Nail care recommendations: complete guide to maintain the health and beauty of your nails
I. Nail anatomy: understanding of the foundations
To effectively care for nails, it is important to understand their structure. A nail is a solid protective plate, consisting mainly of keratin, the same protein that makes hair and skin. The main parts of the nail include:
- Nail plate: The visible part of the nail protecting the fingertips. It consists of several layers of keratin, tightly compressed together.
- Nail bed: The skin under the nail plate to which it is attached. It is rich in blood vessels that provide nutrition of the nail.
- Matrix: The area under the cuticle, where new nail cells are formed. The health of the matrix directly affects the growth and quality of the nail plate. Damage to the matrix can lead to deformation of the nail.
- Lunked: Whitish semicircular region at the base of the nail. This is the visible part of the matrix. It is more noticeable on the thumbs.
- Cuticle: A thin strip of skin closing the matrix. It protects the matrix from bacteria and infections.
- Podonogate roller: The skin surrounding the nail.
- Hyponichia: The skin under the free edge of the nail, protecting the nail bed from infections.
Understanding this anatomy will help you care for nails and prevent damage.
II. Daily nail care: Fundamentals of healthy nails
Regular nail care is crucial for their health and beauty. Here are the main daily habits:
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Moisturization: Moisturization is the cornerstone of nail care. Apply a moisturizer or cuticle oil several times a day, especially after washing your hands. This prevents the dryness, fragility and stratification of nails. Look for products containing ingredients, such as jojoba oil, shi oil, vitamin E and hyaluronic acid. Oils penetrate better into the nail plate and cuticle, providing deeper moisturizing.
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Maintaining cleanliness: Wash your hands regularly with soft soap and water. Avoid aggressive detergents that can overdry nails and skin around them. After washing, dry your hands and nails thoroughly. A wet environment contributes to the growth of bacteria and fungi.
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Correct trimming: Cut the nails regularly to prevent their breakdown and stratification. Use sharp manicure scissors or nippers. Cut the nails straight, and then slightly round the corners with a file. Do not cut your nails too short, as this can lead to a nail to grow.
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Using the files: Use a nail file to take shape to the nails and smooth out the sharp edges. Avoid rude granular files that can damage the nails. Faps with fine granularity (180-240 grit) are better suited for natural nails. Sprinkle your nails in one direction to prevent their stratification.
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Protection against aggressive substances: When working with household chemicals, detergents or aggressive solvents, put on gloves. These substances can damage the nails, make them brittle and cause skin irritation.
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Avoid injuries: Be careful not to injure your nails. Avoid using nails as tools for opening cans or scratching. Nail injuries can lead to deformation and damage to the nail plate.
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Moderate use of varnish: Do not use nail polish continuously. Give the nails a break so that they can breathe and recover. Acetone contained in the varnish fluid can dry the nails. Use fluid to relieve varnish without acetone or with a low acetone content.
III. Care for the buried: Needing and goats
The cuticle plays an important role in protecting the nail matrix from infections. Caring for the cuticle should be delicate and aimed at moisturizing and protection, and not at full removal.
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Moisture use: Regularly apply the cuticle oil to moisturize and soften the cuticle. This prevents its dryness and cracking.
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Checking the cuticle: Gently push the cuticle with a wooden stick or a special tool for the cuticle after taking a shower or after you soaked your hands in warm water. This will help maintain the purity of the nail bed and prevent the increase in the cuticle to the nail.
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Avoid cutting cuticle: Cutting cutters can damage the nail matrix and increase the risk of infections. If the cuticle looks sloppy, carefully push it away and remove only the dead parts. Never cut a living cuticle.
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Professional care: If necessary, contact a professional master of manicure to care for the cuticle. The manicure master has experience and tools for safe and effective cuticle care.
IV. Nutrition for healthy nails: what is for strong nails
Nail health reflects the general state of health of the body. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is necessary for strong and healthy nails.
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Protein: Nails consist of keratin, protein. Make sure that you get enough protein from sources such as meat, fish, eggs, legumes and nuts.
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Biotin (Vitamin B7): Biotin plays an important role in the growth and development of nails. Good sources of biotin are eggs, nuts, seeds, sweet potatoes and avocados.
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Iron: Iron deficiency can lead to fragility and thinning of nails. Use products rich in iron, such as red meat, spinach and legumes.
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Zinc: Zinc is necessary for tissue growth and restoration, including nails. Good sources of zinc are oysters, meat, nuts and seeds.
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Vitamin C: Vitamin C is necessary for the production of collagen, which is important for the health of nails. Use fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, berries and pepper.
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Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids help maintain the health of nails and skin. Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids are fatty fish, linen seeds and walnuts.
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Water: Maintaining a sufficient level of hydration is important for the health of nails and skin. Drink enough water during the day.
V. Problems with nails and their solution: Diagnosis and treatment
Many factors can affect the health of the nails, leading to various problems. It is important to be able to recognize these problems and know how to solve them.
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Brown nails: The fragility of the nails can be caused by dryness, frequent use of varnish fluid, the effects of aggressive chemicals or a lack of nutrients.
- Decision: Moisturize your nails and cuticle regularly. Avoid frequent use of fluid to relieve varnish containing acetone. Wear gloves when working with chemicals. Make sure you get enough vitamins and minerals, especially biotin.
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Nail stratification: Nail stratification can be caused by injuries, dryness, frequent wash of the hands or a lack of nutrients.
- Decision: Moisturize your nails and cuticle regularly. Avoid nail injuries. Wear gloves when working with water. Make sure you get enough biotin and iron.
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White spots on the nails (leikonichia): White spots on the nails are often mistakenly associated with a deficiency of calcium, but most often they are caused by injury to the nail.
