In the bustling world of beauty routines, our nails often find themselves placed in the backseat, silently hoping for a moment in the spotlight. But pause for a moment and ponder: why should they be treated any less than our precious skin?

Your nails also, silently suffocate under layers of buildup. They also crave a good exfoliation session just as much as your pores do. Yes, you heard it right! Exfoliation, the holy grail of skincare, it's not just for your face anymore. Dr. Dana Stern, a board-certified dermatologist, says, "Never before have our hands and nails been so front and center. We live in a hand-held world where our hands and nails are a center component of image." Wise words indeed.

So, let's debunk a myth right here, right now — nail exfoliation isn't just about aesthetics. It's a game-changer, a catalyst for better nail growth and stronger, more resilient nails. For healthy nails, one should clean out underneath their nails daily, says celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik. So, it's time to give those tips the TLC they truly deserve and attention they've been missing — because, let's face it, fabulous nails never go out of style.

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Nail exfoliation, influenced by skin care procedures, entails removing dead skin cells and damaged keratin from the nail's surface to improve its look and health. Similar to facial exfoliation, which attempts to expose softer and smoother skin, nail exfoliation buffs away any poorly formed or damaged nail keratin, leaving behind stronger and more appealing nails.

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When it comes to nail care, there are a couple of common pitfalls that Dr. Stern highlights as major no-nos. Firstly, it's crucial to pay attention to the ingredients in your nail care products, just as you would with your skincare routine. Avoiding harsh chemicals like formaldehyde is paramount, as they can exacerbate brittle nails rather than improve them. Instead go for glycolic acid as it helps to remove dead superficial cells.

But it's not just about what you put on your nails — it's also about the tools you use. Emery boards, while seemingly harmless, can actually do more harm than good. They create tiny crevices at the nail tip, leading to dreaded split breakage and peeling. Dr. Stern's solution? Switch to a glass or crystal file instead such as Chillhouse On the Mend,, $20. Its crystal nail file's smoother, cylindrical surface not only prevents damage but also ensures a more precise and effective filing experience. Whereas, the nail serum helps to deeply nourish the skin and helps to restore nail bed with a healthy shine.

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Much like your skin, your nails build up layers of dead cells that have been exposed to common factors such as water and nail polish remover. Even popular acrylic and gel manicures add to the buildup, making nails dry and brittle.

As these dead cells accumulate, they cause peeling and cracking, as well as the possibility of discoloration (those unsightly yellow hues). Have you ever seen white patches after a manicure? That is keratin granulations, which occur when polish overstays its welcome and rips away nail cells, a typical problem, particularly on toes.

Exfoliating nails once a week is the key, which smoothes out damaged cells and eliminates roughness, brittleness, splitting, and discolouration.

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Nail exfoliation has several benefits making it a game changer for nail hygiene. From improving nail color and texture to increasing strength, the benefits may be revolutionary. Dr. Stern even praises its capacity to encourage nail growth, making it a must-have in any nail care regimen.

While everybody can benefit from nail exfoliation, individuals who often get gel manicures and artificial nails will benefit the most. These treatments can damage the nail bed, although frequent exfoliation can help mitigate their weakening effects.

Even if you aren't a regular at the salon, don't discount the benefits of nail exfoliating. It's a simple yet effective approach to improve your nail health and the appearance of your natural nails.

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