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Funky Nail Problems Solved

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Symptom: Dry nails and cuticles

Cause: Cold, arid air sucks the moisture out of hands and nails, according to Jin Soon Choi, owner of New York City's Natural Hand and Foot Spas. Dishwashing liquid is also super-harsh and drying, Choi says.

Fix: Doug Schoon, nail expert and scientist for CND, says hydrating the entire the nail plate is key. He explains that (carefully) removing white, flaky bits of cuticle (dead skin on the nail plate) with sharp nippers is okay, but warns against cutting or aggressively pushing back the skin at the nail base (called the eponychium). "This is living tissue that prevents bacteria from getting into the skin, and you can cause an infection by removing it," he says. "Just keep it moisturized and gently push it back, and in about a month it'll be smoother and less overgrown." Prevention is the best medicine, and gloves are your new best friend, whether they're rubber (for dishes) or woolly (for warmth). Always slather on moisturizing products and drink plenty of water to keep hydrated from the inside out, Choi says. "You don't need pricey stuff. I love Sally Hansen Maximum Growth Cuticle Pen, $5.49 because it's easy to carry and use." Nails need moisture too, so rub it in and follow with Sally Hansen Shea Butter Hand and Body Butter,$6.95.

Photo: Courtesy of hooked-on-nails.com

See Next Page: Symptom: Peeling nails

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thanks

by cielona_boco Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 07:44AM Report as inappropriate

Nice tips and advice.... :)

by teema Sunday, December 18, 2011 at 11:08PM Report as inappropriate

Good tips.

by andyv1217 Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 09:53PM Report as inappropriate

Such great information to know!

by vfalkow Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at 02:43PM Report as inappropriate

prefect info!

by Bon_Bon Monday, August 15, 2011 at 12:25AM Report as inappropriate

Great article and great tips!

by WiccanLady Saturday, July 9, 2011 at 03:54PM Report as inappropriate

i always use hand cream after washing my hands. Can't stand to feel my hands dry after wash.

by lala0310 Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at 10:09AM Report as inappropriate

This past winter I was experiencing dry peeling nail. I had no idea why, until I realized I washed my hands with soap very often and that was drying them out along with all the manicures I was getting. Now I make sure to apply oil on them and moisturize my hands immediately after washing them.

by gaej19 Thursday, June 16, 2011 at 03:42PM Report as inappropriate