Your nails are on display every waking minute so it's important to understand your nails and know how to care for them properly.
Getting to know your nails:
Nail Plate The visible part of the nail on fingers and toes.
Nail Bed The tissue beneath the nail plate.
Matrix The root of the nail that produces keratin cells which make up the nail plate.
Lunula This is part of the matrix and is the whitish, half-moon shape at the base of the nail, usually most pronounced on the thumb.
Cuticle Skin that overlaps the plate and rims the base of the nail.
Nail Folds The folds of hard skin that frame and support the nail on three sides.
Growth Nails grow at an average rate of about 3mm a month. However, this can vary person to person.
Tips for maintaining healthy nails:
Often, poor nailcare can lead to nail disorders. Follow these simple tips for maintaining healthy nails:
- Keep bacteria and other organisms from collecting under nails by keeping them clean and dry, particularly if you wear artificial nails.
- Always try to wear rubber gloves when washing dishes, using household cleansers, and working in the garden.
- Avoid biting your nails to minimise transfer of bacteria from fingers to the mouth and vice versa. It can also damage the skin surrounding the fingers, allowing infections to enter and spread.
- As a weekly treatment, soak your hands in warm water for 3-5 minutes to soften the nails prior to doing a manicure.
- Use a fine textured nail file to file your nails from corner to centre, moving the file in one direction only, to prevent nails from splitting and breaking.
- Gently push cuticles back with a cuticle stick or pusher. Never remove or cut cuticles. The cuticle is a barrier that keeps bacteria from entering the body.
- Use a hand cream and cuticle oil often to keep your hands, nails and cuticles moisturised and nourished.
- Always use a base coat when using nail polish to prevent nails from staining and help polish last longer.
- Keep the use of nail polish remover to a minimum as it can dry out your nails and cuticles
