Here’s How to Stop Your Nails From Peeling—And the Real Reason It’s Happening in the First Place

You can inform quite a bit about an individual from their nails—their sense of favor and possibly even perception into their persona. But extra importantly, nails can even point out the normal state of your well being. If you usually assume to your self “Why are my nails peeling?” you are not alone. Weak and brittle nails (together with breakage, peeling, and splitting) are a typical drawback that impacts practically 20 p.c of the inhabitants.

This will be brought on by a number of issues, from lack of moisture to improper removing of nail enhancements. Fortunately, nonetheless, peeling nails should not solely treatable however preventable, too. We tapped two dermatologists and a nail professional to be taught extra.

Ahead, discover out the whole lot there may be to learn about peeling fingernails, from causes to therapies, and the way to stop them in the first place.

What Causes Nails to Peel?

“So many factors can cause nail peeling, and it’s important to understand what exactly is affecting each person individually,” says nail educator Anastasia Totty. According to dermatologist Michele Green, MD, peeling nails (additionally referred to as onychoschizia) is a disruption in the nail brought on by trauma, peeling of nail polish, submitting the nail an excessive amount of, and sporting false nails corresponding to press-on or acrylics. Totty elaborates: “Another very big issue could be improper removal of nail enhancements like acrylics, gel manicures, or even a harsh nail polish remover. If the services are performed by a professional, it should be left up to them to properly remove them after a few weeks of wear.”

According to dermatologist Dana Stern, MD, peeling nails are one in every of the two scientific standards for brittle nails, with the different being ridging (onychorrhexis). “Peeling nails can be genetic, age-related, product-related, exposure-related (water and chemicals), or behavioral (peeling polish off can lead to peeling nails),” she says.

Dr. Stern likens peeling nails to that of our pores and skin. “When your skin is dry and peeling, you reach for the nearest luffa or Clarisonic brush to exfoliate the dead cells to allow for maximum absorption of your moisturizer. The same concept is true of the nail,” she says. “The nail is composed of layers of dead nail cells (onychocytes), so to a certain degree, nail peeling happens due to a lack of exfoliation, just as skin that is in need of exfoliation also has a tendency to peel. If you were to look at a peeling nail under the microscope, you would see that the nail cells are detached, lifted, and separated. This is why the nail peels, splits, and even why polish doesn’t always go on so smoothly and has more of a tendency to chip.”

Additionally, an excessive amount of moisture (mushy and brittle nails) or too little (dry and brittle nails) could also be the wrongdoer. “Having your hands in water constantly softens the nails, and they break off easily and start peeling once the layers of the nail plate dry out,” explains Totty. So earlier than you deal with your peeling nails with the following cures, verify your toenails, too. If they’re additionally peeling, see a physician to rule out health-related causes corresponding to iron and different dietary deficiencies.

How to Treat Peeling Nails

Peeled nails can develop again and there are some at-home therapies to strive. “Once you identify the cause of the peeling nails there are several things you could do,” says Totty. “It is very important to develop a systemic approach to any of these treatments because none of them will give you a result overnight.”

• Try a nail hardener: Nail hardeners can work wonders for peeling nails. “Not only do they help support the nail and protect it from peeling, but many are also made with nutrient-rich formulas that offer up other benefits like moisturizing, strengthening, and protecting,” assures Totty. “Your local drugstore will have a section full of such products from different manufacturers,” she provides. Try OPI Nail Strengthener—it is formaldehyde-free and accommodates aloe vera, (which works to rebalance delicate pores and skin and nails), calcium (to assist strengthen), kukui nut oil, and vitamin E, (which prevents nails from peeling).
• Apply strengthening lotions: Look for nail lotions with substances, corresponding to alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or lanolin since both will assist to rebuild energy. Elon Lanolin-Rich Nail Conditioner is one in every of our faves. Apply after pre-soaking nails in water for 5 minutes.
• Consider a cuticle oil: “A good cuticle oil has to be made out of pure essential oils, tea tree, or lavender extract rich in vitamin E, like the Tea Tree Eucalyptus Nobility Vitamin Enriched Cuticle Oil,” says Totty. “A little goes a long way, it absorbs very quickly, and if used daily will transform even the most unhealthy nails.”

How to Prevent Nails From Peeling

Now that what causes nails to peel and the way to deal with them, listed below are eight methods to hold your nails from peeling, to start with.

