Summer tips to take care of your nails during the hot and humid weather

Taking extra care of your nails becomes even more in summer season as they tend to get dry, brittle and prone to breakage due to heat and humidity.

Too much sun can cause your nails to become dry, brittle, discoloured or even crack. (Source: Freepik)

Sigh, summer is banging on our doors; the temperature is rising by the day, and the scorching heat has already wreaked havoc. While it is important to get some sun exposure to maintain healthy levels of vitamin D, overexposure can be harmful to your skin as well as your nails. Yes, you read that right.

“Healthy fingernails are smooth, shiny, and have a uniform surface. The cuticles, the nail folds, and the plates are nicely attached. They’re uniform in colour and consistency, and free of spots or discolouration,” Dr Seema Oberoi Lall, Consultant, Dermatology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram told indianexpress.com.

She added that taking extra care of your nails becomes even more important in the summer season as they tend to get dry, brittle and prone to breakage due to heat and humidity. “Moreover, the nailbeds tend to be more susceptible to dryness and flaking during hot weather,” she continued.

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Here are some tips to take care of your nails during summer, according to the expert:

Keep your nails moisturised

While your skin can produce some oil naturally, your nails are unable to do that. Thus, staying hydrated is essential for keeping your nails healthy and strong. Drink plenty of water and include hydrating foods in your diet such as watermelon, strawberries and cucumbers. If you wash your hands frequently during the day, make sure to apply some moisturiser to your hands and nails after every session. This will ensure your nails stay nourished for longer.

Wear gloves

Protect your nails from the sun by wearing gloves. You can even wear gloves if you are doing household chores like washing dishes or gardening to protect your nails from harsh chemicals and dirt.

While it is important to get some sun exposure to maintain healthy levels of vitamin D, overexposure can be harmful to your skin as well as nails. (Source: Freepik)

Apply sunscreen

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Too much sun can cause your nails to become dry, brittle, discoloured or even crack. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen on your hands and nails whenever you are outside. Make sure to reapply it at least two times a day. Besides that, use a hand scrub to kick out all the dead skin cells that might accumulate on your hands. This will help stimulate blood flow to your nails and keep your cuticles healthy.

Avoid acetone

This chemical helps remove nail paint; however, it is quite harsh and may end up ruining your nails and hands. It can dry up your nails and make them relatively weak if used regularly. Instead, opt for removers that contain ingredients such as vitamin E and almond oil.

ALSO READ | True or false: Soaking nails in a mixture of salt and coconut oil makes them ‘grow faster, stronger’

Take a break from nail polish

While it’s fun to wear nail polish, it’s essential to give your nails a break from it. Constantly wearing nail polish can make them prone to breakage. So, give your nails some fresh air for a few days before applying nail polish in regular intervals.

Get a manicure

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The longer your nails, the more they are prone to breakage. So, keep your nails short and well-groomed to prevent any damage. You can do this yourself or go to a salon to get it done. It will help maintain nail hygiene as well.

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