Why nails exfoliate and how to deal with their fragility

A well-groomed manicure for a woman is an important attribute of appearance, sloppy nails spoil the whole image. If the nails exfoliate and break, the varnish cannot stay on the surface for a long time, the manicure becomes untidy. Such a cosmetic problem cannot be considered only an external manifestation of improper hand care. In addition, the separation of nails is provoked by more complex factors, such as chronic diseases, sudden exacerbations of seasonal ailments, deficiency of vitamins and microelements, and other reasons. In the article, we will consider the main reasons why nails exfoliate and methods of dealing with this problem.

The composition of the nail plate: what is the basis of the nail

Nails protect the phalanges from mechanical damage, in particular the nerve endings that are located at the fingertips.

That's why nature designed it so that the plates are durable and serve as protection for the fingers. The nail consists of a body and a root. Hole of the nail – This is the small part of the nail root that protrudes from under the cuticle. Most of the root of the nail plate is hidden.

On the back side of the nail bed is the matrix – the place where the nail is formed. At the heart of the plate is protein – keratin, which is also present in the skin, hair. The amount of keratin is determined genetically, which determines the density of nails and hair. Due to the content of sulfur atoms in the layers of keratin, the nails are dense. Elasticity and shine are given to the nails by a layer of fat and water, located between the layers of protein – keratin.

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The composition of the nail plate also includes: chromium, selenium, zinc, phosphorus and calcium. With deficiency of one of these trace elements, the nail begins to break and exfoliate. On average, fingernails grow by 1 mm per week, and toenails – 0.25 mm. In 6 months, the nail plate is completely renewed.

Why nails exfoliate: external and internal reasons

In combination, the negative influence of the external environment and the disruption of the functioning of any of the systems in the body makes the nails weak, dull, brittle, they begin to exfoliate and lose their appearance. Depending on why the nails exfoliate, there are tactics for treating brittleness. Therefore, in order to begin treatment, it is necessary to determine the root cause of nail delamination.

Causes of delamination of the nail plate – external factors

An abundance of chemicals – detergents, household chemicals, alcohol and acetone content. When buying nail polish remover, choose one that does not contain acetone, always use gloves when washing dishes or cleaning the house.
Excessive hydration – constant contact with water destroys the protective layer on the nails, so the nails can break. Use gloves when mopping and apply moisturizer after contact with water.
Mechanical damage – playing a musical instrument, excessive cleaning of the nail, frequent typing on the keyboard damages the nail on a microscopic level and disrupts the processes of natural exfoliation.
Incorrect nail care – improper processing technique, blunt trimming tools damage the nail.
Toenail fungus – occurs most often on the feet, but can also affect the fingernails.

Internal factors that lead to brittleness and delamination of the nail

Genetic predisposition – the rate of formation of keratin is inherited, as is the amount of sulfur that is necessary for the hardening of keratin.
Irrational nutrition – deficiency of vitamins and the use of harmful products has a detrimental effect on the defense mechanisms in the body, and nails and hair suffer in the first place.
Presence of diseases associated with metabolism, the functioning of the cardiovascular and circulatory system.

Treatment of fingernails: how to get rid of delamination and brittleness

The fight against brittleness should begin with finding out the reasons why the nails exfoliate, break and become stained. To solve this problem, you can use traditional medicine recipes, special pharmacy medicinal formulations, contact a beautician for more radical measures.

Depending on the cause, the choice of treatment tactics follows. Specialized preparations for only a doctor can recommend treatment for brittle nails. Consider what you can do and how to strengthen your nails at home.

How to strengthen nails at home:

Step 1. – Establish a diet and renew the balance of vitamins and trace elements. First, take care of the intake of protein for building nails – eat eggs, fish, meat, cottage cheese and cheese. Next, lean on vitamins A, C, E and group B – apples, citrus fruits, cabbage, carrots, dairy products.

Step 2. – Proper care and manicure. Cover nails with therapeutic strengthening varnishes, make masks and strengthen baths.

Step 3. – Do not forget about homemade recipes for strengthening nails: olive oil and lemon juice, rubbing ylang-ylang essential oil into the nail plate, baths with sea salt.

It is also useful for brittle and exfoliating nails to make baths based on decoctions of medicinal herbs with the addition of glycerin. Gelatin masks are recommended to strengthen nails.