Let Your Hands Speak For You! Must-Have Manicure Tips for Every Woman

 

The story your hands tell…

Did you know that you can tell more about a woman’s age by her hands than her face? That means you should take as much care of your hands as you do of your face. After all, you do more with your hands than with your face (unless you are constantly making faces), so they need a lot more care to get that ageless look.

 

Right then… Let’s get to it!

Here are those tips:

 

• Filing

Just because those girls in the movies are constantly filing their nails doesn’t mean you should. Your nails may look tough, but they are actually very delicate. As a result, rough files will cause your nails to constantly crack and break, and that’s not a good look. So what you want to do is get a crystal glass nail file. Yes, you will pay a little extra for it, but you get those perfectly shaped nails and best of all…no peeling.

Oh, and by the way, never file the side of your nails. Remember they are weaker than they look and the sides are the weakest part.

 

• Peeling off the skin

I know that skin along the nail can be quite irritating, but whatever you do, don’t give in to the temptation of peeling it off. You see, that skin actually protects the nail, so if it is getting flaky, make sure to moisturize it regularly, and insist that they push back the skin gently when you get a manicure done.

 

• What’s in your nail polish?

Just like with your skin, you need to be careful about what you put on your nails. Read the ingredients in your nail polish to make sure there is no toluene, formaldehyde or dibutyl phthalate (DBP). All these are harmful to your nails and there shouldn’t be any traces of them in your nail polish.

 

• Always apply base

No matter how much of a hurry you are in, always make time to apply base. Darker shades are preferable to protect your nails from turning color (yellow nails, like yellow teeth, show aging you know). Also you will be able to apply darker colored polishes without having to use a lot of it.

 

• Don’t forget your top coat

Top coat gives a beautiful finish to your ‘paint job’ and makes your hands look elegant, overall. You should get the thin, quick drying kind so that the polish doesn’t look all chunky and stuck on. Top coat also helps your polish last longer, and some have the UV filters that protect your polish from changing color.

 

• Watch what you eat

You know that saying ‘garbage in, garbage out’? It applies to what you eat as well. Your diet will reflect on your hair, skin and nails, so please watch what you eat. Vitamin B has been shown to make nails stronger, along with applying garlic on your nails. Remember to consult a professional on how much of the vitamin you should take.

 

To know more about skin and hair care tips, visit this site - http://aquilah.com/

 

The post Let Your Hands Speak For You! Must-Have Manicure Tips for Every Woman appeared first on .

Categories: apply base, hands, hands speak, manicure tips, nail polish, nails, nails remember, nbsp, skin

Let Your Hands Speak For You! Must-Have Manicure Tips for Every Woman

 

The story your hands tell…

Did you know that you can tell more about a woman’s age by her hands than her face? That means you should take as much care of your hands as you do of your face. After all, you do more with your hands than with your face (unless you are constantly making faces), so they need a lot more care to get that ageless look.

 

Right then… Let’s get to it!

Here are those tips:

 

• Filing

Just because those girls in the movies are constantly filing their nails doesn’t mean you should. Your nails may look tough, but they are actually very delicate. As a result, rough files will cause your nails to constantly crack and break, and that’s not a good look. So what you want to do is get a crystal glass nail file. Yes, you will pay a little extra for it, but you get those perfectly shaped nails and best of all…no peeling.

Oh, and by the way, never file the side of your nails. Remember they are weaker than they look and the sides are the weakest part.

 

• Peeling off the skin

I know that skin along the nail can be quite irritating, but whatever you do, don’t give in to the temptation of peeling it off. You see, that skin actually protects the nail, so if it is getting flaky, make sure to moisturize it regularly, and insist that they push back the skin gently when you get a manicure done.

 

• What’s in your nail polish?

Just like with your skin, you need to be careful about what you put on your nails. Read the ingredients in your nail polish to make sure there is no toluene, formaldehyde or dibutyl phthalate (DBP). All these are harmful to your nails and there shouldn’t be any traces of them in your nail polish.

