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Nail CareWhat nails are for: A nail is a protective plate designed to protect the delicate tips of the fingers and toes. Nails are made from keratin. Keratin, a main component of the skin, is a protein; it is fragile, fibrous and particularly sensitive to humidity. By working together with mineral salts, vitamins, amino acids, fats and water it gives elasticity flexibility and strength to the nails. How nails grow: Nails are hard keratin formations, formed from a thin layer (0.5 - 0.7 mm) of dead skin cells. These cells are constantly produced from the nail matrix — the nail growing area at the base of the nail. The nail slowly grows towards the tip of the finger or toe and protects the nail bed below, which is crossed by many blood vessels and nerves. Nail growth differs from person to person, but healthy nails grow approximately 0.5 - 1.2 mm a week. Healthy nails: Healthy nails are smooth, without flaws, holes or ridges and have an important protective function for the very sensitive tips of the fingers and toes. Nail imperfections: Nail imperfections are common and have many different causes. More than 50% are caused by fungal infections (mycosis). Some conditions can affect nails e.g. psoriasis or diabetes. There are also physical reasons for nail damage: frequent hand washing or wearing tight footwear. Chemicals such as detergents or the solvents in nail varnish remover can be damaging. Unhealthy nails may look white or yellowish in (colour and may also have holes, ridges, splits or be crumbly. Sometimes a nail can tear off.If you are worried about nail damage, it is advisable to talk to your GP or pharmacist about possible causes. Various factors may cause nail problems: Physical reasons for example injuries to the nail, biting or chewing the nails, pressure on the nail due to tight or inadequate footwear and humidity or excessive heat. Chemicals for example detergents or solvents in nail varnish remover. These can alter the nail proteins. Fungal infections picked up from changing room floors or areas around swimming pools. You may be more at risk if you have diabetes or have had another fungal infection such as athlete's foot. Different Problems: Darkened or Pale, thin lack-of-colour nails. Probable cause: Anemia or iron deficiency. Dry Nails that split or break easily. Probable cause: Lack of vitamin A, calcium, and protein. A protein deficiency can opaque white bands to appear on the nails or cause them to become dry, brittle, and very thin. Insufficient amounts of complete protein and/or vitamin A slow down the rate of nail growth (which is also affected by various drugs). A shortage of vitamin A or calcium in the diet may also cause dryness and brittleness. Try a combination of Lime and Benzoin essential oils mixed with a rich cream base. Fragile Nails with horizontal or vertical ridges. Probable cause: Vitamin B deficiency. A lack of the B vitamin causes nail to become fragile, with horizontal or vertical ridges appearing. Horizontal ridges can also be a signal of a hormonal imbalance and sometimes appear during menstruation. Vertical ridges may signal anemia or iron deficiency or may results from aging or dryness. Fungus Nails: Probable cause: Lack of friendly bacteria and/or too many antibiotics. A fungus infestation found underneath the nails can also be a sign of the insufficient intake of B vitamins. A intake of Acidophilus (a good bacteria) will help fight off bad bacteria. Artificial nails or damage nails commonly create fungus under the fingernails. A blend of two or more of the following essential oils applied to the nail or before applying artificial nails will also help with fungus. Tea tree, clove, eucalyptus, and/or niaouli. Hang Nails: Probable cause: Frequent hang nails usually indicate an inadequate intake of vitamin C, folic acid, and protein. Mood-shaped or white stop on the nails. Probable cause: iron and zinc deficiency. White spots on the nails can be cause by a zinc deficiency. Also a moon-shapes nail can be a sign of a iron deficiency. RECIPE 1: Nourishing Nail Oil
 RECIPE 2: Nourishing Nail Cream
RECIPE 3: Nourishing Nail Restoring Oil (for night-time use)
Method - Apply to hands. - Put on a pair of cotton gloves. - Leave oil on overnight. - Rinse hands. A quick guide to pampering your hands.Make this a weekly treat for your hands and it will soon pay dividends with softer hands and longer, stronger nails. Ingredients 1 bowl warm soapy water 1 bowl warm plain water 1 good emery board cotton wool buds cuticle cream hand cream small clean towel few drops sweet almond oil Method - Soak your nails in the soapy water for 5 minutes. - Ease any dirt from under the nails with a cotton wool bud. - Rinse nails in plain water. - Dry hands and nails on a towel. - Use the course side of the emery board to reduce the length of your nails if required. - Shape your nails, filing away from the hand in one direction only. - Do not file into the corners of your nails. - Smooth your nails with the fine side of the emery board. - Gently massage the cuticle cream into your cuticles. - Very gently push back the cuticles, if necessary, using a cotton bud. - Massage a little olive oil into your nails. - Massage your hands with a generous amount of hand cream. |
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