You can tell a lot about someone by their nails. Hobbies, personal style, maybe even clues as to what they do for work. It begs the question, what do your nails say about you?
We’re here to help you spot the signs of healthy nails and show you how to keep them in tip-top shape.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What’s in a (healthy) nail?
Our nails are made up of many different parts. Let’s briefly get to know each one and how they contribute to nail health:
• Nail plate: the visible part of the nail containing keratins that contribute to the resistance and hardness of your nails.
• Nail matrix: interior of the nail that grows the nail plate, forming your nail structure.
• Nail bed: the soft part that lies under the nail plate that supports your nail as it grows. It includes blood vessels and tissues, which give nails their pink coloring.
• Eponychium: a thickened layer of living tissue that surrounds the nails and protects them from external aggressors. Not to be confused with the cuticle: non-living tissue which grows along the nail plate.
• Hyponychium: the soft living tissue found under the top edge of the nail plate (AKA under the tip of your nails) which protects the nail bed from external aggressors.
What do healthy nails look like?
1. They’re pink, smooth, and groove-free
Healthy nails should be smooth, without ridges, bumps, or dents. While ridges may have no impact on your overall fingernail health, you might not want them there for aesthetic reasons.
Damaged nails can also have white spots on them or lines that occur as a result of injury to the nail. The good news? With new nail growth, these spots should disappear.
2. They bend but don’t break (usually)
Nails are one of the areas of the body most exposed to external aggressions. So, they have to be both flexible and durable. Healthy nails are both strong and resilient, meaning that they don’t split or break frequently.
3. Their texture stays consistent
You may notice that your nails become harder over time – don’t worry, this is totally normal. With age, they naturally become more brittle. However, if your nails have suddenly changed in texture and you can’t pinpoint a reason why, visit your dermatologist.
4. They’re hydrated
A fundamental part of beautiful nails is having moisturized nails and cuticles. When your cuticles are dry, they can become more irritated. Moisturizing your cuticles helps to maintain the skin around the nails in good condition.
Regular hydration with cuticle oils, hand creams, and especially nail treatments also helps nails absorb moisture to stay both strong and supple.
Are yellow nails healthy?
If you wear polish frequently, you might have noticed that your nails turn yellow over time. This is because the pigment in certain polishes can discolor your nails if you paint them often. This doesn’t necessarily mean your nails aren’t healthy – it just means you might need a break from the polish every once in a while!
That said, yellow nails can sometimes indicate an underlying health issue. In healthy nails, new growth should not be yellow in color. So if your nails stay yellow as they grow, visit your dermatologist to see if there’s an underlying cause.
How can I get healthy nails?
If you’ve noticed that your nails are showing signs of weakness, discoloration, or split and break frequently, first off, give them a break from polish. Then, apply a treatment that both strengthens and hydrates for optimal fingernail health.
What ingredients should I look for in nail strengthening treatments?
Choose a product that contains ingredients that boost the growth and strength of your nails, and also packs on the moisture. Here are a few to keep in mind:
Pistacia lentiscus
Keratins are an important building block for strong and resistant nails. Pistacia lentiscus gum helps support keratins, strengthening their bonds and improving nail architecture.
Silanediol salicylate
Silicon is one of the predominant minerals in the nail. This ingredient promotes silicon, a crucial step in growing healthy nails.
Cationic hyaluronic acid
An enhanced version of one of the most well-known moisturizers in the world, which promotes cuticle and nail moisturization. Being cationic, it adheres to the skin up to 17 times better than regular hyaluronic acid.
ISDIN Si-Nails for healthier, stronger nails
The proof is in the numbers. In a study of consumers who used Si-Nails, after 28 days:*
- 100% of users reported smoother nail surfaces
- 97% of users reported that their nails were harder and grew faster
- 93% of users reported that their nails were less brittle and looked more attractive
If you’re looking for healthier-looking, stronger nails that grow faster, try Si-Nails nail strengthener and begin to see the difference in 14 days. Don’t forget to include your nails in your daily skincare routine, and you’ll be well on your way to perfect, healthy nails!
Sources and references:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nail-problems/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/nails/art-20044954
*Data on File; ISDIN Corp.; Morristown, NJ; 2022.
Behind the blog:
Article written and reviewed by:
Our namesake embodies the spirit of embracing life and all its wonder. As wellness journalists, we explore topics that invigorate the senses and keep curiosity alive. We believe that glowing skin is the result of a healthy body and mind. Weaving beauty with science, we aim to inspire you to live young at every age.
In addition to ten years as a primary care doctor, Aurora has over 23 years of experience developing and communicating healthcare products, most recently in dermo-cosmetics. She has co-authored many publications in dermatological journals and spoken at international health & beauty conferences. Ref: Colegio de Medicos de Madrid numero 282840102