 

• Always apply base

No matter how much of a hurry you are in, always make time to apply base. Darker shades are preferable to protect your nails from turning color (yellow nails, like yellow teeth, show aging you know). Also you will be able to apply darker colored polishes without having to use a lot of it.

 

• Don’t forget your top coat

Top coat gives a beautiful finish to your ‘paint job’ and makes your hands look elegant, overall. You should get the thin, quick drying kind so that the polish doesn’t look all chunky and stuck on. Top coat also helps your polish last longer, and some have the UV filters that protect your polish from changing color.

 

• Watch what you eat

You know that saying ‘garbage in, garbage out’? It applies to what you eat as well. Your diet will reflect on your hair, skin and nails, so please watch what you eat. Vitamin B has been shown to make nails stronger, along with applying garlic on your nails. Remember to consult a professional on how much of the vitamin you should take.

 

To know more about skin and hair care tips, visit this site - http://aquilah.com/

 

The post Let Your Hands Speak For You! Must-Have Manicure Tips for Every Woman appeared first on .

Categories: apply base, hands, hands speak, manicure tips, nail polish, nails, nails remember, nbsp, skin

Let Your Hands Speak For You! Must-Have Manicure Tips for Every Woman

 

The story your hands tell…

Did you know that you can tell more about a woman’s age by her hands than her face? That means you should take as much care of your hands as you do of your face. After all, you do more with your hands than with your face (unless you are constantly making faces), so they need a lot more care to get that ageless look.

 

Right then… Let’s get to it!

Here are those tips:

 

• Filing

Just because those girls in the movies are constantly filing their nails doesn’t mean you should. Your nails may look tough, but they are actually very delicate. As a result, rough files will cause your nails to constantly crack and break, and that’s not a good look. So what you want to do is get a crystal glass nail file. Yes, you will pay a little extra for it, but you get those perfectly shaped nails and best of all…no peeling.

Oh, and by the way, never file the side of your nails. Remember they are weaker than they look and the sides are the weakest part.

 

• Peeling off the skin

I know that skin along the nail can be quite irritating, but whatever you do, don’t give in to the temptation of peeling it off. You see, that skin actually protects the nail, so if it is getting flaky, make sure to moisturize it regularly, and insist that they push back the skin gently when you get a manicure done.

 

• What’s in your nail polish?

Just like with your skin, you need to be careful about what you put on your nails. Read the ingredients in your nail polish to make sure there is no toluene, formaldehyde or dibutyl phthalate (DBP). All these are harmful to your nails and there shouldn’t be any traces of them in your nail polish.

 

• Always apply base

No matter how much of a hurry you are in, always make time to apply base. Darker shades are preferable to protect your nails from turning color (yellow nails, like yellow teeth, show aging you know). Also you will be able to apply darker colored polishes without having to use a lot of it.

 

• Don’t forget your top coat

Top coat gives a beautiful finish to your ‘paint job’ and makes your hands look elegant, overall. You should get the thin, quick drying kind so that the polish doesn’t look all chunky and stuck on. Top coat also helps your polish last longer, and some have the UV filters that protect your polish from changing color.

 

• Watch what you eat

You know that saying ‘garbage in, garbage out’? It applies to what you eat as well. Your diet will reflect on your hair, skin and nails, so please watch what you eat. Vitamin B has been shown to make nails stronger, along with applying garlic on your nails. Remember to consult a professional on how much of the vitamin you should take.

 

To know more about skin and hair care tips, visit this site - http://aquilah.com/

 

The post Let Your Hands Speak For You! Must-Have Manicure Tips for Every Woman appeared first on .

Categories: apply base, hands, hands speak, manicure tips, nail polish, nails, nails remember, nbsp, skin

Let Your Hands Speak For You! Must-Have Manicure Tips for Every Woman

 

The story your hands tell…

Did you know that you can tell more about a woman’s age by her hands than her face? That means you should take as much care of your hands as you do of your face. After all, you do more with your hands than with your face (unless you are constantly making faces), so they need a lot more care to get that ageless look.

