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.

There are many causes of Xerosis commonly known as dry skin. Frequent bathing or showering with harsh soaps can dry out the skin. In the most severe cases the skin can crack or peel. Dry skin is more frequent and pronounced in the winter because the skin looses it moisture.

The dreaded hangnail is also the result of dry skin. Tearing and ripping at a hangnail can cause bleeding and infection. Instead gently trim the dead skin with a nail clipper and use antibiotic to prevent infection in case of a skin tear.

Emollients and moisturizers help soften and reduce dry skin by replenishing the skin’s natural moisture. They help reduce loss of moisture by providing a barrier of oil on the skin’s surface preventing water loss.

Moisturizers fall into 4 main categories, ointments, oils, lotions, creams. Ointment moisturizers are the most effective but leave a heavy greasy feel. An ointment moisturizer will trap moisture in the skin for example Vaseline petroleum jelly. Cream and lotion moisturizers are of a lighter texture, less greasy and are effective like Eucerin, Nutraderm, and Lubriderm.

Baby Oil is an effective oil moisturizer a bit oily on the skin if not rubbed in thoroughly.

Mustela Bebe Massage Oil

Many lotions include alcohol and may be less effective than ointment and oil moisturizers.

Shea Butter made from the Karite nut tree (Mangifolia Tree) has grown in popularity in recent years. It has been used to moisturize and help to heal burns.

Shea Butter contains vitamins A and E, which help promote healthy skin and reduce wrinkles

L’OCCITANE Shea Butter Body Moisturizer, 100% Pure Organic Shea Butter

Improper nutrition can contribute to dry skin such as insufficient intake of vitamins A and D.

Over or underexposure to sunlight and some medications also play a role in drying out the skin.

Drinking lots of water will help keep the skin hydrated. Physicians recommend 8 glasses a day.

Humidifiers help reduce dry skin caused by air conditioning and central heating.