Your Nails Reveal Your Age. Here’s What To Do About It.

When most people think of aging, they think of loose skin, brittle hair, and brittle bones, but there is one more thing to add to the list and that applies to nails.

Over time you may notice changes in the texture, thickness, hardness, and even growth rate of your nails. According to experts, this is completely normal and most people experience age -related nail changes by the age of 40. While the effects of aging are inevitable, there are many things you can do to control them.

We turn to the experts to learn about the different ways of replacing nails as you get older and tips on how to move them.

Nail structure and thickness

Do you notice stains on your nails? It is called onychorex in medicine and is similar to nail wrinkles.

“When parts of the nail plate (even the nail matrix) are thin and start to atrophy, the result is grinding (parallel longitudinal deepening in the nail plate),” he says. Dr. Dana Stern |Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York.

There are things that can help Onychorexia, including nutritional deficiencies and hormonal changes, but age is another factor.

According to Dr. Michelle HenryFounder of Manhattan Skin and Aesthetic Surgery, our nails can also become brittle over time. This is mainly due to the breakdown of keratin protein structures in our nails, which play an important role in the health of our nails and protect them from external damage.

“As we age, our bodies begin to produce less of the natural protein found in nails, which can lead to brittle, dry and brittle nails,” Henry says. “These keratin proteins are also found in hair follicles, so with age we will see changes in hair structure.” Also, if you have a fragile family history of nails, The studying You find that your chances of having brittle nails are higher.

The speed of nail growth and yellowing

If you only mention your nail polish because your natural nails are yellow, be aware that it is most likely associated with a slow growth rate.

“Nails grow at an average of 3.47mm per month, which means it takes an average of six months to replace a nail,” Stern said. “As the growth of our nails slows down, the nails are exposed to a significantly greater impact on the environment and this impact, over time, can affect the color, overall appearance and strength of our nails.” Other common causes of jaundice include fungal infection and chronic staining, Stern added.

But why does nail growth slow with age? Henry says it applies to our body, which produces less protein than keratin. “By producing less keratin, our nails naturally begin to lose strength and structural integrity, which can lead to thinning and discoloration, ”she says.

Other nail changes

Often the unnoticed nail changes that people experience affect the cuticles. The cuticles act as a natural protective ring for the nails and, when torn and dehydrated, can separate and lift, causing nails and holes where organisms and water enters the nail section, Stern says. Not only can this lead to infections but also, along with other changes in the texture and thickness of the nails, can reveal age -related changes. Ultimately, healthy cuticle will promote younger looking nails.

Finally, onycholysis, a condition in which the nail protrudes from the base of the nail bed, is one of the most common age -related nail changes, according to Stern. “Small trauma, such as excessive cleaning with tools under the nail, can cause the nail to lift from the nail bed,” Stern said. Over time and with age, nails may not even stick to the nail bed.

How to deal with aging nails

There are several things you can do to manage age -related nail changes. First, do your cuticle routine to keep them hydrated and well. Stern recommends gently returning after a bath or shower with a washcloth, as well as moisturizing daily with oils or ointments (as opposed to creams that are less absorbed, he said). If you have a nail, resist the urge to bite or remove it, and instead use a clean cuticle clip and press it to your foot. When it comes to using nail polish remover, look for moisturizing and acetone-free formulas such asCetone can dehydrate and weaken the nail and surroundings.

Also note the nail file you are using. Stern said he would use a glass file instead of cardboard emeralds, as it can cause microscopic tears on the tip of the nail, which can cause cracks and tears. Glass files, on the other hand, create perfectly smooth edges. And be sure to replace the dull nail clipper, as Stern said, the old one can cause cracking and crushing.

You also need to consider the amount of water that will fall on the nails. “Nails absorb water very well (even more than the skin) – when water is constantly moving in and out of the nail, it puts a lot of pressure on the delicate nail cells, which can lead to in weakening, softening and deterioration., ”explains Stern .. Not to mention that it can cause dehydration of the cuticles and cause them to rise and peel, which can lead to the appearance of nails or holes that easier to get into infections A good solution? Wear protective gloves when washing dishes, cleaning the house, or gardening.

Finally, Stern says, if you experience a sudden change in your nails, see your certified dermatologist because it could be a sign of internal pain.