There are many things in life that can threaten the health of your skin and nails, but few are as damaging as winter weather. Colder temperatures lead to dryer air, which can in turn result in dry skin and nails. And since we have to turn on the heat to safeguard against the cold, our skin and nails end up facing two temperature extremes as we journey back and forth between the comfort of our warm homes and the frigid air outside. All of that can be very stressful for your nails, leaving them dry, brittle, and vulnerable to cracking and peeling.
There is good news, of course. Even when confronted with the most extreme winter weather conditions, you can still protect your nails against this type of damage by simply making some small changes to your nail care regimen. To do that, however, there are a few things you need to know.
- Forget about letting your nails breathe. Far too many women have bought into the myth that suggests that nails somehow need to breathe. Let’s be clear on this: your nails do not have lungs, and cannot breathe. So, if you are walking around in the midst of winter with no protection on your fingernails, reconsider that decision. The last thing you want to do during the winter is leave your nails completely exposed to the winter elements!
Remember, nail polish doesn’t just provide your nails with an added layer of protection against chips and other forms of damage. It also helps to protect against the biggest threat facing all nails: water. Your mails are not only capable of absorbing healthy oils and moisturizers; without polish, they also absorb water. Unfortunately, that water can weaken the nails and cause chipping. A good polish and topcoat can prevent that.
- Moisturize. And then moisturize again, and again. Since winter air tends to be dry air, and dry air is one of the biggest threats to your skin, hair, and nails, it only stands to reason that you need to reintroduce moisture to counter its effects. Be liberal in your application of hand lotion, to protect against cuticle damage, and breaks, splits, and peeling in the nails. High-quality hand lotion and cuticle oil used several times a day can keep that dryness at bay.
- Wear gloves. Yes, even if you’re just going outside to grab the newspaper, protect your nails by throwing on a pair of gloves!
- File regularly. This is even more important in the winter, due to the type of materials found in most winter clothes. Any cracks or small nail tears can catch on scarves, sweaters, knitted blankets, and other winter items, resulting in more severe nail damage. Keep them smooth to avoid those incidents.
Finally, maintain your salon nail care regimen. At Tiffany Beauty Spa, our nail technicians are always available to ensure that you receive best nail care in Fort Lauderdale. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you maintain the beautiful and healthy nails you deserve.
