Hydration is an extremely important factor for nail health, as it is capable of influencing their physical properties. Water is, in fact, a component of the nail, present in variable concentrations, which helps to maintain the right flexibility. If hydration is lower than normal, the nail plate appears dry, brittle and brittle.
, a filamentous protein consisting of long chains of amino acids (among which cysteine, glutamic acid and arginine stand out, followed by water, lipids and small quantities of trace elements such as zinc, iron and copper) and vitamins. Keratin is also found in the hair and in the outermost layer of the epidermis (stratum corneum). The nail structure is made up of several layers of cells packed with keratin which gives the lamina hardness, resistance and elasticity.
Dehydration predisposes to nail fragility, desquamation and breakage: especially in some circumstances, the water content in the nail is reduced or its ability to retain it decreases, favoring the occurrence of these problems.
The right degree of hydration of the nails can fail due to bad habits, first of all the use of household cleaners without protecting the hands with gloves. An important role is also played by "exposure to cold and use" of water that is too hot: the changes in temperature related to a change in the degree of humidity causes a change in the water content of the nails. The same effect is produced by too frequent hand washing, which can predispose to rapid dehydration: the repeated process of absorption and dispersion of water weakens the onychocytes, which are subject to a constant state of contraction and expansion. This "tension" it can have a detrimental effect on the nails, as it predisposes to nail fragility.
Furthermore, dehydration of the nail is one of the first consequences of aging, especially if other environmental factors are added to the unstoppable advance of the biological clock, which favor fragility and exfoliation at the nail level.
As a result, the nails become weak, break easily and show furrows.
Other predisposing factors for nail fragility are repeated micro-traumas and exposure to substances with very acid or alkaline pH (strong solvents to remove enamel such as acetone can dehydrate the nail).
Finally, the general weakening of the organism due to a food shortage or even some systemic pathology, must be considered as co-responsible for the dehydration of the nail.
included in the range 5-30%: an excess of hydration makes it tender and flexible, while a reduction makes it more friable., appear dry and lack elasticity, therefore they break easily and can make them more susceptible to more serious problems, such as onychomycosis.
The appearance of vertical streaks and fissures (onyocorexis), roughness, transverse fractures and progressive horizontal flaking of the final part of the lamina, which takes on a serrated appearance (lamellar onicoschizia), is also often correlated with less hydration and nail aging.
surrounding, weakening or increasing fragility. The same goes for prolonged exposure to water, such as when washing dishes. Therefore, during housework, it is advisable to always wear gloves, preferably lined with cotton and, to preserve the hydration of the nail, hands should be washed, when necessary, with neutral detergents.
Even the removal of the nail polish during the manicure is fundamental for their care: to preserve the right degree of hydration, it is good to use solvents sparingly, particularly those based on acetone. The frequent use of such products predisposes to dehydration, therefore it is better to limit its use, for example, to a maximum of once a week.
At the same time, after removing the nail polish, it is good to wash your hands to remove any solvent residues. As for the application of the nail polish, if you find an increase in the fragility of the nail, it would be better to take a break for example of 3-4 weeks between one manicure and the other to allow the nail to repair itself and regain strength.
Another good habit is to drink water during the day and follow a balanced and varied diet, rich above all in fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables, in order not to risk deficiencies in fundamental nutrients, such as proteins, minerals and vitamins (in particular, of group B ). In this case, in fact, the nails would be affected by appearing thin and fragile, and flaking easily. In this case it is advisable to apply a moisturizing product, which helps to compensate for the losses of the substances that make up the structure.
Regularly, then, it is advisable to apply oils and creams specifically formulated for the hydration and protection of the nails. These cosmetic products based on ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids, petroleum jelly, urea, phospholipids (eg ceramides) and vegetable oils must be applied a couple of times a day on well-cleaned nails, massaging until completely absorbed.For intensive treatments, you can wear cotton gloves before going to bed to help your nails absorb the moisturizing product while you sleep.
