Keeping Your Nails in Shape

Nails are composed of laminated layers of a protein called keratin which grows from the area at the base of the nail under your cuticle. As the new cells appear, older cells become hard and eventually grow-out towards your fingertips.

Nail products are not enough to take good care of your desired healthy nails. Here are some tips that will help you to look at their best:

•            To avoid nail damage, don’t use your fingernails as tools to pick, poke, or pry things.

•             Do not bite your fingernails or your cuticles.

•             Your nails must be always clean and dry to avoid bacteria and fungi from growing.

•             Trim nails and file nails regularly. Trim nails straight across and file down thickened areas. Trimming and filing are easier and safer if done just after bathing or soaking the nails.

•             Moisturize your nails frequently. Nails need moisture just like your skin does. Rub lotion into your nails when moisturizing your hands. Be sure to apply a moisturizer after removing fingernail polish.

•             Watch for problems. If you have a nail problem that doesn’t seem to go away on its own or is associated with other signs and symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor to get it checked out.

Special considerations: Manicures and weak nails

If you rely on manicures to make your nails look good, keep a few things in mind. Don’t have your cuticles removed — it can lead to nail infection. Also, check to be sure that your nail technician properly sterilizes all tools used during your manicure. Using unsterilized tools may transmit yeast or bacterial infections.

These are some important tips on how will you keep your nails in shape as how you need to consider body types in fitness programs. Though nails are small part of your body, never forget that they deserve to be in your fitness goals.