglected part of our bodies. Our feet and hands do most of the work day in and day out, but are often not cared for correctly. Many people complain of peeling cuticles, thick, rigid or even brittle nails and are not sure how to correct the situation. Here are some basic nail care guides that can be used for both hands and feet.
Moisturize
One of the things our hands and feet lack is proper moisture. Since we are constantly washing our hands, our bodies cannot produce enough natural oil to keep up the lipid barrier on our skin. Moisturizing your hands as well as your cuticles is the first step to basic nail care. A cuticle moisturizer usually comes in a small enough container that you can keep it in your purse or at your desk at work. Simply apply a small amount of the oil to each cuticle and massage in.
Clip It, Don’t Pick It
If your nails need a trim, use nail clippers, do not bite at them, or worse, pick at them with your other fingers until they peel off. Doing so can separate the nail, causing it to be fragile and cause fraying in the nail bed. It can also cause the nail to peel back further than you intended, causing pain and sometimes damage to the nail bed.
Use a Nail Strengthener
If your nails are weak and brittle and snap off easily, consider skipping the nail polish and go straight for a nail strengthener. These usually consist of ingredients meant to recreate what nails are made up of; namely calcium. Most are pink in color so they not only give you a glossy finish that will protect your nails, but they look whiter and more healthy.