Skin care

Funky Nail Problems Solved

You can beat out ridges, fungus, white spots and other skin problems with these tools

by Jill Schuck

1 of 6

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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Older comments

Wow those photos of nail problems are quite disgusting. Ugh. But it's good to know what exactly it is the article is describing. Good tips too. Thanks!

by venenumletalis Sunday, January 20, 2013 at 03:37PM Report as inappropriate

I am hugely appreciative of not only this story but all the info here on the Total Beauty website. Thanks so much for taking the time to keep us up to speed.

by bksc Monday, January 14, 2013 at 11:32PM Report as inappropriate

I have peeling nails at the very ends but I already know it's comes from having my hands in cleaning products everyday. I need to wear cleaning gloves more often.

by EricaC123 Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 12:10PM Report as inappropriate