Nail care is very important, not only to improve the appearance of our hands and feet but also to reduce the risk of infections and injuries. While some people spend considerable time and money on manicures, it remains an area that is often neglected. Today, let's explore how to protect and improve the condition of our nails at home using essential oils.
The Structure of Nails
Our nails, like hair, are "skin appendages." The nail plate, which is about 0.5mm thick, is primarily made of hard keratin. The nail plate is firmly attached to the nail bed underneath. The nail is surrounded by the nail folds on both sides and at the base. The base of the nail has a thin layer of skin where the visible crescent-shaped nail matrix appears, known as Lulula (meaning "little moon" in Latin). The matrix is where new keratin is produced, allowing the nail to grow. Fingernails typically grow about 3mm per month, while toenails grow more slowly (around 1.5mm per month).
Factors Affecting Nail Health
The speed of nail growth and other characteristics are mainly determined by genetics, but other factors include age (nail growth slows with age), diet, and overall health. Like the skin, changes in the nails may be an early warning sign of health issues, as they affect the body's ability to produce healthy cells. Nail color changes, dents, ridges, or slow growth could be caused by medical conditions, poor nutrition, or stress.
A common cause of slow nail growth and color changes is fungal infection, which can also cause nails to become thick. If nail growth is slow but the color is normal, it may be due to malnutrition, especially a lack of quality protein. Excessive stress can also slow or halt nail growth.
Other nail abnormalities may be caused by the following factors:
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Brittle nails or pale nail beds may indicate iron deficiency (anemia), lack of essential fatty acids, vitamin A, and calcium, or poor circulation, kidney, or thyroid function.
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Horizontal ridges may be caused by injury to the nail bed, chronic stress leading to vitamin B deficiency, or thyroid problems.
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Vertical ridges could be due to iron deficiency or poor health.
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Nails that are prone to cracking may be due to lack of protein, vitamin A, calcium, or other trace elements like silicon.
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Pitted nails could indicate psoriasis or iron and folic acid deficiency. This is especially important for those planning to conceive.
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Blue nail beds are usually caused by low blood oxygen levels, often related to chronic lung or heart problems.
Caring for Our Nails
Proper nutrition and appropriate nail care are crucial for maintaining nail health.
Eat for Healthy Nails
Nail growth, quality, texture, and shape are largely influenced by the nutrients and protein levels in our diet.
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Adequate protein intake is key to promoting keratin production and maintaining strong nails. A low-protein diet can make nails brittle. Try to eat fish regularly, as it is an excellent and easily absorbed source of protein.
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Eat a sufficient amount of fresh fruits and vegetables daily, including nutrient-rich avocados 2-3 times a week.
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Increase your zinc intake to support cell growth and division. Animal proteins are rich in zinc, and it can also be found in chickpeas, nuts, and seeds.
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Increase your intake of essential fatty acids to lubricate and nourish nails, making them shinier. A lack of essential fatty acids can cause nails to become dry and brittle. Oily fish, seeds like hemp or flax, are excellent sources.
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Ensure adequate magnesium intake, as it plays a role in protein synthesis and is essential for healthy nails. Whole grains, almonds, cashews, and dark green vegetables are good sources.
Aromatherapy for Nail Health
Some base oils and essential oils are very helpful in maintaining the health of the nails, matrix, and nail folds, making them healthier and stronger. Like our skin, nails also need hydration. If the skin around the nail fold is too dry, the nails are often dry and brittle as well. Dry skin around the nail bed and matrix can lead to damage.
To keep the skin around the nail fold soft and prevent peeling and cracking, massage a few drops of base oil into the area daily. The nail fold is crucial in protecting the nail matrix, locking in moisture and preventing bacterial invasion. It can dry out just like the rest of our skin, so moisturizing is key.
While moisturizing, you also stimulate blood circulation, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the nails for growth.
Recommended oils include nutrient-rich and essential fatty acid-rich unrefined avocado oil, wheat germ oil, argan oil, macadamia oil, hemp seed oil, jojoba oil, rosehip oil, borage seed oil, and vitamin E oil.
You can also add essential oils to your chosen base oils to enhance their effects, promoting infection resistance, cell regeneration, and circulation. Frankincense, myrrh, lavender, lemon, and sandalwood are excellent choices. Simply add one drop of essential oil to 5ml of base oil.
Recommended Blends:
Nail and Nail Fold Care Oil:
Mix 50% borage seed oil and 50% vitamin E oil to create a nourishing and hydrating nail care oil. Massage daily into your nails and nail folds.
Hand and Nail Cream:
Create a moisturizing hand cream to apply throughout the day, ensuring to cover the nail fold area and massage for absorption. This product is rich in essential fatty acids, nourishing oils, and circulation-promoting ingredients.
Mix 50ml of moisturizing cream base, 5ml argan oil, 5ml jojoba oil, 5ml hemp seed oil, 5ml macadamia oil, 4 drops myrrh, 4 drops ginger, 4 drops patchouli, 6 drops sandalwood, and 6 drops geranium.
Fungal Infection Nail Care:
If your nails are infected with fungus, prompt treatment is crucial. Massage this oil blend daily into your nails, nail folds, and under the nail plate.
Mix 10ml argan oil, 5ml jojoba oil, 5ml macadamia oil, 10 drops tea tree oil, and 5 drops myrrh.
Other Nail Care Tips:
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Water can damage nails, so dry your hands thoroughly after washing. Wear gloves when doing household chores or handling harmful chemicals.
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Give your nails a “breather” by avoiding constant use of nail polish, glue, or artificial nails. Never use acetone-based nail polish removers.
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Avoid biting your nails.
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Don’t remove or pick at your nail folds, as this will compromise their protective function and make them more prone to infection.
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Avoid tearing at hangnails, as this can tear healthy skin, leading to bleeding, pain, and infection. Carefully remove them with disinfected scissors and prevent with moisturizing products.
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Be cautious of aggressive manicure techniques at nail salons, as they may weaken your nails and make them more prone to infection.
