Take a close look at your fingernails and tell us are they looking strong and healthy? Or do you see ridges, dents, or unusual colours or shapes? If yes then you are at the right place.

Today, we will talk about the best products for a nail and hand care routine to prevent brittle fingernails and keep the skin around your nails healthy in the winter time.

Why do nails hate winter?

Winter is not only a season of holiday cheer, twinkly lights, and hot chocolate but is also a season of extreme dryness which can cause many skin issues.

It's not just your skin that dries out during the winter months; your nails do too!

 Nails are part of the integumentary system (skin) of your body and they develop from the outer layer of your skin called the epidermis. The exact same cells that form the outer layer of your skin also form your nails. These cells harden more in your nails, but structurally they share many common features and needs.

Natural oils hold together the different layers of your nails, so cold and dry winter months and lots of hand washing with harsh soaps will dry out this natural "glue." It's very similar to the dry skin you experience during the winter months.

Develop a winter nail care routine

1. Cuticle care

The cuticles serve a purpose, they help seal and protect the area at the base of your nail. When you cut off your cuticles it breaks that seal of protection, leaving your nails vulnerable to bacteria and the possibility of infection. Pamper and take care of your cuticles and your nails will thank you for it.

Moisturise your cuticles by applying coconut oil or almond oil to keep them nourished and hydrated. Do not bite or cut your cuticles, when getting a manicure and pedicure treatments tell your nail technician to leave your cuticles untouched.

2. Use Biotin

Everyone wants healthy-looking shiny nails and for that vitamin B7 which is also known as biotin is the best. It helps improve nail strength and health. Research and studies, it has proved that taking a 2.5-milligram supplement daily for 6 months will increase nail thickness by 25%. People who have brittle fingernails should take a daily dose of biotin. It will help reduce splitting and breaking.

3. Always Keep Your Nails Clean

You should always keep your fingernails clean and dirt-free to avoid the accumulation and breeding of bacteria. You can do this by simply applying soap (containing antimicrobial agent) to a soft toothbrush, then gently scrubbing it on your fingernails, focusing more on the skin around your nails. This will remove dirt and exfoliate away dead skin cells.

4. Keep Your Nails Dry

Soaking your nails in water for a long duration can actually cause split ends.

This usually occurs due to home chores such as washing the dishes, car, bathroom, etc. This exposes your nails to dirty water, foamy-water and oils from dishes. While washing dishes ensures you put on hand gloves, this will not only protect your nails from split ends, brittles, flakes but also avoid the occurrence of nail discoloration.

5. Cut Your Nails Properly

Trimming your nails regularly will help reduce the accumulation of dirt which is always stuck under your nails making it vulnerable to bacteria breeding which can trigger the occurrence of bacterial infection.

Keep good manicure hygiene by cutting your nails on regular basis using sharp manicure scissors or clippers

6. Avoid Harsh Nail Polish

In a research study, nail polishes containing ingredients like formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate weakens the nail. Furthermore, constantly using bold pigmented colors can cause your nails to become yellowed or weakened. Opt for natural nail polishes that will moisturise your nail with a smooth silky and shiny finish.

7. Use acetone-free nail polish remove

When seeking for nail polish removers opt for Acetone-free nail polish remover as it’s great for gently removing nail polish without causing any complications.

Nail polishes contain ingredients like resins, plasticizers, film formers and color pigments. All these ingredients work to give you a nice even coat of polish that dries quickly and evenly. But the problem is, these ingredients aren’t so easy to remove.

An acetone-free polish remover removes nail polish effectively without drying out the skin and nails like acetone-based removers do. This is simply because acetone-free polish remover has an oily consistency which leaves nails feeling nourished and healthy. 

8.  Avoid Biting Your Nails

70% of individuals exhibit this habit (sometimes subconsciously).

Biting your fingernails will not only make your hands look bad but also creates room for the arrival of bacterial infection. By biting your nails you can accidentally cut the skin around your nails allowing germs and bacteria to enter. Bacteria or fungi can cause paronychia, and common culprits are Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenesbacteria. Which causes swelling, tenderness, and redness around the nail with pus-filled abscesses causing pains and discomfort.

9.   Use The Right Tools & Right Practice

Using the right tool suitable for your nails should be a must. Example: using the wrong file.

Not only does the file have to be new, but it has to be the right one. Like sandpaper, files come in various grits ranging from ultra-fine (the best choice for natural nails) to super coarse (only okay for artificials). Using a generic file for everything, (especially one that’s too coarse) can damage natural nails.

Regardless of using the right nail file and its new, you should as well ensure you use the right technique by filling the right way. Filing back and forth causes microscopic splits in the nail, which can lead to chipped polish and dry, peeling nails. Use the right technique by filing from the outside corners in towards the center as filing towards the middle of the nail prevents splitting. Use should as well let your manicurist know this if she’s doing it wrongly on your nails.

10. Moisturise Your Nails

Just like your skin and hair, your nails need some touch of hydration to keep it well moisturised and nourished. Before retiring to bed try dabbing almond or coconut oil onto your nail beds and cuticles to stop them from getting dry, brittle, or flaky. (Make this a routine). You’ll always wake up with strong and healthy-looking rinails.

11. Nail Health Starts with Diet

Eating right is one of the major best nail care tips you should consider. Build a healthy nail from the inside out. A healthy diet determines healthy well-being.

Load more on protein and omega-3 fatty acids-rich foods.

Your nails are made up with Keratin — the protein that makes up your nails. Consuming more foods rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids like fish, meat, beans, nuts, whole grains, and dairy will stimulate keratin production and strengthen your fingernails.

Conclusion

After reading the best nail care tips, now it’s up to you to put them into practice. Avoid all unnecessary bad habits that can deplete your nail health and don’t forget to use a MaGéAu Naturel hand lotion which is made from natural ingredients.  It contains seed oil and shea butter to give you a hydrating feel. It contains an ultra-moisturising formula that will feel lightweight on the skin, when you massage the lotion on the skin you won’t feel greasy.

Currently we are offering 30% on our combo offer (HAND LOTION+LIP BALM). So don’t miss a chance and pre-order now.