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by Johanna Staley
Get the Best Care
They brave soapy water, dry air, and the occasional
sticky situation. Wherever the day takes us, our fingernails
are on the front lines. Utilitarian? Sure, but when
it comes to nails, strength and beauty go hand in hand.
And with a little care, healthy, gorgeous fingertips
are well within reach.
Nail Primer
Although supported by a healthful lifestyle, nails are
not actually living material. Primarily composed of
the protein keratin, fingernails grow from the half-moon-shaped
white “lunula” at the nail base. The cuticle,
a thin, flexible layer of skin, protects this area from
dirt and bacterial infection. Healthy nails are transparent;
you should see the rosy nail bed underneath.
Beauty from Within
“The condition of your nails is an excellent indicator
of inner health,” explains Kim Erickson, author
of Drop-Dead Gorgeous. Dry, brittle nails?
Consider essential fatty acids (EFAs), vitamin A, B
complex, and sulfur.
Along with plenty of pure water, EFAs (from coldwater
fish or flaxseed oil) boost nails’ natural moisture.
Biotin, a B vitamin, promotes healthy cell growth and
protein metabolism. The popular supplement methylsulfonylmethane
(MSM) contains sulfur—an important mineral for
strong nails and more.
Shine On
What goes on our nails is important, too. Banned
in Europe and considered a reproductive toxin, the plasticizer
dibutyl phthalate is legal for use in U.S. cosmetics,
including nail color. Formaldehyde and toluene, linked
to cancer and birth defects, also appear in conventional
polishes. “Since our nails are extremely porous,”
explains Erickson, “they can absorb the chemicals
used in nail polishes, removers, and cuticle creams.”
While a few manufacturers have pledged to reformulate
their products, concerns about toxins—and distaste
for the chemical smell of conventional polishes and
removers—have many looking for better choices.
“Why use questionable products when equally
as effective (or even better) alternatives exist?”
asks Melissa Hertzler, founder of Honeybee Gardens.
“In my opinion, the ingredients in solvent-based
polishes are just scary,” she says. “By
contrast, water-based polish uses an emulsion resin
in the form of billions of very small particles suspended
in water. As the water evaporates, the particles touch
each other and form a hard film, which is no longer
soluble in water,” explains Hertzler. Removed
with odorless alcohol, these enamels look and feel like
typical nail color.
The Natural Choice
Check your favorite natural products store for hand
and nail moisturizers with wholesome ingredients. “Grape
seed, apricot kernel, walnut, and avocado oils are all
skin-nourishing plant oils used in high-end skin care
products because they are such efficient moisturizers,”
says Autumn Blum, CEO at Organix-South.
Why is moisture key? “Nails become brittle when
they don’t have enough hydration and when the
skin around them is unhealthy,” explains Celeste
Lutrario, head of research and development at Burt’s
Bees.
Antibacterial neem oil helps soothe and repair cuticles.
Vitamin E, horsetail extract, lemon oil, and chamomile
all support healthy nails topically.
Creams or balms containing cocoa or shea butters are
other natural choices. Melinda Garland at the W.S. Badger
Company explains, “Shea butter is thought to be
a ‘youth enhancer’ and has been treasured
for centuries as a superior skin soother, moisturizer,
and beautifier.”
“An ounce of prevention is truly worth the effort,”
says Jill Price Marshall at Dr. Hauschka Skin Care.
Daily maintenance of your nails and a nourishing hand
cream will keep both hands and nails supple and moisturized,
she adds.
Treat Yourself
A home manicure is a great way to pamper yourself and
maintain noticeably lovely hands and nails. First, soak
fingers in warm water with essential oils such as rosemary,
calendula, or myrrh to clean nails.
Don’t cut cuticles, which can lead to inflammation
and infection. Instead, apply a cuticle cream or oil.
After a few minutes, gently push back the cuticles using
a soft, damp cloth or orange stick. Follow with a rich
moisturizer, massaging into the hands until fully absorbed.
File your nails in one direction only. Buff to a shine
or coat with your favorite water-based color.
Protect your manicure by wearing gloves to do dishes
and other chores. And replenish moisture to hands and
nails morning and night. TFL
Selected Sources
– Drop-Dead Gorgeous by Kim Erickson
($16.95, Contemporary, 2002)
– The Living Beauty Detox Program by
Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS ($24, HarperSanFrancisco,
2000)
–“Looking Good Could Be Hazardous: Makeup,
Perfume, and Moisturizer May Contain Harmful Chemicals”
by Beth Greer, San Francisco Chronicle, 9/27/06
– Environmental Working Group, www.ewg.org
–“Nail Polish Makers Yield on Disputed
Chemical” by Natasha Singer, New York Times,
9/7/06
– Personal Communication: Autumn Blum, CEO, Organix-South,
Inc; Melinda Garland, W.S. Badger Company; Melissa Hertzler,
founder, Honeybee Gardens; Celeste Lutrario, head of
research and development, Burt’s Bees; Jill Price
Marshall, Dr. Hauschka Skin Care, 11/06
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