• Eat nutrient-dense meals: Boost your consumption of iron- and biotin-rich meals like avocado, complete grains, eggs, cauliflower, and lean meats. Lean meats, in specific, assist construct energy in the nails, making them much less inclined to peeling, breaking, and bending. Plus, you may reap extra than simply nail advantages with such a weight-reduction plan—it can provide you extra power and hold you full for longer, too.
• Take a multivitamin: Other vitamins discovered in nutritional vitamins will help construct your nails’ energy, as they work along with one another and with the meals you eat to hold all of your physique methods buzzing. “Vitamins A, C, and E, as well as B vitamins such as B6, are excellent for nail health,” says Dr. Green. “Supplements such as keratin are great for nail growth as they strengthen the nail and increase its density.” And in case you’re searching for one thing to revive uninteresting nails, fish oil will help make them seem shiny. Plus, it serves as an efficient anti-aging complement, as the omega oils discovered in fish oil stimulate collagen manufacturing. “These vitamins are all essential to nail growth as they strengthen the nail matrix, which [ultimately] helps the nail grow,” notes Dr. Green.
• Soak nails in important oil: “Massaging essential oils such as coconut and olive oil into the cuticle and nails creates a protective barrier by offering hydration,” explains Dr. Green. “This also locks in moisture to prevent brittle nails and dry cuticles.” Coconut oil has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties and might gradual the progress of nail fungus. Olive oil, as Dr. Green states, accommodates main antioxidants that assist defend the nails. “It helps restore skin smoothness and protects the nails from ultraviolet light,” she explains. It’s additionally wealthy in vitamin E, omega-3 fatty, acids, and different vitamins that assist to preserve and lock the moisture to stop dryness. To create the soak, pour just a few teaspoons of oil into two small bowls (soften the coconut oil for just some seconds in the microwave), moisten your nails a bit, stick them in the bowls, and change in your newest Netflix binge for 20 minutes.
• Use a mild nail polish remover: Peeling nails want all the moisture they’ll get, and acetone-laden nail polish removers do not do nails any favors. “Acetone, which is found in most nail polish removers, is very drying and strips the nails of its natural moisture,” says Dr. Green. “Acetone-free removers, however, get the job done without stripping the nail bed of essential moisture.” Olive & June Polish Remover Pot will get our seal of approval.
• Lay off the manicures: “The inability for the nail bed to breathe as a result of the barrier of the nail polish puts you at risk for developing nail fungus,” warns Dr. Green. “You also put yourself at risk for developing a skin or nail infection due to the filing down of the nail bed.” Going au pure or with breathable polish reduces the drying results of harsh chemical substances discovered in most nail polishes. And and not using a layer of polish blocking the daylight from getting to your nails and cuticles, you may reap the cell regeneration advantages of going polish-free.
• Use a glass file: Traditional emery boards can injury nails, whereas glass recordsdata end nails with a clean, even edge. Dr. Stern recommends the Dr. Dana Precision Glass Nail Filewhich helps seal in keratin and prevents nails from chipping, splitting, or peeling.
• Buff tough edges: Nail buffers will help clean out tough edges in order that they do not catch so simply. Use light, regular actions to take away ridges and create a mushy floor on the nail mattress. We love this 4-Way Buffer Block from Tropical Shine as a result of it has 4 ranges of grit, starting from coarse to further positive, and a cuticle safety edge.

• Avoid nail-biting: While nail-biting does not immediately lead to peeling nails, it is a behavior that may trigger different nail points to come up that would lead to peeling nails, like an an infection. “Nail-biting can cause infection of the nail and can put you at risk of spreading germs to your body,” says Dr. Green. “This puts you at risk for other health issues due to the exposure of bacteria and viruses, which can be trapped on your fingers and underneath your nails.” To kick the behavior to the curb, do this No More Biting remedy by Ella + Mila—it is formulated to style unhealthy with the aim of deterring you from getting your nails anyplace shut to your mouth.
• Exfoliate: Removing any injury by exfoliating is vital to lovely, wholesome nails. Dr. Stern recommends the Dr. Dana Nail Renewal System, which is the first-ever nail remedy system to incorporate the idea of exfoliation of the nail and glycolic acid (an alpha-hydroxy acid), which has been proven in medical literature to have nail rejuvenation properties. Dr. Stern says of the botanically formulated system: “It’s a clinically-proven, once-weekly, three-step nail system that after just 10 minutes, immediately reveals a healthy, hydrated, youthful shiny nail. It’s like a facial for your nails.” The on-the-go package is loaded with tremendous hydrating botanicals, and a pure nail strengthener, and is freed from synthetic perfume, dyes, parabens, alcohol, and formaldehyde. “It’s perfect for brittle, peeling, weak nails, post gel damage or if you simply want a gorgeous, healthy-looking shine without having to go to the salon,” she says.
• Skip the gel polish: Gel polish might last more than conventional polish, however Dr. Green advises that the course of may very well be detrimental to your nails and lead to peeling. “Gel manicures require UV light to set the gel, and the risk of UV light can be just as damaging to the nail bed as UV light from the sun,” she explains. “In addition, gel manicures can cause nail fungus. You also put yourself at risk for developing a skin or nail infection due to the filing down of the nailbed.” Instead, go for a super-strong high coat like Seche Vite’s Dry Fast Top Coat, and put on gloves anytime you are washing dishes to preserve the lifetime of your manicure.

The Final Takeaway

Peeling nails will be brought on by numerous elements—starting from genetics to continued publicity to water and chemical substances. Thankfully, there are tons of the way to tackle and forestall nail peeling. You can use nail hardeners, cuticle oils, and nail strengtheners to deal with current injury. To stop future peeling, you’ll be able to strive strategies like taking multivitamins, decreasing your manicure frequency, or recurrently exfoliating your nails.

However, if peeling doesn’t enhance after the above therapies, and the onset of peeling is sudden, then see your main care doctor or board-certified dermatologist for additional exploration of the trigger.