Nails: How to strengthen them for summer

Broken, yellowed, soft or brittle nails? Don’t panic! A number of factors can be at the root of these problems: the daily use of aggressive products, the annoying habit of biting your nails or even dietary deficiencies. With the arrival of summer, a time synonymous with sun, beach and relaxation, your nails are subjected to new aggressions that can make them even more fragile. Dreaming of the perfect manicure? Here’s how to pamper your nails to keep them strong and healthy all summer long.

What are our nails made of?

Nails are made up mainly of keratin, a fibrous protein also found in the hair and epidermis. This superimposition of horny layers is constantly renewed, but remains sensitive to external aggression and internal imbalances.

Why are nails fragile in summer?

In summer, our nails are exposed to a wide range of external aggressors: sea water, sand, sun, chemicals from swimming pools, etc. All these elements can cause them to become brittle, dry or even split. Prolonged exposure to the sun can also alter their natural colour and weaken their structure.

To avoid these problems, a good nail care routine is essential. Here’s our advice for strong, radiant nails all summer long!

How do you strengthen your nails for summer?

To prevent these problems and keep your nails strong and healthy all summer long, here are a few tips to follow:

Look after your nails from the inside

The beauty of your nails also depends on what you eat. A lack of essential nutrients can quickly affect their appearance. Make sure you eat a balanced diet rich in :

Iron (liver, lentils, spinach)
Vitamin D (oily fish, eggs)
Zinc (oysters, rye bread)
Selenium (seafood, Brazil nuts)
B vitamins (brewer’s yeast, wholegrain cereals)

Need a little help? Think about biotin or keratin-based food supplements to promote growth and strengthen the structure of your nails.

2. Moisturise and protect your nails every day

Moisturising is the key to avoiding dry, brittle nails. Apply a nourishing cream to your hands and cuticles every day. Vegetable oils, such as sweet almond or castor oil, are particularly effective for deeply nourishing your nails.

Pamper your cuticles: moisturise them with a special oil and gently push them back with a wooden stick to prevent infection.
Protect your hands: wear gloves when doing housework or manual work to prevent damage from chemicals.

3. Let your nails breathe

Avoid repeatedly applying nail varnish. Give them a few days’ rest between each manicure so they can breathe. If you do use nail varnish, choose those that are free from formaldehyde, toluene or dibutyl phthalate, and opt for a fortifying base enriched with biotin and vitamins.

Cutting and filing properly: the right method

To keep your nails healthy:

Cut them regularly with disinfected nippers.
File them with a glass or ceramic file, using one-way strokes (avoid going back and forth to avoid weakening them).
Choose a slightly rounded shape to reduce the risk of breakage.

Our selection of skin care products in pharmacies

To put an end to soft, brittle nails, the Vitry brand offers Pro’expert Repair Care. It stimulates keratin production and strengthens nail structure. You can use it as a base before applying a beautiful colour. For those who prefer a more natural tone, it will also look great on its own.

For those who have a bad habit of biting their nails when they’re feeling a bit stressed or anxious, or when they’re overcome by boredom, the Vitry brand has thought of you! With its VERNIS AMER réparateur sensitive 10 ml. Its bitter taste will make you stop biting your nails. This varnish will repair the damage caused by your teeth while protecting and strengthening your nails. This nail varnish can also be used by children over the age of 3 to discourage nail biting.

BE Green Nail Polish 6 ml from Vitry gives you beautiful nails . With 80% biobased plant solvents and ingredients of natural origin, this vegan nail varnish will make your nails healthier and stronger. Several shades are available, and its ultra-flat, rounded brush makes it easy to apply. If you want to protect the planet and still get a perfect, shiny, long-lasting, quick-drying manicure, this nail varnish is for you.

Mistakes to avoid for healthy nails

Never use your nails as tools (to open a box, for example).
Avoid acetone-based nail polish removers, which are too aggressive.
Limit the use of false nails and semi-permanent manicures, which can damage the nail plate over the long term.
Don’t bite your nails or cut your cuticles: this encourages infection and weakens the structure of the nail.

Our natural tips for healthy nails

Nourishing bath: soak your nails in a mixture of warm olive oil and lemon juice for 10 minutes, 2 or 3 times a week.
Crushed garlic: apply garlic to your nails to stimulate growth.
Strengthening bath: immerse your nails in a mixture of warm water and cider vinegar to strengthen them and remove impurities.
Castor oil massage: rich in vitamin E, this deeply nourishes your nails and improves their resistance.

FAQ

1. What are the signs of brittle nails?

They are often brittle, dry, split or ridged. They may also show white or yellowish patches.

2. How do I know if my nails are healthy?

In fact, healthy nails are smooth, uniform, without streaks or blemishes, and pinkish in colour.

3. How long does it take for nails to grow back?

Nail growth depends on a number of factors, including age, health and diet. In general, the nails on the hands grow by about 3 to 4 millimetres a month.

4. Can food supplements help strengthen nails?

Yes, certain food supplements, particularly those containing biotin, zinc and iron, can help nails grow.

5. When should I consult a professional about nail problems?

It is advisable to consult a dermatologist or chiropodist if you notice significant changes in your nails (colour, texture, thickness), if they are painful or if they show signs of infection.