Awesome Nail Care Tips from a Dermatologist

Here are some handy tips that will help to keep your nails healthy. Always remember to moisturize your nails specially after removing nail polish since nail polish removers contain chemicals that make the nails dry. The nail equipment’s like nail cutters and nail clipper should first be cleaned with lukewarm running water specifically to remove all the visible debris and dirt. Followed by sterilization that can be done by soaking the equipment in 7.5% hydrogen peroxide which can be easily bought from a chemist or it can also be sterilized by soaking in boiling water for half an hour. This helps to remove most of the remaining pathogenic organisms. Once this is done ensure that these don’t get re-infected by using tongs to pull out the equipment and placing them in a clean area.

The best tip for cutting the nails is to cut them after soaking them in lukewarm water for 10 mins. While cleaning the cuticle, pushing back or cutting the cuticle too deep should be avoided, as it leads to tenderness of the nail folds and infection. Buffing of the nails should not be done very often or very vigorously. If one doesn’t have any experience in buffing of the nails, it should be avoided as it can lead to weakening of the nail bed followed by the nail plate.

Yellow nails are seen in individuals who apply very dark colored nail polish and are frequent nail polish users. Even applying nail polish which contains toxins called as tosylamide formaldehyde resin can cause an allergic reaction and yellow discoloration of the nail. So one should use only toxin free nail polish which contains natural pigment in water base and argan oil for the moisturizing effects on the nail. For preventing yellow nail, removing of the nail polish with the nail polish remover pads containing gamma butyrolactone are very safe and effective to use. In brittle nails the surface of the nail plate is rough and weakened and there is stripping of the nail plate. This is mainly because of deficiency of keratin, water and lipid content in the nail plate. It is very difficult to treat brittle nails  and they need to be treated with care. Also remember to not do any cosmetic treatments to the nails which can further worsen the condition of the nails. Oral supplement of vitamins specifically biotin and other amino acids can be helpful in improving the nail strength.

Few of my favorite nail care products that I recommend to my patients

Intensive Treatment and Moisturizer for Dry or Callused Areas – This thick emollient has a special mix of avocado and shea butter that helps to soften and hydrate the nails along with the dry skin. Know more.

Regenail Nourishing Nail Serum – This nourishing serum helps to strengthens, hydrates and softens the dry and cracked cuticles. Specifically to be used for weak, splitting and peeling nails. Know more.

Avene Cicalfate Hand – This hand cream is non-comedogenic, paraben and soy free that brings relief to dry, cracked hands and hydrates the nails. Know more.