Keratin, abundant in fingernails and toenails, helps maintain nail health. Also found in hair and skin, keratin supports the healthy functioning of cells. However, nails can easily break due to aging, poor nutrition, or certain diseases. The causes of nail breakage are quite varied. If your nails break frequently, it's important to consult a specialist to investigate the underlying cause. So, why do nails break , and what can be done about nail breakage ? Let's take a closer look at the answers to your questions, such as " How can nail breakage be fixed ?"
What causes nail breakage?
" Why do nails break ?" is a question that puzzles many people who experience this problem. Environmental factors can play a role in nail breakage . In addition, certain diseases and vitamin deficiencies also contribute to nail breakage. Below you can find the main causes of nail breakage:
- Aging: With age, dryness can occur in the nail structure. Toenails, in particular, thicken and harden, becoming more prone to cracking. Fingernails, on the other hand, become thinner and less durable, leading to breakage.
- Raynaud's syndrome: Known as numbness in the hands and feet in situations such as stress, cold or hot weather, Raynaud's syndrome can lead to brittle nails. Due to this syndrome, the capillaries in the skin constrict, and insufficient blood flow occurs. This causes the nails to become unhealthier and more fragile.
- Low thyroid: When the thyroid glands don't produce enough thyroid hormone, metabolism slows down. One consequence of low thyroid is having more brittle nails. Nails that don't receive enough nourishment and development grow slower and become more fragile. Reduced sweating can also lead to dryness and weakening of the nails, resulting in breakage.
- Anemia: Known as low hemoglobin levels, anemia is also defined as blood deficiency. It means a low level of healthy red blood cells in the body, leading to problems with oxygen transport to the tissues. This condition, which causes feelings of fatigue and weakness, also results in brittle nails. As the amount of oxygen in the nail tissue decreases, the healthy development of the nails is also hampered.
- Excessive water exposure: In hands that are exposed to a lot of water throughout the day and remain wet for extended periods, nails swell, shrink, and become more brittle. The soaps and detergents used can also exacerbate this effect.
- Malnutrition : Not consuming enough vitamins and minerals that the body needs negatively affects nail health. For example, a diet lacking in B vitamins can lead to more brittle nails.
- Cancer treatment: Dry skin and brittle nails are common side effects of various types of cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy.
If you frequently experience nail breakage, you can protect your nail health by learning about nail and cuticle care .
What is a good remedy for brittle nails?
" What's good for brittle nails ?" is a question frequently asked by those whose nails break often. The first step in preventing nail breakage is a doctor's examination. For frequent nail breakage, you can schedule an appointment with a dermatologist to have the necessary tests done and begin treatment. Additionally, you can improve the health of your nails with some at-home nail care tips. Here's what you need to know about nail care:
- Keep your nails as free of water as possible.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Avoid applying nail polish frequently.
- Choose acetone-free nail polish removers.
- Use lotions that nourish your nails.
- Trim your nails.
- Try to avoid using hand sanitizer.
- Wear gloves when using cleaning products.
- Change your nail filing style.
If your nails break frequently and you don't like the way they look, you might want to consider artificial nails .
What can be done to prevent nail breakage?
Women with weak nails often seek answers to the question, " What should be done to prevent nail breakage ?" In addition to the suggestions above, you can also try natural remedies to prevent nail breakage. You can benefit from some herbal solutions for brittle nails:
- Tea tree oil : A solution for those seeking relief from brittle nails , tea tree oil strengthens nails with its antiseptic properties. You can mix tea tree oil and vitamin E and apply it to your nails, leaving it on for half an hour. After that time, simply rinse your nails with warm water. You can do this application twice a day.
- Olive oil: An indispensable ingredient in nail care, olive oil stands out for its powerful moisturizing properties. You can massage a little olive oil into your cuticles. Repeating this process once a day will help you achieve healthier nails.
- Avocado oil: Avocado oil is also quite effective in preventing nail breakage. Massage avocado oil into your nails. You can apply it late at night to allow your nails to be nourished throughout the night.
We've examined the answers to the question "Why do nails break?" for you. By following these nail care tips, you too can achieve healthier-looking nails. You can soften and nourish your cuticles by using Vaseline Original Moisturizing Gel in your nail care routine. Vaseline Moisturizing Gel softens and repairs your cuticles, helping you achieve better-looking nails.