One of the things that we often forget is that nails need moisture too; without it nails can become cracked and brittle. Very often we for the sake of beauty we expose our nails to chemicals that can have a drying effect. This is evident when it comes to an overuse of nail polish remover. How many times have you been to the beauty supply store and found that nail color you just had to have and tested new shades of nail color. Sometimes you purchased new nail color to match a wardrobe or jewelry set. As you increase the frequency with which you used nail polish remover you may have been increasing your chances of getting problem dry and brittle nails that crack, chip away or split.

Nail polish removers can contain anyone of the following substances that dry nails and dehydrate the skin.

1. Acetone
2. Alcohol
3. Butyl acetate
4. Ethyl acetate
5. Methanol(highly toxic)

Some removers even though acetone free may be more dangerous because they substitute the chemical methanol which is more toxic than acetone even in smaller concentrations. Methanol inhaled has all the toxic side effects of acetone plus coma, blindness, vomiting including death.

If you are going to be using nail polish remover remember to moisturize frequently to reduce drying.

Two really beneficial moisturizing treatments are petroleum jelly (Vaseline) and olive oil.

Rub Vaseline on hands to get extra moisturizing wear cotton gloves overnight.

To treat dry nails and cuticles soak hands in a half of a cup of warm olive oil for 15-30 minutes. Repeat as needed.

Throughout the day use a good moisturizing hand and skincare lotion.

Eucerin
Lubriderm
Vaseline intensive care
Aveeno
Cetaphil (recommended by dermatologists and pediatricians especially if you need to wash your  hands frequently)   
CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion

Aveeno Eczema Care and Eucerin also help bring relief to dryness from atopic eczema.

Other Causes Of Dry Nails

Even though moisturizing is important for treating dry nails. It may not be the root of the problem. Proper nutrition is also important. Deficiencies in any of the following vitamins can cause dry nails and skin:

1. Iron
2. Biotin
3. Calcium
4. Vitamins A & E

Also avoid placing the hands in harsh chemicals. If you need to work with harsh chemicals then buy and use surgical, latex, vinyl or nitrile plastic gloves to protect the hands.

Disposable gloves are best; because germs and bacteria are discarded after use, avoiding possibility of infection and exposure to hazardous material.