Nail care

Beautiful nails are no coincidence, but the result of careful and regular care. This nail care involves several steps, which in turn require different utensils. At the beginning of every nail care is always a thorough cleaning. A hand bath in a bowl with warm water and a few drops of shower gel as well as a soft nail brush optimally prepare the nails for nail care. The skin can then be pushed back with a cuticle pusher, a cotton bud or a rosewood stick. However, this is even easier and gentler if a cuticle cream or nail oil is first applied and gently massaged in after the hand bath. It is absolutely necessary not to cut the cuticles with scissors, as this could damage the delicate skin. There is also a risk of infection, as the cuticle protects the nail bed from germs, bacteria and fungi.

For the next step in nail care, shortening, a good pair of nail scissors or nail clippers is required. Clippers are a good choice especially for very thick nails, because many scissors then reach their limits. However, clipping usually leaves behind corners or sharp edges. Such areas can then be reworked with a file. But the nail scissors also leave minimal damage in the form of tiny and barely visible cracks on the cut edge, so that finishing with a file is also necessary. It gives the nails the final touch, so to speak, because it seals the nail edges. If the edges feel smooth and do not scratch, nail care with the file is complete.

That’s why good nail care is so important

Of course, careful nail care contributes to an attractive appearance of the nails. But it is also very important for other reasons. After all, nails serve as a protective shield for fingers and toes, so they prevent injuries, support the fingertips when you touch them and also make it easier to grip.

If the nails are brittle, too soft or cracked, this can have various causes. Taking certain medicines, for example, but also the use of aggressive cleaning agents. Although the theory that brittle nails are caused by an iron, zinc or calcium deficiency persists, this is rarely the case. On the other hand, severe stress caused by contact with cleaning agents, water and chemicals is much more often the reason for nail problems.

These substances soften the nails, depriving them of valuable fats and other substances. However, nail problems can be prevented with consistent nail care. In the end, it also prevents pathogens such as bacteria and fungi from having an easy time.

If a nail is infected with fungus, it turns brownish or yellowish and loses its pearly shine. In most cases, this is first noticeable at the tip of the nail. Later, the entire nail plate thickens until it finally lifts off the nail bed. Nail fungus must always be diagnosed by a doctor. Special solutions, tinctures and varnishes help to prevent nail fungus from spreading further.

These products are suitable for careful nail care

A hand peeling not only cares for the hands, but is also suitable for nail care. It prevents cracked cuticles, removes dead skin flakes and prepares the nails optimally for the manicure. Peeling is also a good idea after filing, because it removes loose cuticle particles and fine dust from the nails. A hand scrub is usually a mixture of salt and oil.

Nail oil is a very important part of nail care because it strengthens the nails when used regularly. It is especially recommended for painted, brittle, cracked and brittle nails. The main ingredients of nail oil are usually almond oil, jojoba oil and olive oil, i.e., completely natural and gentle substances. Aloe vera oil, argan oil, clover extract or camomile are also suitable for nail oil.

The effect of the intensively nourishing oils is usually not long in coming, often the nails look healthier and stronger after just a few applications. Nail oil is preferably applied and massaged in before going to bed, but multiple applications throughout the day are also possible.

For nail care with oil, however, the nails should be free of polish.

By the way, nail oil sticks are particularly practical for on the go. They come with a practical applicator for quick and easy application.

If you paint your nails regularly, you can’t do without a nail polish remover. Many products contain acetone, a solvent whose vapours can cause headaches. Acetone has fallen into disrepute as an additive to nail polish removers because the substance is suspected of being carcinogenic. However, this has not yet been proven. Nail polish remover containing acetone removes the polish very quickly and reliably, but it has also been proven to dry out both the nails and the cuticles. With frequent use, the probability that the nails will become brittle is therefore quite high. Good nail care is particularly important here.

Acetone-free nail polish removers dissolve the polish somewhat more slowly. However, both types usually contain moisturising substances, which in turn help to care for stressed nails.

For particularly beautiful and shiny nails, there is another product that can be used for nail care: Polishing powder. These products almost always come with a special polishing pad. The nails are polished with gentle pressure, and the frictional heat then creates a durable bonding seal. This gives the nails effective protection and an attractive shine. Common ingredients in polishing powders are almond oil, silica, beeswax, and olive oil.

The most important ingredients in nail care

Biotin is a vitamin from the B-complex. It is water-soluble and is essential for humans. Biotin stimulates the differentiation of epidermal cells, which means that a positive effect on the keratin structures of the nails can be assumed. The therapeutic benefit of biotin (oral administration) in the case of reduced nail quality can therefore be regarded as assured according to current studies. Biotin has been used in nail care for quite some time.

Biotin fact sheet

INCI: Biotin

CAS number: 58-85-5

Alternative names: Vitamin B7 or vitamin H

Description: a white and finely crystalline powder

Effect: for improving the nail structure in nail care

Almond oil

Almond oil is used worldwide in lotions, creams, and nail care products because of its nourishing properties. It makes the fingernails resistant and pampers the cuticles. With consistent nail care with almond oil, the nails appear significantly healthier.

Almond oil fact sheet

INCI: Prunus amygdalus dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil

CAS number: 8007-69-0

Main ingredients: vitamin A, vitamin E, B vitamins, vitamin D, potassium, magnesium, calcium

Effect: for nail care, against cracked cuticles, for strong nails

Panthenol

Panthenol increases the flexibility of nails and binds water. In addition, the substance has anti-inflammatory, regenerating and wound-healing properties. It is very well tolerated.

Panthenol fact sheet

INCI: Panthenol

Alternative name: Vitamin B5, Dexpanthenol

CAS number: 16485-10-2

Application: for skin and nail care

Minerals

It has been known for some time that the minerals magnesium and calcium can support nail growth. Magnesium can help with brittle nails, as an optimal supply enables the body to process calcium, which in turn is needed for nail hardening. The silicon contained in silica can also contribute to strengthening the nails. Silica is of great importance in nail care.

Magnesium fact sheet

Description: mineral for energy metabolism, muscles, and bones.

Particularly contained in: Millet, oatmeal, soy products, wheat germ and unhusked rice.

Effect: important for the utilisation of calcium

Use: as a food supplement and in nail care

Fact Sheet Calcium

Description: in terms of quantity, the most important mineral in the human organism.

Important for: Nails, bones, teeth, blood clotting, muscle contraction and cell membranes.

Essential fatty acids

Essential fatty acids or omega-3 fatty acids can prevent nails from becoming dry and brittle. In addition to optimising personal nutritional habits, external application with strengthening nail oils is therefore recommended. Linseed oil, chia oil, perilla oil and hemp oil contain a particularly high proportion of omega-3 fatty acids.

Fact Sheet Linseed Oil

INCI: Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil

CAS number: 8001-26-1

EINECS number: 232-278-6 Description: the oil of the medicinal plant of the year 2005

Application: for nail care

Nail care from Cosmacon

Brittle and cracked nails are not an unchangeable fate. Today, very good results can be achieved with high-quality nail care. Cosmacon develops effective and at the same time gentle products for nail care. Please do not hesitate to ask us!

Literature:

Optimal diagnosis and management of common nail disorders. Lee DK, Lipner SR.Ann Med. 2022 Dec;54(1):694-712

Yellow Nail Syndrome. Cheslock M, Harrington DW.2022 Sep 19. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–.PMID: 32491692

Nail cosmetics: What a dermatologist should know! Tyagi M, Singal A.Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2023 May 29:1-8. doi: 10.25259/IJDVL_77_2023. Online ahead of print.PMID: 37317711