How do you take care of your nails

Nails

Nails are composed of keratin, which is the same substance that makes up skin cells and hair. It is defined as: a type of protein that forms the cells that make up tissues in nails and other parts of the body. It plays an important role in the health of nails and protecting them from damage, where nails begin. By growing under the skin, and with the growth of new cells, the old cells penetrate the skin and become the visible part of the nails, which are dead cells that do not cause pain. As for the pink part of the nails, it is the part in which there are capillaries in which blood flows under the lining of the nail. They grow at a rate of 3.5 millimeters per month, while toenails grow at a rate of 1.5 millimeters per month. This applies to healthy adult people, and their growth rate is also affected by proper nutrition and the extent of care for them. In this article, we will mention how to care for nails.

How to care for nails

Hygiene care

It is necessary to maintain the cleanliness of the nails by trimming them regularly, and making sure to keep them short. As for long nails, they must be washed with water and soap from the bottom when washing the hands, and using a nail brush to clean them, in addition to sterilizing their tools, and avoiding biting or tearing the piece. Dermatitis at the base of the nail (in English: hangnails), and the use of nail clippers; To remove them.

Moisturize and protect nails

Nails need constant hydration, just as the face does. They can be moisturized before bed using oils rich in nutrients, such as: almond oil, avocado oil, or moisturizers. This is to keep the nails and the skin surrounding them moist, which must be protected by wearing gloves. Because the harsh chemicals found in cleaning materials, and work that requires soaking or dirtying the hands, such as: gardening work and cleaning dishes, cause weakness in the nails, while cold air and wind cause dryness and peeling of the skin, and therefore it is recommended to wear gloves also in very cold weather. .

Do not cut the skin

The skin surrounding the nails at the base of the nail is preserved. Cutting or removing it leaves the nail exposed to bacteria and increases the possibility of infection. Therefore, it is best to leave it and not tamper with it. If you want to remove it, you can gently push it back, using a wooden orange stick once a week after showering, then Massage the skin with cream.

nutrition

Nails need the appropriate food that makes them stronger and clearer. It is also preferable to take vitamins and nutritional supplements, such as: biotin, vitamin E, and fish oil in the daily diet, and to eat foods rich in protein, such as: beans, nuts, fish, eggs, and chicken. And eat yogurt. Because it contains protein, B vitamins, zinc, folate, calcium, iron, and vitamins (A, C, D, and K), the plain, unsweetened type of yogurt is preferred.

water

Drinking water is one of the easiest and simplest ways. To improve the health of nails, health in general, and prevent common diseases. It also rids the body of toxins, in addition to drinking water moisturizes the skin and gives the nails shine.

Nail polish in moderation

Nails should be given time to rest from nail polish, especially when moving between strong colors. Because this causes dryness, turns their color yellow, and causes weakness in the nail structure in the long term. It is recommended to rest the nails by not applying polish to them during the weekdays, and applying it on the weekends. Also, using acrylic and gel treatments may cause damage to the skin. Under the nail, around it, and on the hands, and increases the risk of cancer. Because of the drying device that exposes the nails and hands to ultraviolet rays, knowing that the damage of these rays can be reduced if you strongly desire to do acrylic or gel nails by applying sunscreen with a protection factor of 30 to 50, or by wearing gloves designated for that, so that nothing is exposed to the rays. Except for the nails, which protects the rest of the hand. When painting nails at home, the base coat should not be applied. To protect the nails from staining, and obtain a saturated color, by applying only one layer of polish, and avoiding using paint that contains toxic chemicals, such as: dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde, and toluene. To protect nails from splitting, cracking, and fragility, in addition to applying a top coat. Because it reduces paint cracking, preserves its color, and gives it the desired shine.

File and polish nails

The nails are filed gently, slowly, and in one direction. So that the edge becomes smooth, and thus shaped in the desired way, as for filing it in an ungentle way, it causes weakness in the nails, does not leave room for their formation, and causes their breakage and premature weakness, knowing that the filing process takes place from one corner of the nail to the center, then to the other corner, or vice versa. Thus, the lining of the nails is not harmed, and their end becomes smooth. As for polishing (in English: Buff) the nails, it refines them and adds shine to them, as they must be polished gently. To avoid spoiling the nail texture, nail polish can be replaced with polishing. Polished nails have a natural and attractive appearance.

Cut nails

It is recommended to cut nails straight and evenly; To avoid the condition of an ingrown nail, or an ingrown nail, and not leave it to grow too much; Very long and curved nails cause tearing of the skin surrounding the nail and breakage of the skin. It is also best to maintain the elegant appearance of the nails by cutting them; It becomes short and rounded at the edges.

Stop biting nails

Nail biting, or what is called nail biting, is one of the most common nervous habits, and although it usually does not cause long-term damage, it increases the possibility of contracting diseases by transferring germs to the mouth and spreading them in it, in addition to the damage and infection that It affects the skin around the nail, and it also makes it weak and brittle. As a result of contact with saliva, you can try applying nail polish with a bad smell. To help stop nail biting.