How to restore nails after acrylic, gel or just a weekend in the country: advice from a dermatologist

You are not alone – sometimes it seems that the nails, due to one small thing, strive to become weak and brittle. Think about it, a weekend in the countryside, a vacation in the tent or constant build-ups – they could have been patient and not given up so quickly!

As dermatologist Dana Stern, MD explains, nails deteriorate for reasons that can be divided into two categories. You can not influence in any way those who are included in the first – we are talking about genetics, age and diseases.

However, much more often the hands cease to be ideal due to external influences, and the restoration of the nails is not only possible, but also not difficult. Here’s what Dana recommends doing.

“This ingredient has been proven to rejuvenate brittle nails,” says Dr. Stern. Glycolic acid performs two functions: firstly, it destroys disulfide bonds in keratin, allowing moisture to penetrate the nail structure, and secondly, it has an exfoliating effect and removes damaged layers of plaque, made up of dead cells.

“To hydrate your nails, look for foods high in phospholipids. Studies have shown that these substances increase the flexibility of the plates, thus helping to fight against fragility, ”explains the dermatologist. Phospholipids are found in abundance in sunflower oil, so you can use it in its pure form for cuticle care or find products that contain it.

“Many so-called hardeners still contain formaldehyde or formalin, which are very harmful to the nails,” warns Dr. Stern. According to Dana, these two substances can really strengthen the plate at first, but over time the nail will become catastrophically brittle or even separate from the bed.

As the dermatologist explains, it dries out the nail and makes it more brittle. Therefore, it is better to replace acetone with another nail polish remover – it is desirable that it contains moisturizing ingredients.

“The sandpaper leaves microscopic tears at the end of the nail, resulting in flaking,” explains the dermatologist. To keep the edge of the plate smooth and even, she advises using glass or crystal instruments.

“Nails absorb water even better than skin,” says Dana. “This puts enormous pressure on the cells, which can lead to delamination or rupture.” Stern advises using gloves if you’re dealing with water, and we simply delegate dishwashing to other family members for whom “nail beauty” isn’t as valued as for you.