 

Right then… Let’s get to it!

Here are those tips:

 

• Filing

Just because those girls in the movies are constantly filing their nails doesn’t mean you should. Your nails may look tough, but they are actually very delicate. As a result, rough files will cause your nails to constantly crack and break, and that’s not a good look. So what you want to do is get a crystal glass nail file. Yes, you will pay a little extra for it, but you get those perfectly shaped nails and best of all…no peeling.

Oh, and by the way, never file the side of your nails. Remember they are weaker than they look and the sides are the weakest part.

 

• Peeling off the skin

I know that skin along the nail can be quite irritating, but whatever you do, don’t give in to the temptation of peeling it off. You see, that skin actually protects the nail, so if it is getting flaky, make sure to moisturize it regularly, and insist that they push back the skin gently when you get a manicure done.

 

• What’s in your nail polish?

Just like with your skin, you need to be careful about what you put on your nails. Read the ingredients in your nail polish to make sure there is no toluene, formaldehyde or dibutyl phthalate (DBP). All these are harmful to your nails and there shouldn’t be any traces of them in your nail polish.

 

• Always apply base

No matter how much of a hurry you are in, always make time to apply base. Darker shades are preferable to protect your nails from turning color (yellow nails, like yellow teeth, show aging you know). Also you will be able to apply darker colored polishes without having to use a lot of it.

 

• Don’t forget your top coat

Top coat gives a beautiful finish to your ‘paint job’ and makes your hands look elegant, overall. You should get the thin, quick drying kind so that the polish doesn’t look all chunky and stuck on. Top coat also helps your polish last longer, and some have the UV filters that protect your polish from changing color.

 

• Watch what you eat

You know that saying ‘garbage in, garbage out’? It applies to what you eat as well. Your diet will reflect on your hair, skin and nails, so please watch what you eat. Vitamin B has been shown to make nails stronger, along with applying garlic on your nails. Remember to consult a professional on how much of the vitamin you should take.

 

To know more about skin and hair care tips, visit this site - http://aquilah.com/

 

The post Let Your Hands Speak For You! Must-Have Manicure Tips for Every Woman appeared first on .

Categories: apply base, hands, hands speak, manicure tips, nail polish, nails, nails remember, nbsp, skin

Let Your Hands Speak For You! Must-Have Manicure Tips for Every Woman

 

The story your hands tell…

Did you know that you can tell more about a woman’s age by her hands than her face? That means you should take as much care of your hands as you do of your face. After all, you do more with your hands than with your face (unless you are constantly making faces), so they need a lot more care to get that ageless look.

 

Right then… Let’s get to it!

Here are those tips:

 

• Filing

Just because those girls in the movies are constantly filing their nails doesn’t mean you should. Your nails may look tough, but they are actually very delicate. As a result, rough files will cause your nails to constantly crack and break, and that’s not a good look. So what you want to do is get a crystal glass nail file. Yes, you will pay a little extra for it, but you get those perfectly shaped nails and best of all…no peeling.

Oh, and by the way, never file the side of your nails. Remember they are weaker than they look and the sides are the weakest part.

 

• Peeling off the skin

I know that skin along the nail can be quite irritating, but whatever you do, don’t give in to the temptation of peeling it off. You see, that skin actually protects the nail, so if it is getting flaky, make sure to moisturize it regularly, and insist that they push back the skin gently when you get a manicure done.

 

• What’s in your nail polish?

Just like with your skin, you need to be careful about what you put on your nails. Read the ingredients in your nail polish to make sure there is no toluene, formaldehyde or dibutyl phthalate (DBP). All these are harmful to your nails and there shouldn’t be any traces of them in your nail polish.

