Brittle nails - what can be done about them?

Brittle nails – most common causes

First of all, various diseases should be mentioned. Certain ailments can lead to brittle nails, which are weakened by the development of the disease. Skin problems (e.g. eczema or psoriasis), nail infections, heart conditions or intoxication (e.g. from chemicals) can cause the nail plate to deteriorate and become more susceptible to damage.

Another major cause of brittle nails is improper nail care. Excessive wetting and drying of the hands can cause deterioration of their condition, which in turn leads to reduced strength. The use of detergents (e.g. cleaning products) without wearing gloves also leads to a noticeable weakening of the nail plate. At this point, it is also worth mentioning that cosmetics can also damage the condition of the nail. Acetone-based polish removers are one of the most frequently cited causes of plate damage and premature degradation of healthy nails.

Last but not least, daily diet and nutrition also influence the condition of the skin and its formations. If nutrients contained in food products determine the condition of the nervous system, heart or muscles, why should they not have a significant impact on the condition of nails? An eating plan based on processed food deprived of valuable vitamins and minerals is a very common cause of ugly brittle nails.

How to remedy brittle nails?

First of all, it is worth taking care of optimal levels of keratin, which is one of the essential substances for the proper development of nails. The best way to provide it is to use various cosmetics, which contain it in their composition. You can easily find products in the form of gels, creams, conditioners or polishes rich in keratin on the market today. It is worth remembering, however, that the best choice are cosmetics containing its hydrolysed form.

The already mentioned diet is another important aspect. The problem of vitamin and mineral deficiencies and the lack of whole foods consumption are some of the most common reasons for brittle nails. To this end, it is worth ensuring that the body has access to:

• essential minerals - zinc, iodine, silicon, iron
• the most important vitamins - A, B₁, B₂, B₅, B₇, folic acid, C and E
• certain antioxidants, e.g. ß-carotene
• hyaluronic acid and collagen
• certain amino acids, e.g. L-cysteine

In addition, your daily diet should provide optimal hydration. Mineral water is not only a valuable source of minerals but also prevents the skin and nails from becoming excessively dry.