Taking care of your nails involves more than going for a manicure and pedicure every three weeks. Nail care is essential for both men and women because poor nail health can have lasting impacts on any individual.
The reality is that when you don’t take care of your nails, you can end up dealing with damaged nailbeds, a buildup of bacteria and fungi, or infection. It’s also worth mentioning that nail infections can lead to some serious long-term health effects if the infection spreads to other areas of your body.
Look for the warning signs and be proactive. If your nails are splitting, peeling, swollen, or have white spots, consider seeking attention from a health professional.
Learn how to take care of your nails before they get worse and impact the rest of your body.:
1: Take Care of Your Cuticles, Don’t Rip Them Off
A lot of people are under the impression that cuticles are bad. This is why so many tend to either rip off or cut off their cuticles. The reality is that your cuticles exist for a reason — they actually act as a barrier that protects you from infection.
Instead of getting rid of your cuticles when they dry or start to bother you, invest in products that can help you take care of them. If you are unsure what to use to keep your cuticles hydrated and soft, you must see these products that are organic and will leave your cuticles feeling renewed.
2: Use Moisturizer
It’s a well-known fact that moisturizing is essential for healthy and glowing skin. What is less known, however, is how important it is to keep your nails moisturized. Mayo Clinic suggests rubbing lotion around your cuticles and into your fingernails to keep your nails and nail beds healthy and hydrated.
3: Cut Regularly & Properly
According to Good Housekeeping, it’s best to cut your nails every two weeks. Many prefer the aesthetics of long nails, but the reality is that they snag and break — which is not healthy in the slightest. In fact, according to the CDC, longer nails actually collect more dirt, which increases the risk of infection.
You should always do any kind of nail removal using a clipper. if you have a hangnail, it’s important to cut it off using a clipper instead of biting or ripping it off, which can lead to infection. Regular clipping is essential for nail health.
4: Clean Your Nails
Cleanliness is one of the most important aspects of nail health. Bacteria and dirt build under your nails and can cause infection when they come into contact with other parts of your body like your mouth or when you scratch yourself.
When cleaning out this dirt, however, its important to make sure you are not being too rough. The gentler you are, the better. It’s also important to use the right tools to clean out bacteria and dirt. Metal tools, for example, can cause your nail plate to separate from your skin.
5: Take Precautions for Manicures & Pedicures
Getting a mani-pedi is a source of relaxation and self-care for many — which is why it’s important to find a salon you can trust. Before you make an appointment for a manicure or pedicure, take the right precautions. Do your research; read reviews that can help you confirm if the salon is clean, licensed and makes a habit of regularly sterilizing their tools. Invest the time and effort to protect your nails.