Knowing your nails to take care of them
Even though they are part of our everyday lives, we don’t always know everything about our fingernails and toenails.
They cover the tips of our fingers and toes and are made up of overlapping layers of keratin. This substance is also what makes up hair, but it is relatively susceptible to a number of factors that contribute to weakening the nails. That is why it is important to follow a few tips if you want to have beautiful nails.
How can I get beautiful nails?
Our habits, whether good or not so good, have an impact on the health and appearance of our nails. That is why it is important to know what can harm them and how to look after them, using simple tips and a diet that provides them with everything they need.
Avoiding factors that increase weakness
Not all our daily activities are necessarily kind to our nails, and they certainly make sure we know it. Certain factors can therefore damage them.
This is the case with nail varnish and nail varnish remover, which contain substances that are often harmful to keratin. The latter is under attack and is therefore no longer able to fulfil its protective role. Try to limit your use of these cosmetics or find out more about the ingredients in the products you use in the bathroom.
Because they contain solvents and detergents, some household products are not good for your nails. To avoid coming into contact with them, wear waterproof gloves when doing household chores.
The way we look after our nails is closely linked to their condition: don’t use them as tools to scrape surfaces or open a can, for example. This could damage them and cause them to break.
Looking after your nails every day
Your nails deserve just as much attention as the rest of your body. To have beautiful nails, you need to look after them by adopting good habits.
First of all, trim them regularly using nail clippers, making sure to cut them straight across rather than rounding them off, to minimise the risk of them breaking. File your nails regularly, using movements in one direction only, as this prevents your nails from splitting.
When you wash your hands, apply some hand cream and massage it right down to your fingertips to moisturise them.
Many of us have this annoying habit of biting our nails. If this applies to you, make sure you break this habit by learning to manage your stress. To help with this, why not try mindfulness meditation, take up a sport or lighten your schedule?
Nourish your nails with a balanced diet
How can you have beautiful nails, if not by watching what you eat? Indeed, the vitamins and minerals you consume benefit your whole body, including your nails.
So make sure you eat a varied and balanced diet, including foods rich in selenium and zinc – minerals that help maintain healthy nails. For selenium, try Brazil nuts, tuna, cod, eggs, rabbit meat or scallops.(1) For zinc, opt for oysters, crab, sesame and poppy seeds, beef, cashew nuts or rye flour.(2)
Strengthening weakened nails
Whatever the reason, if you suffer from soft, brittle or ridged nails, providing them with the right care will help them regain their full strength.
URGO Filmogel® Regenerating Nail Care (for ages 15 and over) contains keratin, glycerine and squalane, combining the benefits of a hardening nail varnish and a nourishing oil. Its Filmogel® technology forms a protective film on the surface of the nail, while allowing the ingredients to diffuse.
The URGO product you need: URGO Filmogel® nail-regenerating care
How can I get beautiful nails after biting them?
Biting your nails, sometimes for years on end, can affect their appearance and make them brittle. If you have managed to kick that bad habit, that’s already a huge achievement! Now it’s time to give your nails the care they need to regenerate.
URGO Filmogel® Stop Nail Biting (from 3 years) is a clear nail varnish that helps to strengthen the structure of the nails. What’s more, its bitter taste stops you from biting them again. It can take a few months for your nails to grow back completely, so having beautiful nails does require a bit of patience.
How can I get beautiful toenails?
Our toenails are put under particular strain by walking, sporting activities and, at times, unsuitable footwear.
For beautiful toenails, adopt habits that will keep them healthy and help prevent unpleasant surprises such as fungal infections or cracks.
Reducing the risk of toenail fungus
The most common condition affecting toenails is undoubtedly fungal infection, also known as onychomycosis. It is a fungal infection that penetrates beneath the layers of the nail and causes it to discolour.
To avoid this, make sure you dry your feet thoroughly after a shower or bath, as damp and heat are the perfect conditions for fungal infections. Choose socks made from natural fibres (woolle, cotton, etc.) that wick away sweat, as well as well-ventilated shoes that are not too tight, to minimise the risk of chafing and cracks through which the fungus could enter.
Do remember to wear sandals or flip-flops when you’re at a public swimming pool or sauna, as the infection is highly contagious.
Following any kind of injury, the nail may be damaged. That is why URGO Filmogel® Nails damaged by fungal infections and minor injuries is available (from 3 years). Its formula cleanses, revitalises and protects the nail to help you achieve beautiful nails in no time.
The URGO product you need: URGO Filmogel® damaged nails
Taking care of your feet
Taking care of your feet will logically help you take care of your nails.
To do this, make sure you look after your feet every day and wear shoes that fit properly, alternating between several pairs to allow time for any sweat to dry out. Take the time to check the condition of your feet regularly to look out for any injuries, calluses or even cracks.
If you are in any doubt, and if you have diabetes, please do not hesitate to consult your doctor, who will be able to advise you on what to do.(3)
Check out our guide to looking after your feet every day!