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Posts Tagged ‘nail bed’

In the Buff - Let your Natural Nail Beauty Shine Through: Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

Finger and toenails are small, but important features of our bodies that deserve  a bit of our attention.  Not only can they be a fun accessory, but they also give us a window into our health.

In general our nails should be free of discoloration, spots and pain.    The cuticle, nail bed (where the nail grows from) and skin surrounding the nail should look healthy and not be red or irritated.  If you notice any abnormalities or significant changes in  the quality of your nails, be sure to check with your doctor as this may be related to a localized fungus or signs of a more serious, systemic infection or disease.

Vertical ridges on the nail are common, harmless and can become more prominent as we age.  White lines are also sometimes seen after an injury to the nail and will grow out over time.  Dents running across the nail called “Beau’s lines” are caused when there has been a disruption in the nail bed, usually from injury.

Our nails is made up of compacted keratin, a protein also found in hair and skin.  Like the skin, nails can become dehydrated and the layers of keratin can become thick and irregular, making the nail appear dull and flaky.  Be sure to moisturize your nails and cuticles the same way you would your face and body to keep them hydrated.  To also give your nails a boost with a healthy, natural glow, give them a good scrub.  Nail exfoliation can buff up your nails to make them shiny, smooth and allow the natural hue of the nail bed to come through.

Exfoliation of your nails can be accomplished with an exfoliating cream rubbed into the nails.  Rinse off the cream and follow up with a moisturizer.  Nail files are also good tools for exfoliation and are used in a series.   Start with the coarse file and then the medium file to smooth out the keratin and any ridges. Lastly use the fine file to buff and shine up the nail.  You can also request a “buff” from your manicurist to achieve the same results.  Its a nice change to let the natural beauty of your nail show through and take a break from polish.

Other tips to keep your nails healthy include using non-acetone polish removers, wearing cotton-lined rubber gloves when washing dishes or using chemicals, not picking at your nails or cuticles and making sure your manicurist sterilizes all tools (or better yet, bring your own).

 

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