10 steps to perfect toenail care

2024 Author: James Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 14:00

Toenails grow about 3-4 times slower than fingernails and are completely replaced in one year. Therefore, it is very important to keep them in good condition, because all problems will be noticeable longer.

We've put together the best nail care tips for you to keep your toenails healthy and looking good, and you can wear open-toed shoes in any weather.

1. Moisturize regularly

There are many ways to moisturize your toenails, the most important is to do it regularly. As you age, your nails become more brittle, especially if you regularly varnish them, so it is worth moisturizing them at least once a week. Cuticle creams can help with this, but if you want to use natural products, moisturize your nails with petroleum jelly or vitamin E oil. Simply rub the selected product into the nail plate.

2. Avoid hazardous ingredients in varnish

Most of the nail polish removers do not contain acetone and do not dry very much, the varnish itself is in contact with the nail for much longer and can cause it to turn yellow. Ingredients to cause concern: toluene, dibutyl phthalate and formaldehyde.

And one more tip: remove varnish with a product that does not contain alcohol.

3. Wash your feet with the correct soap

Keeping feet and nails clean is very important, but not every soap will work. Choose a gentle, pH-balanced product to keep your feet clean. Remember to dry your toenails thoroughly, avoiding rubbing them with a coarse towel.

4. Provide the body with biotin and keratin

Biotin (vitamin B7), also known as vitamin H or coenzyme R, influences the formation of the thickness of the nail, which is very important if you want to avoid delamination. If your diet is balanced and there is no need for supplements, just try to eat more nuts, root vegetables and eggs.

Read also

Beauty | 2021-20-08 Organic Shop has released the first cosmetics for children for hair and body

Keratin is the main protein in nails, so it should also be in the required amount. To boost your body's production, eat more lean meats with legumes and nuts, as well as gelatin.

5. Get the right haircut

You use scissors or tweezers, but your nails should always be properly trimmed. Depending on the growth rate, this should be done once every 2 weeks - a month. You need to cut the nail in the middle, without touching the corners, because if you trim them, the nail can grow.

6. Massage regularly

Massaging the feet and nails increases blood circulation, which is very beneficial for the nail plates. So take this advice and massage your feet and nails at least once a week. Do not use massage oils, it is better to use an antiseptic foot cream, for example, with aloe vera.

7. Wear flip flops where you need to take off your shoes

You can minimize the risk of fungal infection by wearing flip flops in any public area where you need to take off your shoes, such as showers and changing rooms. For added safety, when you get home, wash your feet immediately with a mild antibacterial soap.

8. Don't wear tight shoes

Always choose comfortable shoes that fit you. If your nails are constantly being pressed into the skin, the risk of an ingrown toenail and other problems is greatly increased.

9. Leave the cuticles

Cut the nail in small pieces strictly parallel to its growth line.

Most beauticians gently move the cuticle, but there are those who continue to cut it. In addition to the increased risk of getting an infection, it also damages the nail in the long term.

10. How to trim thickened nails

If you have thickened toenails, which are most often caused by a fungal infection, it is best to use tweezers. Cut the nail in small pieces strictly parallel to its growth line, and then you will not encounter delamination, which is often found when nails are thickened.