Having brittle nails is not just a cosmetic concern. Many people can find their daily activities limited by this problem. Modifying habits and proper supplementation are essential to improve the hardness and appearance of your nails. We will tell you all about it in this article.
Beyond cosmetic.
20% of the population suffers from brittle nails; It is much more common in women than in men and, in turn, is more prevalent in older age groups.
Brittle nails are easily split, breakable, soft and thin. It can affect both fingernails and toenails.
The types of breaks may vary. We can find from a single horizontal break that starts from the end of the growth or even several breakpoints with multiple layers at the edge of the nail.
Generally speaking, we can say that brittle nails are diagnosed clinically as:
Onychorrhexis: we can see longitudinal and transverse fissures on the nail’s surface. There is also the presence of indentations and grooves. It is usually more common under a mineral deficiency, physical trauma or a skin condition such as psoriasis.
Onychoschizia: we can see a separation between the layers that make up the nails, generating classic desquamation. Due to weak cementation between the nail layers, peeling is characteristic.
Habits that worsen the situation.
-Frequent wetting and drying: very common in jobs where humidity abounds.
-Aggressive products: nail polish, nail polish remover and solvents. It is crucial to remember that most cosmetic procedures we apply to our nails promote their weakening.
-Blows or traumas caused by subsequent mechanical actions.
Health factors that promote brittle nails.
-Poor nutrition with a lack of vitamins, especially vitamin B7 (biotin).
-Disorder of the endocrine system.
-Dermal conditions such as psoriasis or lichen planus.
The importance of vitamin B7.
This vitamin is present in various foods such as cereals, nuts, milk, eggs, and synthesis produced by the bacteria found in our intestinal tract.
Biotin plays a fundamental role in several processes within our body, from fatty acid synthesis to amino acid catabolism.
Biotin can usually be obtained with a varied diet, but in many cases, supplementation is necessary due to inadequate absorption, imbalance in the intestinal flora or poor nutrition.
A study showed that biotin supplementation improves the strength of the bonds that form the lamellar structure of our nails, resulting in increased firmness, hardness and thickness.
In addition, it gives a more homogeneous appearance to the nails and eliminates grooves and indentations.
Daily biotin intake is ideal if you have weak nails, mainly because the bioavailability of biotin is very high in oral supplementation.
In addition to having a positive impact on nails, biotin is also beneficial for skin and hair.
Some other suggestions to take care of your nails.
-Try not to get your hands so wet: Use gloves for cleaning and cooking. The less you get your hands dirty, the less you will have to wash and wet them.
-Cut your nails: short nails tend to break less than long ones.
-Improves moisturization to give them more flexibility and protection.
-Some nail polishes contain formaldehyde, so use it with caution.
Biotin supplementation is ideal for protecting and caring for your nails. For this, we formulated Giovegen NAILS*, the first dietary supplement created with a complex collagen-based formula to help improve the health of your nails.
One dose of Giovegen NAILS* has 30 mcg of biotin along with iron, vitamin A and 5 gr of hydrolyzed collagen peptides.
Your nails, as you always dreamed of them with Giovegen.
References:
- Shari R. Lipner & Richard K. Scher (2017): Biotin for the Treatment of Nail Disease: What is the Evidence?, Journal of Dermatological Treatment, DOI:10.1080/09546634.2017.1395799
- Victor E. Colombo, PhD,a Fran~oise Gerber,a Max Bronhofer, PhD,a and George L. Floersheim, MDb Basel, Switzerland. Treatment of brittle fingernails and onychoschizia with biotin: Scanning electron microscopy.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
