My tips for length and strength will help your nails grow without having to go to the salon
A DERMATOLOGIST has put her finger on the perfect nail routine.
Her time-saving tricks will make your nails look longer than you think and save you money on your next manicure.
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IT IS NOT GOOD
Dr. Dana Stern, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Dr. Dana Nails, shared how to keep your nails strong by following her number one cuticle commandment.
“Don’t cut the cuticle. The cuticle is the natural protective layer of the nail,” she told The US Sun.
“Keep your cuticles healthy by gently pushing them back with a washcloth after showering or bathing and moisturizing regularly,” she continues.
For stronger nails, she says, you shouldn’t skimp on your cuticles.
“It is essential to have a healthy, intact, hydrated cuticle. The cuticle is key to nail growth and the nail’s natural protective barrier,” she said.
She recommends her own Dr. Dana Cuticle Oil, which retails for $18, for its nourishing, cuticle-strengthening properties.
“The formula contains Indigo Naturalis, a wonderful botanical that has been used in Asia for centuries to treat various inflammatory conditions,” she said.
RUN WITH IT
If you always want to show off a perfect pedicure, forget about visiting your nail salon. Instead, she has just two words for you: constant cardio.
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She explained how this type of exercise will increase the delivery or ‘perfusion’ to both the fingernails and toenails.
This is especially important to keep your nails strong during the warmer months when growth is slower.
“Good blood flow to the hands and feet is essential for optimal nail growth and health,” she said.
“This is because the bloodstream carries oxygen and nutrients to the nails. If the circulation is disrupted – think cold hands and feet – then the optimal delivery of these essential substances will be disrupted,” she added.
“This is also why nails grow faster in warmer summer months. Warm weather causes blood vessels to dilate, resulting in more efficient delivery to the nails.”
This is in stark contrast to the colder months, when blood vessels are more susceptible to constriction.
A little pampering can also promote growth.
“Hand and foot massages can be effective in improving circulation in the extremities,” she said.
This is especially true after the age of 40, when, according to Dr. Stern, the rate of nail growth “decreases dramatically.”
MORE TOP TIPS
Another great tip from Dr. Stern to keep your nails healthy is to throw away your nail file.
“Glass files are better tools than paper files. They prevent microscopic cracks, flaking, splits, breaks and premature chipping of the polish,” she said.
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Glass files also ensure that nails break less quickly and that nail polish lasts longer.
Her own glass file, which retails for $15 on Amazon, “gently shapes and contours natural nails for a smooth edge without the microscopic cracks and damage caused by traditional nail files.”
The file is not only hygienic, but also never becomes ‘boring’.
Removing your nail polish the right way can also give you better results.
“Avoid acetone-based nail polish removers and opt for acetone-free formulas with moisturizing ingredients,” she says.
The nail expert is also a fan of effective exfoliation and even created her own Nail Renewal System, which you can purchase on Amazon for $30.
“Just as we exfoliate and then moisturize dry, ashy, and flaky skin, brittle nails also need to be repaired. It all comes down to choosing the right product,” she says.
The “polish-free system” is ideal for nails that are overloaded with gels, dips or base coats.
“It is the first nail treatment that combines glycolic acid and the exfoliation concept for the nails. The system is like a facial for your nails,” she said.
For less chipping and more “radiant” nails, she recommends using the plant-based kit once a week.
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