 

• Always apply base

No matter how much of a hurry you are in, always make time to apply base. Darker shades are preferable to protect your nails from turning color (yellow nails, like yellow teeth, show aging you know). Also you will be able to apply darker colored polishes without having to use a lot of it.

 

• Don’t forget your top coat

Top coat gives a beautiful finish to your ‘paint job’ and makes your hands look elegant, overall. You should get the thin, quick drying kind so that the polish doesn’t look all chunky and stuck on. Top coat also helps your polish last longer, and some have the UV filters that protect your polish from changing color.

 

• Watch what you eat

You know that saying ‘garbage in, garbage out’? It applies to what you eat as well. Your diet will reflect on your hair, skin and nails, so please watch what you eat. Vitamin B has been shown to make nails stronger, along with applying garlic on your nails. Remember to consult a professional on how much of the vitamin you should take.

 

To know more about skin and hair care tips, visit this site - http://aquilah.com/

 

The post Let Your Hands Speak For You! Must-Have Manicure Tips for Every Woman appeared first on .

Categories: apply base, hands, hands speak, manicure tips, nail polish, nails, nails remember, nbsp, skin

Five Beauty Rumours that Are Harming Your Wellness

Have you ever wanted to try an anti-ageing or beauty product, but then some well-meaning friend put you off the idea? There are so many rumours circulating beauty products and treatments that even just walking down the cosmetics aisle can make you scared for your wellbeing. However, we’ve roped in cosmetic chemists Perry Romanowski and Randy Schueller, authors of Can You Get Hooked on Lip Balm?, to help reveal the not-so-ugly truth.

 

1. Pseudo Salon: “Salon brands” seem too good to be true, so the rumour goes that any salon product you find in a shop is actually fake. However, the shop-bought versions are indeed as good as the real thing. Romanowski explains, ‘Salon brands depend on store sales to boost their profits. They want you to think that their brand is salon-only so it seems more exclusive, but they also want the high-volume sales that they can only get through mass market outlets…I can safely tell you that the products you are buying are the same as you would get from your stylist.’

 

2. Hairy Situation: There’s a rumour that hair extensions damage your locks and cause bald spots and, unfortunately, there’s some truth in it. ‘Over the course of about six to eight weeks, heavy extensions can pull on hair and cause the follicle to atrophy and stop producing normal hairs,’ says Schueller. Your follicles will recover and begin producing hairs again if you remove the extensions in time, but there’s not much that can be done if your follicles are permanently damaged. Schueller recommends, ‘While forgoing extensions altogether is the best move, if you must have Giuliana Rancic tresses, have the extensions removed monthly and go a few weeks au naturel to give your hair a rest before putting them back in.’

 

3. Snake in the Grass: The rumour goes that snake venom works just as well as Botox — without the needles. However, anti-ageing wellness expert Jené Luciani comments, ‘A peptide (that’s science talk for a protein compound) developed by a Swiss-based chemical company is being touted for erasing deep forehead wrinkles because it supposedly mimics the muscle-relaxing effects of a peptide found in temple viper snake venom. Unfortunately, all the marketing claims are based on studies the company funded, and this research is shoddy: It doesn’t reveal how many people were tested, who was tested, whether the product was compared to Botox (or anything for that matter), or whether its product even penetrates the dermis, where it might possibly have an effect.’

 

4. Fat Lip: While lip plumpers do make your lips larger for an hour or two, the way in which they achieve the Angelina Jolie look isn’t so great for your wellness. Romanowski warns, ‘That tingly feeling is not your imagination; it’s the body’s natural immune response reacting to a menthol-type chemical that most plumpers use.’ These plumpers temporarily irritate your lips, causing them to swell slightly, and this can cause scarring and permanently damage your sensitive lip cells if you use the products for more than a year.

