Here's a report from dermatologists about healthy nails:
When it comes to caring for your nails, many of the tips that youīve taken for granted over the years may in fact be myths that can damage your nails.
"Healthy, strong nails are important not just for their looks but for performing the tasks of daily life, like picking up objects," Dr. VanBeek said. "Most of us donīt realize the importance of our nails until we have a problem with them. Misconceptions about nail care abound and itīs important to know the facts so that you can keep your nails in top shape."
Myth: To get stronger nails, use polishes that contain hardeners or apply ingredients like gelatin.
Fact: While using polishes that contain strengthening ingredients may help make nails less prone to splitting, they also increase nail stiffness, causing the nails to break more frequently under trauma, because they become hard and inflexible. While some people swear that immersing their nails in gelatin makes them stronger, there is no scientific evidence that applying gelatin has any benefit. The best way to grow strong nails is to make sure that they are kept moisturized. Because nails take a lot of abuse in daily life and are repeatedly exposed to harsh detergents and chemicals that can dry them out, itīs important to keep them moisturized. Most nail polish removers are alcohol based, so it is especially important to moisturize after removing nail polish. "Moisturizers that contain petrolatum or mineral oil to protect against evaporation are particularly good," Dr. VanBeek noted. "No special products are necessary as most hand creams contain one of these ingredients."
