How Often Should You Clip Your Nails?

How often should you clip your fingernails? According to the Canadian Dermatology Association, fingernails grow about 2.5 millimeters each month. If you injure your fingernail and it falls off, it takes about 6 months to grow back. If you want to keep your nails a certain length, trim them once every week or two.

Here are some tips for trimming your nails:

• Soften your nails by taking a bath or shower, or soaking them in lukewarm water.
• Use a nail clipper or nail scissors for your fingernails, and a toenail clipper for your toenails.
• Disinfect your tools monthly.
• Cut almost straight across the nail. 

If you don't trim your nails, dirt and germs can get under them, causing infections. Long nails can also break more easily, and can lead to hangnails, tears, or fungal infections. Source

The Health Benefits of Cocoa Butter

“Cocoa butter” sounds luscious, doesn’t it? And it actually is quite a treat — for both your taste buds and your skin. “You can find cocoa butter in many skin products, and it gives chocolate its decadent creaminess,” says dermatologist Alok Vij, MD. “You can also buy pure cocoa butter on its own.”

But what exactly is this magical-sounding substance, and what makes it so good for your skin? Dr. Vij discusses what cocoa butter is, how to use it and the risks and benefits involved.

What is cocoa butter?

Cocoa butter comes from the beans of the cacao plant, which grows in hot, tropical areas. Processed cacao beans produce a fatty substance. After further heat treatment, it becomes cocoa butter. The rest of the bean becomes cocoa powder. Pure cocoa butter is solid at room temperature and smells mildly of chocolate.

What is the difference between cocoa butter and cacao butter?

Product manufacturers often use “cocoa butter” and “cacao butter” interchangeably, but some people argue they’re not quite the same. They claim that cacao butter is the true raw form of the butter while cocoa butter is a refined version.

Cacao gets processed at a low temperature, which is why some people consider it “unrefined.” But cocoa butter gets refined at a high temperature. While some people see them as distinct from each other, you can use them in the same ways, and they offer similar benefits.

Cocoa butter benefits for skin

Cocoa butter provides some excellent skin care benefits. According to Dr. Vij, cocoa butter may:

• Moisturize skin and lips. “Cocoa butter is excellent for dry skin and chapped lips,” says Dr. Vij. “It’s high in several different fatty acids, which help hold in water to keep your skin from drying out.”
• Protect against premature skin aging. Cocoa butter contains vitamin E. This antioxidant may help protect skin cells from damage that leads to signs of aging.
• Relieve eczema and itchy psoriasis plaques. “There’s not much research supporting using cocoa butter for itchy skin conditions such as eczema,” notes Dr. Vij. “But many cocoa butter products are specifically formulated for rashes and psoriasis, and you may find them helpful.”

So now, you might be wondering, is cocoa butter a miracle cure for scars or stretch marks? Not quite.

“There’s no solid evidence that cocoa butter vanishes pregnancy stretch marks or reduces scars, unfortunately,” cautions Dr. Vij. If you’re looking for stretch mark treatment that’s more likely to work, skip the cocoa butter and talk to a dermatologist instead.

What are the risks of cocoa butter?

Dr. Vij notes that there are a couple of potential risks that come with using cocoa butter on your skin:

• Acne. Cocoa butter can cause acne to flare up, especially if you’re prone to breakouts.
• Hormonal effects. A study using human breast cancer cells suggests that cocoa butter may have an anti-estrogenic effect. This means cocoa butter could potentially lower estrogen levels. If you’re concerned about products affecting your hormones, you may want to avoid cocoa butter.

Those risks aside, cocoa butter is generally safe, both to eat and use on your skin. If you’re eating it, just be sure to buy cocoa butter that’s labeled safe for consumption. If you’re using it on your skin, Dr. Vij encourages you to do a spot test first, just to make sure you don’t have an allergic reaction.

If you don’t like the smell or feel of cocoa butter on your skin but want natural skin care, try African black soap or shea butter instead. Like cocoa butter, shea butter is in many skin care products. The two butters have similar moisturizing properties, but shea butter is odorless and softer at room temperature. Source

Your Nails Help Diagnose Nutrient Deficiencies

 

Find out what your nails can tell you about your health. In this video Dr. Eric Berg DC tells us what to look for on our nails for clues of different nutritional deficiencies. The outside of the body gives you a lot of clues as to what’s going on inside. 

 

Do You Really Need a Nail Hardener?

What Is Nail Hardener?

Not to be confused with nail softeners or nail strengtheners (more on those below), “nail hardeners are short-term treatments that work to harden your nail plate — the visible part of the nail — to prevent them from splitting and breaking,” says Queenie Nguyen. Queenie Nguyen is a nail expert. Yashi Shrestha is a cosmetic chemist and the director of science and research at Novi Connect. 

How Do Nail Hardeners Work?

Keratin is a type of protein that is found in everything from your nails to your hair to your skin. “Nail hardeners work by binding the keratin protein in your nails more tightly and hardening your nail plates, making them less flexible,” says Nguyen.

