Summer is the time for tips and toes to shine! Whether flaunting your fingers with a fresh manicure or showing off your toes in sandals, keeping nails healthy is key to looking and feeling your best. Here’s a guide to maintaining beautiful and healthy nails this summer, including behaviors to adopt, products to use and avoid, and supplements that can make a difference.

Behaviors for Healthy Nails

Like your skin, your nails need moisture to stay strong and flexible. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your nails hydrated from the inside out. When doing chores like gardening or washing dishes, wear gloves to protect your nails from harsh chemicals and excessive moisture, which can lead to brittleness. Gently push, don’t cut, those cuticles. They’re like the moat around your nail castle, keeping invaders (read: infections) at bay. Make it a habit to apply a rich cream frequently throughout the day, especially after washing your hands. This helps prevent dryness and keeps your cuticles soft. When filing your nails, use a fine-grit nail file to smooth the edges, and file in one direction to avoid splitting and peeling.

Products to Avoid

Now that we’ve covered good nail behavior, let’s look at products to avoid.

Acetone-Based Removers: Acetone can dry out your nails and cuticles. Choose non-acetone nail polish removers that are gentler on your nails. Consider Gabriel Cosmetics Liquid Nail Polish Remover.

Artificial Nails: Acrylic and gel nails can weaken your natural nails over time. If you must use them, give your nails a break between applications to allow them to recover.

Toxic Nail Polishes: Some nail polishes contain harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), camphor, and parabens. Choose polishes free of these toxic ingredients:

Gabriel Cosmetics makes 10-Free nail polish. For a wider selection, visit us in-store.

Products to Use

Now that we know what to avoid, let’s look at what we should use to keep our nails healthy.

Oils: Using oils on your nails and cuticles can be a game-changer for nail health. Jojoba oil, rich in vitamins E and B, moisturizes and strengthens nails and cuticles. Argan oil is packed with nutrients that help to hydrate and nourish your nails, promoting healthy growth. Olive oil deeply moisturizes your nails and cuticles, preventing them from becoming dry and brittle. Coconut oil, known for its antifungal properties, can help keep your nails free from infections while providing deep hydration. Tea Tree Oil, too, is often used to treat nail fungus.

Cuticle Cream: Invest in a good cuticle cream to keep your cuticles soft and healthy. Apply it regularly to prevent dryness and hangnails.

Nail Strengthener: If your nails are prone to breaking, a nail strengthener can provide the extra support they need. Look for products with proteins and keratin.

Nail Polish with SPF: Yes, your nails can get sun-damaged too! Consider nail polishes with built-in SPF to protect your nails from UV damage.

Products to Take

If your nails don’t look as healthy as you’d like, your diet may not provide all the necessary nutrients. Biotin (Vitamin B7) strengthens nails and promotes growth by improving keratin infrastructure, the primary protein in nails. Omega-3 fatty acids hydrate and nourish the nail bed, preventing dryness and inflammation, and supporting overall nail health. Vitamin C aids in collagen production, crucial for nail strength and growth. Lastly, collagen provides structural support and elasticity to nails, helping them grow stronger and more resilient.

For convenience, check out these formulas containing all or some of these ingredients and more.

With these tips and tricks, you’ll be flaunting tips and toes that could star in their own beach or poolside blockbuster. Happy summer!

Psst! See our July flyer for in-store savings on other health and wellness products.