 

5. Nails of Steel: There’s a common misconception that nail hardening products make tips stronger and prevent breaking, but actually these products make your nails more fragile and likely to break. ‘The formaldehyde in hardeners creates a bond between the strands of keratin protein in your nails,’ Romanowski notes. ‘This makes nails “stronger,” but it also makes them less flexible and, therefore, more brittle.’ Luciani adds, ‘While nail polish remover is a must-have, only use it once or twice a week…because it removes natural oils that help make nails elastic and strong. For further protection, use a hand and cuticle cream that contains petrolatum or mineral oil once a week to keep nails moist and improve their overall condition.’

Categories: anti ageing, extensions, hair extensions, lip plumper, nails, nbsp, products, salon, salon brands, snake venom

Which Vitamin Deficiencies Are Wreaking Havoc on Your Nails?

Though it may not be a major wellness issue, having weak nails can really get irritating. How many times have you spent ages perfecting that file, buff and polish, only to have a nail break the next day, and make you start over? Some women have just hit the genetic jackpot with nail strength and don’t need to do a thing to improve it. However, if you’re one of the rest of us, there’s always something you can do to enhance your wellbeing, even if it’s just the wellbeing of your nails!

 

The fact is, a diet that is lacking in certain vitamins and minerals can take its toll on your nails, so if yours are weak, brittle, flaky or cracked, you might not be getting enough of these four vitamins:

 

Vitamin A – This vitamin is essential in helping your body to process protein, and this affects the keratin production in your nails. Therefore, if you have brittle, soft and flaky nails, you may benefit from eating more vitamin A-rich foods such as cheese, eggs, oily fish, milk, yoghurt, dark green vegetables and orange and yellow fruits.

 

Vitamin B – Think of this vitamin like nail fertilizer: it helps your nails to grow and keeps them strong in the process. Vitamin B12 is particularly important for preventing dry, dark nails that are curved at the ends, so try to consume more B12-boosting foods like meat, salmon, cod, milk, cheese, eggs and some fortified breakfast cereals.

 

Vitamin C – There’s nothing more annoying than a hangnail, and these can also be quite painful as hangnails can cause the nail tissue to swell, and to even become infected. If this is a personal affliction for you, you may need more vitamin C in your diet from such food sources as red and green peppers, strawberries and, of course, good old-fashioned oranges juice.

 

Vitamin D – Without vitamin D, your body has a hard time absorbing calcium and will take it out on your nails. You can tell if you have a vitamin D deficiency if your nails are brittle and dry, but, unfortunately, you can’t easily find this vitamin in many foods. You produce vitamin D when you get sunlight on your skin, so try to get outside for a few minutes every day, and up your calcium intake through dairy products, broccoli and tofu.

Categories: b vitamins, brittle, cheese eggs, nail, nails, nbsp, nbsp vitamin, vitamin, vitamin a

Healthcare Tips to Keep You Healthy as You Get Older

Everyone wants to be healthy, but as you get into adulthood it becomes harder to know how to achieve this – you don’t have routine check-ups in the same was as when you were a child, as there’s no-one checking you’ve ticked off the basic health checks anymore. There are plenty of things you do every day that really contribute towards good health, such as hand washing and vaccines, which we all know are good for us in order to stave off illnesses. However, what about the basics of good health care? Paying attention to the signs and symptoms of health problems is the best way to ensure you stay healthy, whether that’s unexplained weight loss to changes in your bowel habits. The more information you can provide your GP with in such situations, the more easily they will be able to diagnose you. Naturally, topping this watchful eye up with regular check-ups and health screenings will make sure that any concerns are spotted early on to make treatment more successful.

