Show your nails some love

NewsUSA – When was the last time you thought about the health of your nails? The fact is proper nail care helps keep your hard-working hands and feet looking and feeling their best by decreasing infection risk and breakage.
“We need to think about nail care in the same way we think about skin care and pay more attention to products we’re using and how we focus on not just the look of our nails but the underlying health,” said Dr. Dana Stern, a board-certified dermatologist and an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City.
Some common nail complaints she hears from patients are dryness, weakness, ridges and aging-related issues. She also hears her patients talk about dry, brittle nails from hand washing and use of hand sanitizer.     
Stern shares her top three tips to improve the look and health of your nails:     
First, when you’re choosing products, be mindful of the ingredients and steer clear of harmful chemicals, such as formaldehyde, a known carcinogen and an ingredient in many nail strengthener formulas. Just as you wouldn’t want to use a product with harsh substances on your face or body, the same goes for products you put on your nails.     
Second, stop using abrasive emery board nail files. These files can be damaging, as they cause microscopic tears at the tips of the nails. Instead, look for glass or crystal files that will give your nails a smooth edge and won’t cause snags or tears.   
Lastly, always wear gloves when doing ewt work around the house or garden, such as washing dishes. Nails are like little sponges, and over-saturation will weaken the nail, making it prone to breakage. ∞