Have you ever wondered how healthy your nails are? Believe it or not, nails reflect our overall health. You may not think so, but proper nail care is imperative to looking and feeling your absolute best. Keep reading for 10 nail care tips from the American Academy of Dermatology.
- Keep nails clean – This seems pretty straightforward, right? As long as you wash your hands regularly, you should be good to go. Yet about 20 percent of Americans fail to do so. Not only is that gross, but it tells us that an alarming number of folks have dirty nails.
- Cut nails straight across – The AAD recommends using sharp nail scissors or clippers. It’s best to round the nails slightly at the tips for maximum strength. You’re likely to run into problems when you don’t cut nails straight across.
- Keep nails properly shaped – Do you experience snags with your nails on occasion? If so, consider filing with an emery board.
- Avoid biting fingernails or removing the cuticle – Ah yes, a classic nervous habit. It could be that you don’t even realize you bite your nails until someone points it out. Do yourself a favor and ditch the habit. The more you bite your fingernails, the more likely the nails become damaged. Think about squeezing a stress ball as an alternative.
- Don’t use your nails as a tool – There’s no question that our nails are strong. From opening pop cans to ripping open pesky packaging, there’s a lot they can do. But that doesn’t exactly mean you can use your nails as another tool. Trust us when we say you will be glad that you took the few seconds to use an actual tool next time.
- Trim toenails regularly – We tend to pay more attention to our fingernails than our toenails. But remember that toenails should be trimmed frequently as well. Keeping them short minimizes the risk of trauma and injury. Of course, neatly trimmed toenails allow you to be flip-flop ready any time of year.
- Be smart when toenails are difficult to cut – All of us are guilty of letting our toenails get a little too long before cutting them. If you find that they’re just too thick to cut, soak your feet in warm salt water for a few minutes. Doing so softens them up, allowing you to have an easier time.
- Be cautious with ingrown toenails – Every now and then, we’re forced to deal with an ingrown toenail. It’s certainly tempting to “dig them out,” especially if they’re sore and infected. This only makes thing worse though. If you’re suffering from an ingrown toenail, consult a dermatologist for treatment. The last thing you want is to further delay the nail’s healing process.
- Wear shoes that fit properly – It’s pretty amazing how many people wear shoes that are too big or too small. If you’re one of them and have ingrown toenails with frequency, make it a priority to find properly fitting shoes. We’re confident you will see a difference.
- Wear flip-flops in public places – Some of us enjoy being barefoot around the house. That said, it’s not the best idea to be without shoes at the pool and in public showers. By wearing flip flops, you can reduce the risk of infections caused by a fungus that gets in your toenails.
Nail Care at Our Day Spa
Now that you know how to better take care of your nails, it’s time to start thinking about professional nail care. At The Center MedSpa & Salon in Greensburg, we offer a variety of services, including manicures and pedicures. In a hurry? Well, swing by for either an express mani or pedi.
The Center MedSpa & Salon is the preferred day spa in the area. In addition to nail care, our full-service salon also offers facials, massages, waxings, eyelash extensions, permanent makeup, and professional makeup application for the next big event. Don’t forget to come to us for that much-needed haircut!
We want to help you look and feel your best. You can feel comfortable knowing that our talented team of licensed aestheticians will get you back to a state of wellness, relaxation, and rejuvenation.
See what The Center MedSpa & Salon can do for you. Schedule your appointment today.