Regular dental check-ups are important to keep your oral health in check. Basic dental care is often overlooked, so next time you think you’re too tired to brush your teeth or floss, remember that your smile depends on those extra five minutes of effort. Keep an eye on any decay or if your teeth begin to ache, and get an appointment booked with your dentist as soon as possible to have any cavities or plaque problems dealt with quickly before they damage your teeth and gums. You should also make a note of common dental care tips, such as whether an electric toothbrush is better for your teeth over a normal toothbrush, or whether whitening toothpaste really works. Getting a regular check-up with your dentist every six months will help you stay on top of your dental care. Likewise, your skin requires a watchful eye and regular care. This means more than simply taking your make-up off before you go to bed though. The sun can cause a lot of damage, so you need to avoid sitting out in the sun for hours on end, and wear sun cream regularly. A healthy diet goes a long way towards ensuring your skin stays healthy, but you need to understand the risks of tattoos and piercings too. Find out the best ways to treat infections, skin rashes and acne – whatever your skin needs, ensure that you source it.

Are your nails healthy? And would you spot the difference if they weren’t? Many people don’t think to look at their nails, but they can be a great indicator of your health. If they’re ridged or weak, it could be a sign that you’re lacking nutrients in your diet. Proper nail care is vital, whether they’re healthy or not, so make sure that you trim and moisturise your nails regularly to keep them strong. And this is especially the case if you rely on manicures to keep your nails looking good – if they’re brittle and splitting, you should avoid the harsh chemicals and treatments they use until you regain stronger nails. Being aware of your body and what’s right for you is the first step towards being healthy – it helps you spot the signs of potential problems early so that you can find out what is wrong and get treatment. If you are invited to health screenings for your age, you should take part as they often spot the signs that you’ve missed.

Categories: care, Check Ups, dental care, general health, health, health checks, health screenings, Healthy, nails, regular check, Symptoms, watchful eye

Four Signs You’re Getting Old – And How to Hide Them!

What is it about the human body that suddenly makes you say “Wow, they’ve aged!”? Is it just the odd wrinkle or receding hairline, or are there other giveaways that show your anti-ageing wellness isn’t what it should be? Let’s take a look at some of the ways in which age gives your wellbeing a battering, and how you can fight back.

 

Thinning hair – According to A. Bobby Spence, a trichologist at The Hair Loss Clinic in Alexandria, Virginia, ‘Elevated testosterone levels have a miniaturizing effect on hair follicles, which causes thinning.’ However, you can increase thickness and shine by taking a daily multivitamin that is rich in amino acids and B vitamins. Otherwise, speak to your doctor about a prescription for Rogaine, as this can thicken your hair by enlarging your follicles.

 

Yellow teeth and receding gums – Lawrence E. Brecht, D.D.S., a prosthodontist in New York City, explains, ‘Excessive plaque build-up can lead to gingivitis, a disease that causes bleeding and tenderness in the tissue around the teeth.’ However, he adds, daily flossing is ‘a must to help maintain healthy gum tissue and keep it from receding.’ You can also hold on to those pearly whiles by using disposable toothbrushes after every meal and drink, and whitening strips every six months.

 

Sparse, brittle eyelashes – Jan Marini, founder and CEO of Jan Marini Skin Research, notes that your eyelashes shed when you frequently rubs your eyes, and your natural replenishing system slows down as you age. Therefore, you might want to try OTC remedies to make your lashes more resilient. If your eyelashes are brittle and weak at the ends, you can probably blame your old mascara, so make sure you replace mascara every 90 days and use a gentle eye makeup remover.

 

Damaged nails– Hands are a dead giveaway of ageing, because your skin and nails lose moisture over time. Jin Soon Choi, a salon owner in New York City, adds, ‘Constant use of polish and coarse nail tools will also weaken the nails. She recommends a good hand and nail moisturiser, and skipping the polish every few weeks and buffing your nails instead. Choi explains, ‘It gives nails a shiny finish and a chance to air out.’

Categories: Age, Damaged Nails, hair, jan marini, nails, nbsp, signs, Thinning Hair, Yellow Teeth, york city

Ways to Prevent and Treat a Fungal Nail Infection

Most people will develop a fungal nail infection at some point or another, and they are easily spread. The infection causes a thickened and unappealing nail which can sometimes become quite painful. It is easy to treat them with medication, but you will need to take this for several weeks in order to clear the infection fully. Studies suggest that between three and eight people in 100 have a fungal nail infection at some point in their lives, and these become more common as we age, with more people get them over the age of 55. They’re also common in people who go swimming regularly or work out in the gym, as communal showers or changing rooms are breeding grounds for infections such as these.