Keep in mind that they're rarely considered clean. “They typically contain ingredients such as formaldehyde, toluene, calcium, and various proteins, which work to reinforce and fortify the nail bed,” says Yashi Shrestha. Ethyl acetate and methylene glycol are other bonding agents commonly found in nail hardeners. 

Who Should Be Using a Nail Hardener?

Nail hardeners are designed for those who need a quick fix to strengthen their soft, bendy nails. “Hardeners are for those who are having extreme difficulty growing out their nails, and the nail breakages are causing pain,” says Nguyen. On the other hand, nail softeners (or conditioners) are for those lacking nail moisture.

Nail strengtheners, meanwhile, are “great for someone who already has nails that are in good shape and wants to prevent brittle or unhealthy nails," she says. "Strengtheners contain ingredients like keratin, which penetrates between the nail layers to help strengthen the nail plate over a period of time."

How to Use a Nail Hardener

Using a nail hardener is pretty straightforward — they’re usually transparent or translucent and are applied just like any nail polish. “Start with clean nails, then use a nail hardener as a base coat underneath your nail polish, or it can be used alone," says Shrestha. "You can also use them with other nourishing nail care products, such as cuticle oil and moisturizer."

While you're repairing your nails, you might want to skip the polish. “Typically, you apply nail hardener once a week to encourage healthy nail growth,” adds Nguyen. 

How Long Does It Take to Work?

Consistency is key, but you don’t want to remain dependent on nail hardeners forever. “The time it takes to see the benefits of a nail hardener can vary depending on the individual and the product being used," Shrestha says. "In general, you may start to see some improvement in the strength and resilience of your nails within a few weeks of using a nail hardener regularly."

However, for long-term results, it pays to be consistent. Also, take time to scope out your nails between manicures. “I suggest looking at your nails closely to feel the difference in nail strength before slowing down the usage of the nail hardener," Nguyen says. "Use nail hardener as a short-term treatment to grow out your nails. Once they grow out, switch over to a nail strengthener to maintain and protect your nails over a longer period of time." Source

The Perfect Fall Nail Polishes For Every Skin Tone- O.P.I

Fall is calling and we’ve got every shade you need to nail sweater weather. Fall in loveeee with the top trending shades of the szn—from bold and transitional to sweet and spicy. We’re talkin’ ripe berry hues, pumpkin spice everything, and super shiny shades that give the summer sun a run for its money. 

When it comes to expressing yourself through color, there are no rules! We believe nail care is for every BODY, but if you’re looking for tips to enhance your natural skin tone, look no further. Whether you have warm, cool, or neutral undertones, this guide will help you find the perfect fall colors for every shade of hue.

Warm Skin Tones

-Intentions are Rose Gold: An iridescent pale pink that shiiiiines with positive vibes. Natural origin. Vegan ingredients. Up to 7 days of wear. -My Italian is a Little Rusty: Rust, but make it fashion! A rich earthy chestnut in our original nail polish formula. -2000 Karats: Your golden ticket to long-lasting nail polish. This metallic gold Infinite Shine hue is totally amped up. Shiniest shiiine ever. Gel-like formula. Up to 11 days of wear.

Cool Skin Tones

-Got the Blues for Red: You’ll never have the blues in this classic blue-based deep red in our best-selling Nail Lacquer formula. -Lincoln Park After Dark: xPRESS your dark side in these enchanting midnight purple pressies. A year-round best-seller you can wear again and again and again. Short, classic length. Up to 14 days of wear. -Less is Norse: A deeeep n’ sultry sea blue in our long-lasting Infinite Shine formula. It’s a true norse of nature. Shiniest shiiine ever. Gel-like formula. Up to 11 days of wear.

Neutral Skin Tones

-Tickle My France-y: Naughty-ish, but always nice. Make a mauve they’ll never forget in these iconic mauve pressies from OPI On Point. Chic squoval shape. Reusable. Up to 14 days of wear. -Leaf by Example: All goes according to plant thanks to this earthy evergreen crème. Natural origin. Vegan ingredients. Up to 7 days of wear. -MillenniYUM: Infinite Shiiiiiiine like the millennium in this turquoise metallic hue that’s soOo 2000s. Shiniest shiiine ever. Gel-like formula. Up to 11 days of wear. Source

9 Rules for a Safer Pedicure, According to Podiatrists

Maybe you’ve heard some nail salon horror stories, but you’ve shrugged them off. After all, at your salon, the employees look happy, the clippers seem sterilized, and every inch of the salon looks spotless. What could go wrong?

According to podiatrist and Vionic Innovation Member Jackie Sutera, DPM: a lot. The thing is, it’s pretty tough — if not impossible — to get all those tools and appliances perfectly sterile between use. That means your pedicure is an opportunity to have contact with infections from previous pedi-lovers.

But a great pedi has its perks, so Dr. Sutera and the American Podiatric Medical Association recommended these tips for a safer pedicure.

