Natural nail care supplements strengthen and nourish nails, promoting healthy growth without increasing exposure to harmful toxins. They work to:
- Maintain strong & healthy nails.**
- Promote optimal nail growth.**
- Support natural nail beauty.**
What are Nail Care Products?
Fingernail and toenails are constantly bombarded by the environment, from normal bumps and tears to potentially harmful chemicals in personal care products. Nails also change with age, often becoming brittle, thick, easily broken and developing vertical ridges. Aging nails grow more slowly and may become discolored, yellow or even opaque.**
Nails are comprised of keratin, a naturally occurring protein that is also a component of hair and skin. Keratin forms strong sheets or filaments that harden to form nail plates. Nails grow from the nail root, which lies under the white half-circle or lunula above the cuticle. Healthy adult fingernails grow at an average rate of 3 mm per month, while toenails grow more slowly, or a rate of about 2.5 mm per month.**
Medical providers have long used nail appearance to gauge health, as many skin and internal issues are apparent in nails. Healthy nails are smooth, slightly curved, and light pink; those experiencing health issues may have discolored or misshapen nails. For instance, a blue tinge may indicate lung or heart issues. Lung problems can also cause clubbed nails. Pale nails may be a sign of anemia or psoriasis, while dark spots may indicate cardiac concerns. Anemia may also cause koilonychia, or thin, inward-curving nails. After an illness or injury, lines or ridges may form across the nail; known as Beau’s lines, they may indicate malnourishment.**
Nails themselves are subject to a number of issues, such as fungal infection. Also known as onychomycosis, this common fungus causes thickened, white nails that may separate from the nail bed over time. Most fungal infections are found in toenails, but fingernails may be affected as well. Another common nail issue, onychorrhexis or brittle nails, affects an estimated 20% of the population. Brittle nails are sometimes caused by underlying conditions such as psoriasis or thyroid issues, but are more commonly related to exposure to chemicals, such as the solvents and detergents found in many household and personal care products.**
Natural nail supplements help strengthen brittle nails, reduce splitting, and improve underlying structure without using synthetics.** Some of the most popular nail care supplements:
- B-Vitamins: The B-complex vitamins, which include biotin, folic acid, choline, PABA, thiamin, riboflavin and niacin, are essential to nail health. Vitamin B deficiencies are often associated with brittle, discolored and ridged nails. Studies indicate that supplementation, especially with biotin, helps thicken and strengthen nails.**
- Horsetail: Horsetail plants, descendants of ancient plants that grew millions of years ago, contain high levels of the mineral silica or silicon, a well-known nail strengthening substance. Horsetail has long been used to reduce breakage and strengthen brittle nails. Studies indicate that the herb also reduces nail pitting, discoloration and separation from the nail bed, as well as decreasing the signs of psoriasis.**
- Collagen: The protein collagen is naturally found in skin, bones, teeth, tendons and other connective tissues, including nails. Collagen forms fibrous structures, adding strength and flex to tissues. With age, collagen levels decrease, resulting in brittle nails; supplementation helps replace lost collagen, keeping nails supple and strong.**
- Gelatin: Prized as protein source since the days of Napoleon’s army, gelatin, also known as gelatine, has long been used to strengthen nails. The substance contains high concentrations of collagen, a component in healthy nails. Research indicates that gelatin supplementation helps build cartilage. It’s derived from animal skin and tendons, as well as the seaweed agar-agar.**
- Biotin: Biotin is part of the B group of vitamins, though it’s sometimes called vitamin H. The substance occurs naturally in human intestinal tract, where it helps the body process amino acids. It’s also found foods such as whole grains, brewer’s yeast, eggs and legumes. Biotin aids in the metabolic process and is an essential component for healthy nails; a deficiency results in brittle, peeling nails. Studies show biotin supplements increase nail thickness by up to 25%.**
- Silica: Silica, also known as silicon is derived from plants such as horsetail, root vegetables and whole grains. Traditional healers have long prized the substance for its ability to speed wound healing and support strong bones. In the body, silica works alongside proteins known as glycosaminoglaycans to reduce breakages and strengthen nails.**
- Tea Tree Oil: Derived from the Australian Melaleuca alternifolia tree, tea tree oil contains powerful antifungal, antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Studies indicate that this pungent oil eliminates nail fungal infections or onychomycosis as well as tolnaftate, an over-the-counter synthetic.**
Nail Care Products
Nail care products may be available for topical use in oil, cream or lotion form. Some nutrients are offered as supplements for internal use, generally in the form of capsules, tablets or powders.**
Nail Care Products Directions for Use
Natural nail care products supply varying amounts of active nutrients, so there is no set dosage. Always consult a medical provider before starting supplementation.**