 

A fingernail infection may develop after a toenail infection has occurred, as you may scratch your toe and pick up the infection this way. Interestingly, if you wash your hands more regularly or have them in water a lot (such as if you’re a cleaner or a cook) you may be more prone to infections. This is because the protective skin at the base of the nail becomes damaged and this enables fungi to get in and grow. If you have other conditions you’re also more likely to develop these infections – such conditions include diabetes, poor circulation, psoriasis, a poor immune system or general poor health. Smoking also increases the risk, but sometimes there is no reason behind why you have a nail infection – fungus can grow in hot or humid conditions, so you may have picked up the germs from somewhere and unknowingly provided a prime environment for it to develop. You’ll be able to spot a fungal nail infection by the appearance of the nail – it usually becomes thicker and discoloured, usually turning a yellowish-green colour. In most cases this is all that occurs, but if the infection becomes worse it may lead to white or yellow patched on the nail, or it may become itchy and painful. Though it’s often easy to self-diagnose, other nail conditions can have similar symptoms, so you may wish to get it checked by a GP to confirm that you have a fungal infection. They will usually take a clipping of the nail to be sent for testing.

 

Treatment doesn’t always cure the infection, and the rates of curing for this condition average between 60 to 80 percent. It also doesn’t always clear the infection entirely, so you may find that it returns again later on. Your nail’s appearance might not return to normal – it’s common for people to be left with a stained or marked nail. Anti-fungal tablets or creams are used to treat the infection, as well as clearing any associated fungal infections such as athlete’s foot. Anti-fungal nail lacquers are also an option, which are prescribed for specific infections such as those on the end of the nail. In order for it to be effective, it will need to be applied exactly as prescribed – you may need to use it for up to a year on toenail infections for it to clear the infection entirely. In severe cases, the nail may actually have to be removed. Research is being carried out to see if new treatments can be developed to clear fungal nail infections. If there is fresh and healthy nail growing from the base of your nail bed, it’s a sign that the treatment is working. This will continue to grow forward and will eventually grow out the marked or infected nail, so that your nail looks normal again.

 

If you want to prevent a fungal nail infection from developing, you should keep your nails cut short and file down thickened nails. If you do develop an infection, be sure to cut your nail with a separate pair of scissors or clippers than you use on the other nails to stop the spread of infection.

Categories: anti fungal, develop, fungal, fungal nail, infection, Infections, nail, nail infection, nails

Ways to Prevent and Treat a Fungal Nail Infection

Most people will develop a fungal nail infection at some point or another, and they are easily spread. The infection causes a thickened and unappealing nail which can sometimes become quite painful. It is easy to treat them with medication, but you will need to take this for several weeks in order to clear the infection fully. Studies suggest that between three and eight people in 100 have a fungal nail infection at some point in their lives, and these become more common as we age, with more people get them over the age of 55. They’re also common in people who go swimming regularly or work out in the gym, as communal showers or changing rooms are breeding grounds for infections such as these.

 

A fingernail infection may develop after a toenail infection has occurred, as you may scratch your toe and pick up the infection this way. Interestingly, if you wash your hands more regularly or have them in water a lot (such as if you’re a cleaner or a cook) you may be more prone to infections. This is because the protective skin at the base of the nail becomes damaged and this enables fungi to get in and grow. If you have other conditions you’re also more likely to develop these infections – such conditions include diabetes, poor circulation, psoriasis, a poor immune system or general poor health. Smoking also increases the risk, but sometimes there is no reason behind why you have a nail infection – fungus can grow in hot or humid conditions, so you may have picked up the germs from somewhere and unknowingly provided a prime environment for it to develop. You’ll be able to spot a fungal nail infection by the appearance of the nail – it usually becomes thicker and discoloured, usually turning a yellowish-green colour. In most cases this is all that occurs, but if the infection becomes worse it may lead to white or yellow patched on the nail, or it may become itchy and painful. Though it’s often easy to self-diagnose, other nail conditions can have similar symptoms, so you may wish to get it checked by a GP to confirm that you have a fungal infection. They will usually take a clipping of the nail to be sent for testing.