- Decision: White spots usually disappear on their own as the nail grows. Avoid nail injuries. In rare cases, white spots can be caused by a fungal infection or allergies.
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Yellow nails: Yellow nails can be caused by a fungal infection, smoking, the use of dark nail polish or some diseases.
- Decision: If you suspect a fungal infection, consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Stop smoking. Use the base coating before applying dark nail polish. In some cases, yellow nails can be a sign of a more serious disease, such as thyroid disease or diabetes.
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Grown nails: Grown nails occur when the edge of the nail grows into the skin. They can be painful and lead to infection.
- Decision: Soak your legs in warm water with the addition of Epsom’s salt several times a day. Gently lift the edge of the nail and put a small piece of cotton wool under it. If the infection does not pass or you have diabetes, consult a doctor.
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Fungal nail infections (onychomycosis): Fungal infections of the nails can cause thickening, bleaching and fragility of nails.
- Decision: Consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Treatment may include local antifungal agents, oral antifungal drugs or removal of the nail in severe cases.
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Vertical stripes on the nails: Vertical stripes on nails are a common phenomenon, which is usually associated with age. They are usually harmless.
- Decision: Vertical stripes usually do not require treatment. Moisturizing nails can help improve their appearance.
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Horizontal stripes on the nails (line BO): Horizontal stripes on the nails can be a sign of illness, stress, injury or medication.
- Decision: Contact the doctor to determine the cause of Bo’s lines. Treatment will depend on the main reason.
VI. Professional nail care: when to contact a specialist
Although home care is important, in some cases professional assistance may be required.
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Suspicion of a fungal infection: If you suspect a fungal nail infection, consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
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Grown nails: If the ingrown nail causes severe pain, inflammation or infection, consult a doctor or a pride.
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Nail deformation: If your nails are deformed or changed color, consult a doctor to exclude any basic diseases.
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Chronic problems with nails: If you have chronic problems with nails, such as brittleness or stratification, despite home care, contact a dermatologist.
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Professional manicure: Regular professional manicure can help maintain the health and beauty of your nails. Choose salons with a good reputation that comply with strict hygiene standards.
VII. Myths about nail care: we debunk widespread errors
There are many myths about nail care. It is important to separate the facts from fiction in order to make reasonable decisions on nail care.
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Myth: Nails should “breathe”.
- Fact: Nails do not breathe. They receive nutrients and oxygen from blood flow. Nail polish does not interfere with nail health.
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Myth: Gelatin strengthens his nails.
- Fact: There is no scientific evidence that gelatin strengthens his nails. Healthy nutrition, rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, is much more important.
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Myth: White spots on the nails mean calcium deficiency.
- Fact: White spots on the nails are usually caused by nail injury, and not a deficiency of calcium.
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Myth: Cutting cutters is necessary for the health of the nails.
- Fact: Cutting cutters can damage the nail matrix and increase the risk of infections. Caring for the cuticle should be delicate and aimed at moisturizing and protection.
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Myth: The use of acetone is harmful to nails.
- Fact: Acetone can dry nails, but moderate use of fluid fluids with acetone or the use of fluid to relieve varnish without acetone does not cause significant harm.
VIII. The choice of nail care products: what to look in the composition
The choice of the right tools for nail care can significantly improve the health and appearance of your nails.
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Moisturizing creams and oils for cuticles: Look for products containing ingredients, such as jojoba oil, shi oil, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, glycerin and lanolin. These ingredients help moisturize, soften and protect nails and cuticle.
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Nail strengthening tools: Look for products containing ingredients such as hydrolyzed keratin, calcium, vitamin B5 and nylon. These ingredients help strengthen the nails and prevent their fragility.
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Basic coatings: Use the basic coating before applying nail polish to protect the nails from staining and improve varnish.
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Upper coatings: Use the top coating after applying nail polish to protect the varnish from chips and give shine.
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Liquid liquid: Use fluid to relieve varnish without acetone or with a low acetone content to avoid drying nails.
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Nogie files: Use files with fine granularity (180-240 grit) for natural nails. Avoid rude granular files that can damage the nails.
IX. Nail care at different times of the year: adaptation to conditions
The needs of the nails can change depending on the time of year. It is important to adapt your nail care mode to weather conditions.
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Winter: In winter, the air becomes dry, which can lead to brittleness and stratification of nails. Moisturize your nails and cuticle more often than usual. Wear gloves on the street to protect the nails from cold and wind.
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Summer: In summer, nails can be exposed to the sun, water and chlorine, which can lead to drying and weakening. Use sun and nails. Moisturize your nails and cuticle after bathing in the pool or sea.
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Spring and autumn: In these transitional seasons, it is important to maintain a balanced nail care regime. Moisturize your nails and cuticle regularly. Protect your nails from injuries.
X. Recommendations for nail care for different types of nails: individual approach
The type of your nails can affect how you should care for them. Here are a few tips for nail care for different types of nails:
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Brown nails: Moisturize your nails and cuticle regularly. Use a tool to strengthen nails. Avoid frequent use of fluid to relieve varnish containing acetone.
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Dry nails: Moisturize your nails and cuticle several times a day. Use the Oil with a high oil content. Avoid exposure to aggressive chemicals.
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Soft nails: Use a tool to strengthen nails. Cut the nails short to prevent their breakdown.
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Thick nails: Cut the nails regularly. Use a nail file to make them thinner.
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Healthy nails: Maintain a regular nail care regimen. Moisturize your nails and cuticle. Avoid nail injuries.
This comprehensive article provides detailed information on nail care, covering various aspects from anatomy to specific problems and solutions. It is structured for easy reading and SEO optimization. It is designed to be informative and helpful for anyone looking to improve the health and appearance of their nails.