Much like how the appearance of our skin can hint as to what’s going on beneath the surface, the condition of our nails reflects our overall health and wellbeing. Breakage, brittleness and discolouration could all point to signs of mineral and vitamin deficiency. Winter is a particularly challenging time for nail health; the lack of moisture in the air exacerbates chipping and dryness. Coupled with frequent use of hand sanitiser, there's a high chance your hands are feeling it. Thankfully, it’s relatively simple to naturally repair damage and achieve strong, glossy nails. Read on for four of our tried and tested tips.
Cuticle Care
Much like a healthy gut means healthy skin, healthy nails really begin at the cuticle. Perhaps the most neglected part of the beauty routine, caring for your cuticles is vital if you want strong and long nails. Nail growth starts just beneath the cuticle, in the nail matrix. It is here where new cells are generated, pushing out the old cells which form our nails. We suggest nurturing this delicate but important area with a luxurious cuticle oil. Make sure you choose one with natural ingredients, like Vitamin E or Sweet Almond Oil, to protect this area from environmental factors and deliver a hit of hydration. Massage a few drops of oil into your cuticles before bed, or keep a cuticle oil in your bag for on-the-go maintenance. With a mix of argan, pomegranate and rosemary oil, we love French Girl Organics Nail & Cuticle Oil.
Nourish From Within
The most abundant protein in the body, collagen is fundamental in nail health. A building block for the nails, collagen supports nail structure and strength. When our levels of collagen decline (due to aging and accelerated by lifestyle factors such as diet and stress levels), our nails become weak, brittle and prone to breakage. Turning to a high quality and natural collagen supplement boosts the body’s supply. By Beth formulations feature 100% grass-fed Australian bovine collagen to nurture beautiful nails. Bovine collagen’s amino acid profile – particularly arginine and keratin – promote growth, while biotin provides Vitamin B, which is clinically proven to increase strength and firmness. A 2017 study shows that participants who took collagen daily experienced faster nail growth, reduced breakage and improved nail appearance. By Beth formulations also harness native Australian botanicals, bursting with naturally bioactive ingredients and antioxidants that help to neutralise free radical damage and promote optimal nail health.
Natural Nail Polish
Give your nails a detox from salon treatments and opt for natural polishes that actually work to condition and nourish the nails rather than drying them out with harmful additives. Polish sits on our nails for weeks at a time and research shows that the chemicals they contain are absorbed into the body, which is why it’s so important to select non-toxic options. Non-toxic polishes are labelled as 3, 5, 7, 10 or 12-Free, which refers to the number of chemicals they are free from. For example, 10-Free polish does not contain formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, camphor, formaldehyde resin, xylene, parabens, fragrances, phthalates, and animal ingredients. We recommend going for 10-Free or 12-Free where possible. JINsoon, created by cult Korean-born nail artist Jin Soon Choi, contains a range of lustrous shades from muted neutrals to shimmering sparkles - all 10-Free and vegan.
Hydrate Hands
During the colder months, our skin inevitably loses moisture. Combined with more frequent washing and use of sanitiser, our hands are at risk of becoming dry and dehydrated. Use a hand cream multiple times a day to lock in moisture, paying extra attention to attending to the cuticles and nails when applying. Moisturising your tips will prevent them from becoming brittle or breaking. The ideal time to apply is right after showering or bathing, rubbing directly into damp skin to lock in hydration, but we suggest also keeping a tube with you throughout the day for easy application. Our current favourite is the rich and decadent Buly Pommade Concrète, enriched with shea butter, sesame oil and beeswax.
Explore the By Beth range of 100% Australian bovine collagen formulations