10 tips to take care of nails (of the hands and feet)

Taking care of our nails is not only a matter of aesthetics, but a basic health need. Although nail grooming has become a huge beauty trend nowadays, it also calls on the importance of maintaining regular nail care for both hands and fingernails. feet.

This call is for both women and men, including children and adolescents, as nails can accumulate many bacteria and disease-causing dirt. In addition, without proper trimming, nails can cause discomfort and pain by catching on socks, clothing, or burrowing into the same skin around them.

Knowing the importance of regular nail hygiene and making a call to action for it, we have brought in this article the best tips to care for your nails that will be very useful.

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Why is it necessary to regularly care for our nails?

Nails are a natural structure of our fingers and toes that are made up of keratin and calcium., which makes them hard and allows their growth from the cuticle. Its main function lies in protecting the fingers against external damage, as well as preventing bacteria and dirt from entering the body through the skin and causing skin infections.

When healthy, nails appear smooth, uniform in color and consistency and without no staining or discoloration, but there are times when some signs appear indicating that something is not it goes well. Among them can be observed:

• Color change on the entire surface or in a dark line under it.
• Separation of the nail from the surrounding skin.
• Pain and swelling around the nail.
• Lack of growth.
• Irregular change in shape.
• Yellowish or brown tones that can indicate the presence of fungi, bacteria or other types of diseases.
• Presence of white spots.

However, the nails suffer from conditions that are normal, such as the presence of vertical striae that extend from the cuticle to the tip, usually caused by the activities we carry out throughout the day, where we use our hands. This is somewhat harmless, but it causes the nails to become weak and brittle..

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How should I take care of the health of my nails?

These tips are very helpful in maintaining proper nail health and beauty so that they do not become weak or brittle.

1. Practice good nail hygiene

It is recommended that from time to time (once a week) a manicure is done with a professional or on our own if we are trained in adequate and deep cleaning of the nails. It is always recommended to have your own items to avoid the presence of fungi or bacteria. If you are going to do your own manicure, you should bear in mind that the cuticles are only cut if necessary, for example, if they cause discomfort or protrude irregularly. The nails should be cut in a straight line and with a file, slowly round the tips in a delicate curve.

2. Keep nails hydrated

Just as we must keep our body hydrated, too nails must be kept hydrated to prevent them from drying out and become brittle and brittle. For this, it is recommended to drink enough water, at least two liters a day. Likewise, you must use a moisturizer in the morning and at bedtime or massage the cuticles with an essential oil.

3. Take care of the diet

There is a saying that says: "You are what you eat." And this is true, it is not only reflected in weight gain, but also in hair loss and fragility of the nails, that is why it is important to maintain an adequate diet rich in nutrients and vitamins It is necessary to maintain a balanced diet daily, consuming vegetables and fruits two to three times a day, in the same way the consumption of seafood, meat, fish, cereals and dairy products is recommended, due to their high content of vitamin B.

4. Keep nails dry and clean

After washing our hands, we must dry them very well and emphasize under the nails, as this prevents moisture from working as a breeding ground for bacteria to develop. When washing dishes and cleaning the house, it is advisable to wear gloves and then moisturize them with cream.

5. Dry your feet thoroughly after showering

Of course, do not forget your toenails. Feet is generally not very careful after coming out of the fight. Moisture causes a bad odor and bacteria and fungi to appearThat is why it is essential to dry very well between the fingers and around the nails.

6. Be careful with the cuticles

The cuticle is that almost transparent skin that covers the base of the nails and has the function of protecting them from bacteria and fungi, its care is essential especially when removing it. To do this, you just have to moisten the nail and push it towards the base with slow movements to avoid cutting and bleeding. After this process, it is recommended to place a cuticle product, preferably one based on natural products. It is essential to take special care in this area.

7. Not biting your nails

If you want beautiful, healthy and strong nails, this step is essential. It is very common that when we feel fearful and anxious, we bite our nails. This is a habit that causes a very negative aesthetic effect, coupled with this, damages the nail bed, which is what prevents the entry of bacteria and fungi that cause infections. Having very short nails also produces the same problem. The proper size would be when it covers the surface of the finger.

8. Do not abuse nail polish

As we already mentioned, nail aesthetics has become a huge trend among women, every day there are new techniques and designs that you want to put to the test. However, this also requires care because, when we abuse the manicure, important problems are generated that range from fungus to the loss of the nail.

To avoid this, the recommendation is to use nail polish for two weeks and then have a week off, so that the nail breathes. In the case of a manicure more elaborated with resin or polygel, the ideal is to do it for a month and leave a month of rest for your nails with only protective shine.

9. Use good quality products

Acetone-based nail polish removers are harmful to nails as they weaken them, become brittle and in many cases, cause pain and discomfort. On the market there are endless nail polish removers based on other ingredients that do not cause any type of damage.

As for enamels, these too must be from recognized brands specialized in nails, that contain chemicals that favor the growth and care of them. It is recommended, before using the colored enamel, to apply a layer of protective or hardener enamel for greater protection.

10. Treat fungi early

When you have nail fungus, it is essential to treat it from the moment to prevent it from spreading. There are a number of antifungals that are very effective in controlling it. Ideally, go to a specialist to recommend the appropriate medication.

Toenail care

Toenails require the same care, but with the exception of paying more attention to two fundamental aspects, which you will see below:

• Use of ideal footwear: When you have shoes that press on the toe, this exerts pressure on the nails that tend to deform them.
• Cut them straight: This prevents the nails from becoming ingrown, which causes very strong pain.

Extra tips

In addition to the above recommendations, some natural products keep nails well hydrated and in perfect condition, such as: castor or almond oil, as they are natural moisturizers that leave the nails well nourished and healthy. Just put a generous layer on your hands and nails; wait 10 to 15 minutes and remove completely. When it comes to getting a manicure and pedicure, it is important to go to a beauty salon recognized, that the staff is trained in the matter and that they comply with all the established in laws.

Make sure that all implements are clean and sterilized before, during and after the procedure. This prevents you from contracting some bacteria or fungi that harm the health of your nails. Now you know that maintaining the health of our nails is not exclusive to having an exclusive manicure and beautiful, but to have consistent cleaning habits that help us maintain adequate health to are.