A lot of studies indicate that the first signs of aging show on your neck and hands. While we are all quick to slather on lotions and potions on our necks, our hands are generally ignored.
Your nails majorly contribute to the appearance and beauty of your hands, and keeping them healthy and stronger is crucial to keep your hands youthful.
Thin nails are a problem that both men and women face. There could be multiple reasons for it, but you can make them thicker with just a couple of simple tricks.
Keep reading to find out the answer to why your nails are so thin.
Table of contents:
- Why are my nails so thin?
- How can I make my nails thicker?
- What products help in maintaining healthy nails?
Why are my nails so thin?
If your nails are brittle, weak, and often break, one of the following problems could be the reasons for their poor health:
Poor nutrition
Certain vitamin or mineral deficiencies like vitamin C, B complex, omega 3, etc., can lead to brittle and thin nails. Low calcium can also cause weak nails. Eating a nutritionally poor diet can be the most common cause of brittle nails in most people. Inadequate intake of water also causes dry and fragile nails.
Excessive exposure to water
If you spend a lot of time with your hands in water, such as washing utensils, clothes, etc., your nails may become thin and weak to excessive moisture. Water can weaken the nails by making them soft and prone to breakage.
Chemicals
Chemicals in acrylic and gel manicures like acetone can dry out the nail and cause breakage.
Thyroid
Medical conditions like thyroid are known to affect your hair, skin, and nails and make them drier and weaker.
Anaemia
Anaemia is a condition defined by a deficiency of iron in your body. A common side effect of ammonia is nail thinning.
Raynaud's Syndrome
This is a health condition where your hands and fingers do not get enough blood circulation. As a result, your nails get brittle and thin.
Cancer treatments
Chemotherapy used for the treatment of critical ailments like cancer can make your hair and nail brittle and cause damage.
Age
Age can also be a factor in weak and thin nails. As you grow old, your fingernails become fragile and more susceptible to damage.
How can I make my nails thicker?
Regardless of the reason for your thin nails, these tips can help you make them thick and strong:
Eat a healthy diet
The easiest way to ensure good nail health is by eating optimally. Eat a diet rich in calcium, iron, vitamins, and omega 3 for strong and thick nails.
Avoid or minimize nail polish removers with acetone
Acetone can dry out your nails and make them frail and fragile. Avoid using nail polish with acetone to reduce damage.
Do not use excessive hand sanitizer
The times that we live in have mandated the use of hand sanitizer. However, as vital as a hand sanitizer is for your health and security, it can be really bad for your nails. The alcohol in sanitizer can result in brittle and thin nails. So, try to strike a balance between washing your hands and using the sanitizer. And always complete the routine with the next step.
Moisturize your hands and nails
Moisturizing your hands and nails should be a vital part of your daily skincare regime. Moisturizing can have multiple benefits. Firstly, it will prevent premature aging. Secondly, it will keep your nails healthy and nourished and stop further damage.
Minimize water exposure
Instead of putting your hands directly in water, use gloves to cover them. If you are washing clothes or utensils, the harsh chemicals in the soap or detergent can damage your nails and also leave your skin feeling frail and dry. However, gloves will protect your skin as well as your nails.
Stay hydrated
Hydration is a must to ensure good health for your skin, hair, and nails. Make sure to drink enough water as per your age and body weight to see your nails grow stronger and thicker.
Consider taking supplements
If you suffer from deficiencies, you can consult a dermatologist or another doctor and take supplements like iron, biotin, calcium, etc. Supplements cannot substitute for an imbalanced diet. However, make sure to take them only after consulting a doctor.
Reduce or avoid gel and acrylic manicures
While it can be hard to avoid the urge to get the latest gel and acrylic manicure styles on your nails, it may be best to avoid them if you already suffer from weak nails. Try to limit getting any more manicures till your nails are healthy again.
Opt for non-toxic nail polishes
There are plenty of options available in the market with safer and natural ingredients. Prefer such alternatives to toxic ones.
These simple tips can help you strengthen your nails. However, if you find dark spots, yellow nails, abnormal growth, or grooves on your nails, you may have other health conditions like Onychotillomania, Onychogryphosis, etc. In such a case, it may be advised to consult a dermatologist the sooner, the better.
What products help in maintaining healthy nails?
Here are some products that you can use for healthy nails:
Castor Essential Oil
Castor oil is a multipurpose oil that can offer multiple benefits to your hair, skin, lips, and nails.
Frankincense Essential Oil
This oil is rightly referred to as the King of Oils. Frankincense oil can deeply nourish your nails and moisturize them.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus essential oil helps protect the skin from environmental stressors and contributes to the better health of your nails when used regularly.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil can help soothe skin and moisturize dry and brittle nails.
Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon essential oil has a nice citrusy aroma with multiple beneficial properties that can help heal your damaged nails.
Essential oils can be used with any carrier oil. WOW Skin Science offers a wide range of essential oils and other oils and moisturizers that can be used to nourish your nails and keep them healthy, thick, and strong. Browse through the collection and enjoy healthy and nourished nails and beautiful hands.
Sources:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320061
https://www.prevention.com/health/a20516850/14-secrets-to-strengthen-brittle-nails/
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/ss/slideshow-what-causes-brittle-nails
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/nails/art-20044954
https://share.upmc.com/2018/03/brittle-nails-causes-treatments/
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