How to have beautiful nails naturally?
Publié le 09-05-2022 et mis à jour le 14-10-2024
What if the secret to perfect nails isn't at the beautician's but rather on your plate?
Soft, brittle, ridged, or split nails are daily weakened by physical and chemical aggressions: cold, water, chemicals, impacts, nail polish, artificial nails, etc.
Similarly, the condition of our nails can say a lot about our health. A change in the appearance, texture, or shape of the nails generally indicates nutrient deficiencies.
At D-LAB, we have developed the Perfect Nails Complex, a 100% natural dietary supplement that contains all the essential nutrients for perfect nails.
Discover in this article how to take care of your nails from the inside, without having to go through a manicure!
Summary
I. Deciphering the structure of the nail
It is composed of 90% rigid keratin, much stronger than that of other appendages (hair and fur). Keratin is a protein, belonging to the family of fibrous proteins, made up of sulfur-containing amino acids, including methionine and cystine.
This protein constitutes the material making up the translucent and hard part of the nails. It ensures their strength, protection, growth, and impermeability. Keratin proteins are produced by cells in our body from certain vitamins, amino acids, and minerals (calcium, selenium, zinc) that we consume.
The nail also contains small amounts of water, fatty acids, calcium (the main mineral component of the nail), and iron.
The primary role of the nail is a passive one, serving as a defense against external attacks. Nails protect the dorsal surface of the fingers and toes from pressure, impacts, and temperature variations.
The nail also has roles in cooperation with the skin:
- The nail hardens the skin at the fingertip by exerting counter-pressure against the fleshy part. This makes it easier and more effective to grasp small objects.
- They also play a role in the sensitivity of our sense of touch, due to the intensity of the innervation and vascularization of the nail bed.
Today, nails also have an aesthetic role, serving as a support for nail polish, in particular.
II. Signs of deficiencies revealed by our nails
Poor nutrition can have bad consequences on the nails. A change in the appearance, texture, or shape of the nails generally indicates nutrient deficiencies. Additionally, some of our daily habits, the use of household products, or manicure techniques further weaken and damage the nails.
Detect soft nails
Soft nails are generally flexible and bend easily. They are due to a demineralization of the nail and a protein deficiency. A deficiency in sulfur, vitamin B, and calcium can also be responsible.
Having your hands in water for too long, such as when doing the dishes, or washing your hands too often are some causes of soft nails. Indeed, certain household products are highly harmful to nail health, so it is necessary to avoid any direct contact. So remember to equip yourself with gloves.
Understanding the origins of brittle nails
Nails sometimes tend to break or slightly split on the side. This is due to skin dryness and keratin damage caused by frequent contact with water and detergents. Brittle nails can also be a sign of a deficiency in vitamins, calcium, or iron.
If the nails are brittle, it is better not to cut them. Instead, prefer a cardboard nail file to gently even out the surface. Metal files must be absolutely avoided as they damage the keratin and further weaken the nails.
Split nail factors
Nails split when layers of keratin separate. They are sometimes a sign of a deficiency in vitamins and minerals.
But most often, this problem occurs due to poor nail filing technique. Using a nail buffer can prevent splitting and flaking. Nail biting (onychophagia) is also a risk factor for nail splitting. Applying an anti-bite nail polish is the best solution to break this bad habit.
Analyzing ridged nails
The ridges on the nails are, in a way, wrinkles. They are caused by the aging of the nails and are sometimes due to a deficiency in selenium, iodine, iron, and vitamin B. Hormonal problems or stress may also be associated with them.
Some manicure products and techniques can have harmful effects on the nails. For example, excessive use of a nail drill can soften the nail and cause the appearance of scratches. If the nails are damaged and streaked, harsh manicure products should be avoided.
Prefer, for example, gentle removers without acetone to avoid drying out the nails and worsening the situation when you remove your nail polish.
III. Getting strong nails through a balanced diet
Our daily diet is crucial for the appearance of our nails. To have beautiful nails, it is necessary to have a balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements. Thus, certain nutrients promote the growth and health of nails. As part of a balanced diet, they contribute to their beauty.
Cosmetic products such as hardening nail polishes can be useful from an aesthetic point of view, but they do not address the cause. It is therefore essential to treat the problem internally, particularly through our diet, by favoring ingredients enriched for the health and beauty of our nails.
