Maintaining healthy, strong nails requires more than occasional attention - and, with the warmer weather, it is essential to ensure your nails are in tip-top condition before you jet off on holiday.
Award-winning specialist Dr Ioannis Liakas told GB News about the best, yet simple, way to approach nail care, including the daily habits and proper techniques to prevent common issues such as brittleness and breakage.
The expert explained that "consistency is key" when establishing an effective nail care routine. His first recommendation begins with "regularly applying a good hand and nail cream to prevent dryness and brittle nails".
Secondly, nails should be "trimmed and filed to stop snags and breakage", and nail-biters should attempt to reform their pesky habits since nervous nibbling can prove detrimental to your appearance.
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|Nails can inevitably become damaged through day-to-day activities so it's crucial to pay them greater attention
Additionally, nails can naturally become damaged through day-to-day activities, such as household chores and opening cans. As a result, the doctor encouraged wearing gloves while cleaning or washing up to "avoid harsh chemicals".
Dr Liakas also recommended "giving your nails a break from polish occasionally" to allow them to breathe and remain strong. He emphasised that "using nourishing cuticle oil every day supports healthy nail growth and keeps the skin around your nails soft."
It's vital to keep a check on your nails as, just like the American Academy of Dermatology Association points out, "nails reflect our overall health, which is why proper nail care is so important".
Their first port of call for nail care is keeping nails "clean and dry" since "bacteria and fungi thrive in a moist environment".
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Cutting nails "straight across" using "sharp nail scissors or clippers" is the best method for trimming your nails. The experts claimed that it was best to round "the nails slightly at the tips for maximum strength".
Filing with an emery board to keep nails "shaped and free of snags", they added.
Just like Dr Liakas, the dermatologists warned against biting fingernails or removing cuticles, which "can damage the nail", additionally warning against deploying your nails "as a tool, such as opening pop cans".
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|It is recommended to wear gloves while washing up or cleaning to avoid your nails getting damaged from harsh chemicals
The American Academy of Dermatology Association warns that excessive water exposure "can weaken your nails, causing them to split, peel, or break".
They recommend wearing gloves "when cleaning or washing dishes" and moisturising after hand washing - a simple yet oft forgotten step when you're rushing around during the day.
However, it is always necessary to see your GP or another medical professional if nails "change, swell, or cause pain" as these symptoms "can be signs of serious nail problems".