 

Treatment doesn’t always cure the infection, and the rates of curing for this condition average between 60 to 80 percent. It also doesn’t always clear the infection entirely, so you may find that it returns again later on. Your nail’s appearance might not return to normal – it’s common for people to be left with a stained or marked nail. Anti-fungal tablets or creams are used to treat the infection, as well as clearing any associated fungal infections such as athlete’s foot. Anti-fungal nail lacquers are also an option, which are prescribed for specific infections such as those on the end of the nail. In order for it to be effective, it will need to be applied exactly as prescribed – you may need to use it for up to a year on toenail infections for it to clear the infection entirely. In severe cases, the nail may actually have to be removed. Research is being carried out to see if new treatments can be developed to clear fungal nail infections. If there is fresh and healthy nail growing from the base of your nail bed, it’s a sign that the treatment is working. This will continue to grow forward and will eventually grow out the marked or infected nail, so that your nail looks normal again.

 

If you want to prevent a fungal nail infection from developing, you should keep your nails cut short and file down thickened nails. If you do develop an infection, be sure to cut your nail with a separate pair of scissors or clippers than you use on the other nails to stop the spread of infection.

Categories: anti fungal, develop, fungal, fungal nail, infection, Infections, nail, nail infection, nails

Which Nutrients Can Strengthen Your Skin, Hair and Nails?

Nothing gives your age away quite like your skin, hair and nails. This is why new product development in the cosmetic industry is focused on incorporating vitamins and anti-ageing nutrients and antioxidants into skin-, hair- and nail-care products. However, if applying these vitamins to your body externally holds some benefit to your wellness, imagine how beneficial they could be to your wellbeing if you consume them through your diet! So what should you be regularly consuming to promote young and beautiful skin, hair and nails?

 

Skin – Rooibos tea contains potent antioxidants which specifically target skin health. In particular, the tea helps to prevent premature skin-ageing and wrinkling, and wellness experts recommend you drink three cups of Rooibos tea a day. Brewer’s yeast is a natural source of vitamin B complex, zinc, chromium, amino acids and many other important nutrients which help to reduce acne. Omega 6 fatty acids can reduce eczema, while omega 3 fatty acids are helpful in psoriasis. Other beneficial skin nutrients include zinc, vitamin A, vitamin B Complex, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, beta Carotene, selenium, coenzyme Q10, L-methionine and biotin.

 

Hair – For the health of your hair, you need to a plentiful supply of nutrient-rich blood. This helps to nourish the hair-follicles in your scalp, from which new hair sprouts. If your hair is dry, brittle or even falling out, you could be deficient in a number of nutrients. Try supplements or dietary sources of vitamin B Complex (in particular vitamin B5), biotin, omega 3 essential fatty acids, omega 6 essential fatty acids, zinc, selenium, L-methionine and vitamin E. Other factors which may be responsible for your poor hair condition include stress and hormonal changes.

 

Nails – Nails are a layer composed of keratin (the same material found in your hair) which protect the end of each of your fingers and toes. Your nails look pretty tough, but if you don’t take care of them they can become brittle, discoloured and break easily, which may affect their protective qualities. Therefore, you need to ensure you’re eating plenty of keratin-healthy nutrients, such as omega 3 essential fatty acids, omega 6 essential fatty acids, zinc, vitamin A, selenium, biotin and calcium.

Categories: hair, nails, skin