You might not think that your nails have much to do with your health, but think again. Not only can symptoms of illness manifest in your nails, but your nails themselves also need care to be healthy.
If you’ve never been one to pay much attention to your hands and feet, this is your sign to start. Here, we’re going to dive into what nail health looks like, why it matters, and how to improve it. Ready? Let’s go!
What Healthy Nails Look Like
Take a moment right now to examine your nails. Do you notice any of the following qualities?
- Smoothness
- Even, pink-white coloring
- No markings such as dark lines
- Flexibility
- Even, moderate thickness
If you said yes to these qualities, then your nails are likely very healthy and not indicative of any underlying issue. Conversely, if you notice lots of ridges, pits, discoloration, brittleness, or unusual markings of any kind, then you might have to address these concerns.
Why Nail Health Matters
Are you still wondering why nail health matters so much? First off, your nails can be a window into your overall health. Various conditions, like nutrient deficiencies or illnesses, can manifest through your nails. For example, yellow nails can indicate problems such as nutrient deficiencies, psoriasis, thyroid conditions, diabetes, and even cancer. As another example, melanonychia appears as dark lines on your nails, potentially indicating things as serious as inflammation, poor nutrition, tumors, and other diseases.
Secondly, healthy nails also project a polished and put-together impression, which can be important in personal and professional settings. Plus, let’s not forget — the confidence boost from having a well-maintained set of nails is unbeatable!
How to Improve Your Nail Health
Now you understand why nail health matters, but how can you improve it? Well, you’re in luck! Here’s a quick guide to give your nails the tender loving care they deserve:
- Keep them clean and dry
- Moisturize regularly
- Avoid biting
- Choose gentle nail care products
Keeping your nails dry prevents fungal infections. Moisturizing regularly with lotion or oils keeps your nails and cuticles hydrated, preventing brittleness. Plus, moisturizing is one of the best ways to keep your skin healthy in general!
Not biting your nails is important to protect your nails’ structure and avoid infection and aesthetic concerns. Finally, gentle nail care products like acetone-free nail polish are essentials to have in your at-home nail kit because they don’t work counterproductively to your nail care.
By following these tips, you’re giving your nails the best chance to thrive. Remember that your nails deserve to look and feel their best every day!
Kelly Schoessling is a Publishing Coordinator at Logical Position, a digital marketing agency that writes dynamic web articles to create measurable growth.