1.) Skip the shave. True, it’s a little awkward to have someone lotion your legs when they’re covered in stubble, but your skin will thank you. Wait at least 24 hours after shaving your legs before scheduling that pedicure.  According to Dr. Sutera, a shave creates “microcuts” all over the skin, which are like mini open wounds. As a result, those slick legs make you “much more prone to getting an infection from the towels or people’s hands or the water you’re sitting in,” says Dr. Sutera.

2.) Rise and shine. The salon will often the cleanest — and the employees at their most alert — right away in the morning. This is also when salons tend to be the least busy, so salon employees will have more time to follow proper sterilization techniques and give you the safest, healthiest pedicure.

3.) Skip the sale. By that same logic, be wary of those “Half off Mondays!” specials. That extra foot traffic may result in a more chaotic (and less clean) salon.

4.) Line up! Plastic liners in the foot baths are a YES. This means the tub gets a fresh lining for each pedi, so your tootsies won’t be swimming in the same bath as the customer before you. This decreases your chances of contracting an infection.

5.) Try disposable. When it comes to derailing germs, disposable tools are safer than reusable tools. Common nail salon tools — foot files, pumice stones, nail files, buffers — just can’t be sterilized, says Dr. Sutera. Even those fancy UV lights are not really getting the spores of infections off them. If you’re a frequent salon-goer and want to conserve resources, consider investing in your own tools and bringing them with you to the salon.

6.) No. Foot. Razors. Once prized as the ultimate form of removing calluses, these instruments are now strictly frowned upon by podiatrists. Foot razors can shave off way too much of the epidermis, leaving the dermis underneath exposed and vulnerable. Here are other remedies for callused and cracked heels you can try instead.

7.) Be a square. Well, let your nails be square at least. Even if you prefer the look and feel of round edges, square nails help protect against painful ingrown toenails.

8.) Know when to skip the polish. Are your toenails discolored, dry, brittle, or similarly unhealthy? These are signs of a foot fungus — or simply a weak nail that needs a break. You might be tempted to cover up a yellow nail with some shiny red polish, but this can make things worse. An infected nail needs to breathe, and polish will not allow that.

9.) Diabetic? Consult a podiatrist. As always, you should follow proper foot care for diabetes, and your podiatrist can recommend a personal pedi plan for a safe and healthy pedicure that eliminates the risk of infection (See #6!). Source

What's Hiding Under Your Nails

There’s an itsy-bitsy, teeny-tiny part of your body that you might be neglecting when it comes to keeping clean. And here’s the thing: this spot is like a disco party for grime, germs, and bacteria. We’re talking about the areas under your nails, and the longer your nails are, the more potential there is for gunk to take up residence.

We use our hands and nails for practically everything. For picking things up off the ground and elsewhere, scratching, holding hands with others, and wiping you know what. This is not an exhaustive list.

“Throughout the day, we use our nails for many mechanical purposes and these actions can accelerate the accumulation of dirt, bacteria, yeast, and other microorganisms underneath the [the free edge of our nails that grows outward],” explains Dr. Eric Rudnick, a board-certified dermatologist and dermapathologist based in Boca Raton, Florida. And not to really gross you out or anything, but Dr. Rudnick tells us he looks at nails underneath a microscope regularly, and things get pretty gnarly under there. In fact, he says that anecdotally, up to 90% of these nail specimens have numerous colonies of bacteria and yeast. Blech! Although not really surprising when you think about it.

Remember that part where we reminded you that nails are used for basically everything? Well, the issue of grimy fingernails is a big deal for precisely that reason. We also use our hands to prepare and eat food, and to scratch or touch our skin – sometimes scabs or open woods. Some of us even have the habit of biting our nails or (sometimes unconsciously) putting them in or near our mouth, ears, and nose. In other words, we tend to give this grime a free and welcomed entrance directly into our body.

The CDC also stresses how dirty this area can get, noting that fingernails can even contribute to the spread of some infections. What’s worse for those of us who love a lengthy talon, they point out that “longer fingernails can harbor more dirt and bacteria than short nails, thus potentially contributing to the spread of infection.”

The Best Hygiene Regimen for Keeping Nails Clean

No, we’re not saying you absolutely have to cut your nails down to the quick. But we are telling you that you might wanna rethink your current nail cleaning regimen.

“Proper hand hygiene is more important than ever,” says celebrity manicurist Mazz Hanna. “[Whether long or short], you should thoroughly clean under your nails every single time you wash your hands. At least once a day, use a brush with antibacterial soap to gently scrub under fingernails. You can use a new soft toothbrush or a soft brush you can get at any beauty supply store or Amazon.”

While you’re at it, now’s a good time to try to curb that mindless nail-chewing habit and to be more aware of exactly where you’re putting your fingers. Hanna adds that it’s important to avoid picking at your cuticles. Oh, and get yourself some gloves for any dirty jobs. That includes cleaning and scrubbing surfaces in your home, washing the dishes, and working in the garden.

Now that you know just how grody your nails can get, and what to do about it, may you never feel grossed out by the sight or thought of your own hands again. Source