The stress of the holidays, poor nutrition and the cold weather can take its toll on nail health, according to Loyola University Health System dermatologist Rebecca Tung, MD.
“By following a few simple guidelines, you can keep your fingernails healthy while also looking great this holiday season,” Dr. Tung said.
Dr. Tung Offers These Tips:
Buff sparingly. Using a buffing board can help smooth out uneven ridges, which can become more prominent with age. But don’t overdo it. Buffing too often can actually thin and weaken the nails. Buff only once a month to keep your nails healthy and looking great.
Remember to apply a base coat. The base coat gives your colored polish something to adhere to, which makes your manicure last longer and reduces the risk of unsightly staining of the nails.
Skip quick-dry polish. While this type of polish might be tempting to use during the hustle and bustle of the holidays, these products dry out your nails, making them more fragile over the long term. Apply several thinner coats of polish if you are in a hurry for your nails to dry.
Don’t forget the top coat. This layer helps to seal in your color and reduce chipping.
