Healthy nails are produced by keeping the cuticle in place and moving the keratin layers out of the way as we grow. If the cuticle is too soft, it may easily break off and cause small bumps on the nail bed. In this case, your nails will become brittle. If the keratin layer is not moving at a reasonable rate, it may become deformed and may cause a problem when trying to cut, pick, or tap the nail.
The outer, or the epidermis, of our nails, provides many layers of protection for the inner tissues. Each nail is not only functional but vital to our daily function. A long fingernail that can be removed would pose a threat to the structure of our finger and to our ability to grasp objects correctly.
The keratin in each nail is one of the primary proteins that give a nail its hardness and flexibility. In addition, each nail has at least two distinct layers of keratin. In order to have a good nail, these layers must be formed and maintained.
Our nails grow at a rate of about a millimeter per month. To compensate for this rapid rate of growth, the layer of keratin that lies between the cuticle and the top of the nail grows each month as well. This growth of a keratin layer gives us a healthy nail.
Over the years, we have learned how to keep our nails properly groomed and in shape through proper nail care, including cleaning, filing, moisturizing, and polish. This article discusses some ways that we use nail polishes to keep our nails looking healthy and beautiful.
We file our nails down daily in order to make them as even as possible. Of course, a buffing wheel and flat-file are necessary to do this properly. However, a soft-bristled brush also works, as well as a round dish sponge with a rough material such as paper.
If we wear our nails too short, they may get caught on our shoes and can result in chipping, tearing, and breaking. If we wear our nails too long, the force of our foot movements may cause the nail to break badly.
When a piece of food, or a hair, falls onto the nail, this may cause friction and result in tiny indentations that lead to scaling of the nail. These indentations are the nail plate becoming very hot and becoming dry and cracked.
Some people may scratch their nails on furniture or other objects, causing larger and more painful scratches. By brushing and gently stroking their nails regularly, you can get rid of these unsightly scratches and prevent them from occurring.
Cuticle and the nail itself become infected by fungal and bacterial infections, especially when constantly exposed to moisture. This in turn can result in discoloration of the nail and cracks that do not heal properly.
Therefore, we should always keep our nails and cuticles moisturized, especially when wet, by rubbing them in warm water and then applying a moisturizer. This helps to keep the cuticle and nail from cracking and allowing moisture to permeate into the nails. This is also known as exfoliation and can help to clear the dirt and dead skin that accumulate between our cuticles and cuts.
