Healthy Nails Through the Holidays

TheDailyZeel

By: StacyAtZeel

When your manicurist refuses to paint polish on your nails, you know there's a problem. Flash back to last night.

good advice even if you don't polish your nails
good advice even if you don't polish your nails


OK, so I've noticed that my nails were a bit soft and weak over the last few months, but it was nothing a few coats of Essie's "Carry On" couldn't cover up. Right?

As it turns out though, over-lacquering my nails has rendered them really, really unhealthy, so much so that I've been temporarily banned from polishing them until further notice. Until then, I've been instructed by the kind yet brutally honest technicians at Black Label Spa to forego my weekly manicure and to instead take the following actions.

(And remember: Like your skin, your nails can become weak and dry during these cold winter months with or without a manicure addiction, so even if you're not a serial polisher, you may want to wise up.)

Moisturize-a lot. Like your skin, your nails need moisture too. The average amount of moisture in a healthy nail is 18 percent; any less is also less than ideal. Boost nail health by massaging a small amount of lotion into each nail. You can do this several times a day. If you have especially dry nails, try wearing cotton gloves afterward to lock in the moisture.

Invest in argan oil. Dubbed "liquid gold" for its healing capabilities, natural argan oil is rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant that facilitates the growth of strong, healthy nails. We love Josie Maran's 100 percent argan oil moisturizer. Just a drop is all it takes to make a difference.

Avoid acetone. Acetone is a common ingredient in many household products-including many nail polish removers. It can also dehydrate your nails even further. Avoid using any products that contain acetone to prevent weakening your nails any more than they already are.

B-complex vitamins. Biotin, a B-complex vitamin, is a worthy remedy for weak, peeling nails, but it's not a quick-fix solution. The recommended dose is 2.5 mg daily, the results which may take between four to six months to occur. Biotin can be purchased in most health food stores.