Foods beneficial for nails
- Proteins:
Made up of amino acids such as methionine and cysteine, they are necessary for the formation of keratin, which naturally strengthens nails. They are provided by fish, eggs, meats, whole grains, legumes, and dairy products.
- Vitamins:
Vitamin A helps strengthen nails. It is particularly concentrated in certain animal-based foods such as fish and dairy products.
Vitamin B2 or riboflavin is one of the essential vitamins our body needs. It is linked to the production of keratin, a major component of hair and nails. Vitamin B2 is more abundant in animal products, particularly in offal, meat, and dairy products.
Similarly, vitamin B9 (folate) is important for nail growth and health by contributing to the formation of red blood cells and the development of new cells. A folate deficiency can cause a change in nail pigment and make them rigid and brittle. Vitamin B9 is found in dark green vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, peas, lentils, nuts, seeds, and avocados.
- Minerals and trace elements:
Zinc helps stimulate the production of proteins, including keratin and collagen. Zinc is found in seafood, fish, eggs, or red meat, while copper is present in wheat, oats, or soy.
Iron maintains the strength of nails; it is essential to ensure optimal growth. An iron deficiency can indeed cause changes in the shape and appearance of nails. Meats, fish, eggs, and legumes are foods rich in iron.
- Antioxidants:
The antioxidant compounds (vitamin E, vitamin C, and flavonoids) abundantly present in fruits and vegetables contribute to better resistance of nails against external aggressions: sun, tobacco, pollution.
IV. How to have beautiful nails, our advice
Tip for attractive nails
To naturally beautify nails, it is recommended to regularly hydrate them with vegetable oils such as castor oil or argan oil. These oils nourish and strengthen the nails while promoting their growth.
Get attractive nails back after biting them
To regain attractive nails after biting them, it is essential to stop this habit. Applying a bitter nail polish can help stop nail biting. Then, it is important to hydrate and nourish them with specific creams to promote their regeneration.
Secrets for bright white nails
To have white and radiant nails, it is recommended to regularly soak them in a mixture of lemon juice and baking soda. This natural remedy helps to remove stains and whiten the nails.
Recommendations for attractive fingernails
To have beautiful fingernails, it is important to protect them from external aggressions by wearing gloves during household chores. Additionally, it is recommended to moisturize them daily with a nourishing cream to prevent them from becoming dry and brittle.
Special care for toenails
To have beautiful toenails, it is essential to cut them regularly and file them to avoid ingrown nails. Applying a specific moisturizing cream for the feet helps maintain healthy skin and nails.
Get long and strong nails
To have long and strong nails, it is recommended to strengthen them with dietary supplements rich in biotin and keratin. Additionally, it is important to protect them from shocks and chemicals by wearing gloves during household chores.
Maintain beautiful nails even without polish
To have beautiful nails without polish, it is essential to maintain them regularly by filing and polishing. Applying a nourishing oil helps to hydrate and naturally strengthen them.
To have beautiful nails, it is important to care for them by moisturizing regularly and protecting them from external aggressions. The use of specific dietary supplements can also help to strengthen and beautify the nails.
V. Explore the Perfect Nails Complex by D-LAB NUTRICOSMETICS: the comprehensive solution
How the Perfect Nails Complex contributes to beautiful nails
D-LAB's mission is to take care of your beauty capital, from head to toe, and down to the tips of your nails!
That's why we developed an exclusive and 100% natural formula for nail beauty. The Perfect Nails Complex nourishes the nail from within and provides the nutrients, vitamins, and trace elements necessary for keratin formation and nail health.
This formula works at 360°:
- Strengthens soft, brittle, ridged, or split nails:
It contains methionine, cystine, and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), the essential active ingredients for the formation of keratin.
It also contains nettle, which helps to strengthen fragile nails. Its aerial part is rich in numerous active ingredients (vitamins and minerals) that strengthen the nails to make them stronger and less brittle.
The Perfect Nails Complex is rich in vitamin B9, effective for soft and brittle nails, and vitamin C, essential for collagen production, a protein that forms the basic element of nails.
- Maintains the beauty and good health of nails
Zinc promotes healthy growth and renewal of nails, while selenium and vitamin B2 help protect cells from oxidative stress and maintain healthy nails.
This formula also contains iron, a trace element essential for having beautiful and healthy nails.
See the formula in video
