How to Grow and Strengthen Your Nails When Going Through Menopause: 5 Tips From Dermatologists
There seems to be a never-ending list of menopause symptoms, and as many of us women over 45 have discovered there’s yet another one to add: Slow growing nails! “Nail growth and health can be affected during menopause due to hormonal changes,” says Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist in NYC. “Menopause often leads to a drop in estrogen levels, which can affect the body’s ability to retain moisture.” When nails are stripped of moisture, they can become brittle, thin, and weak. “Estrogen also helps in collagen production, which is also essential for strong nails,” she adds. “The decline in collagen can make nails more prone to breaking, peeling, and splitting.” So if you’re like us, what you really want to know is how to grow your nails in menopause. As it turns out, there are ways that work! Scroll on to learn more.
How to grow your nails when in menopause
Luckily, the experts we spoke to say the way to encourage nail growth in menopause is through a mix of topical treatments and nutritional support, according to the dermatologists we spoke to. However, these doctors agree that the first step when it comes to learning how to encourage nail growth in menopause is to minimize trauma to the nail—by avoiding harsh polish removers, or cutting nails too short, over-filing or buffing too much etc. After that, moisturizing is key. Additionally, applying nail strengthening products, taking supplements and maintaining a healthy diet can also be beneficial for nail health.
1. How to grow your nails: Use a cuticle cream
“One of the big concerns I hear about from my menopausal patients is dry cuticles,” says Hannah Kopelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery and host of Derm Club, a weekly dermatology podcast. “During menopause, cuticles can become extremely dry and even crack, which in turn impacts the overall health of the nail and can slow growth.” That’s why she recommends regularly moisturizing the cuticles with something rich like shea butter, which is easily absorbed and helps to banish dryness. One product to try is Badger Organic Cuticle Care Shea Butter Balm and it’s best to apply at least twice a day by gently rubbing the balm into the nail bed. “Keeping cuticles hydrated is such an easy way to prevent further damage,” advises Dr. Kopelman.
2. How to grow your nails: Apply a healing ointment
When it comes to menopause and nail growth, both doctors also agreed that keeping hands hydrated works wonders. “It’s amazing how much moisture makes a difference,” says Dr. Kopelman. But daily tasks like washing hands or doing dishes can strip your hands of moisture. That’s why to really encourage nail growth Dr. Garshick suggests using your favorite hand cream followed by a petrolatum-based jelly to lock in moisture. Her pick: Vaseline Healing Jelly. “By providing an occlusive barrier, this healing ointment helps to reduce external irritants,” she explains. “It can be applied throughout the day as needed to improve the overall look and feel of the nails.” Bonus: The jelly also gives nails a healthy sheen.
3. How to grow your nails: Swipe on a nail strengthener
Another way to build longer, stronger nails is with a slick of a nail-strengthening top coat. “I advise using a nail strengthener that’s free from harsh chemicals,” says Dr. Kopelman. She explains that plasticizers sometimes used to help ‘harden nails’ can actually harm nails and make the problem worse. Amazon’s top-selling Sally Hansen Advanced Hard As Nails Strengthener is free of these ingredients. Instead, it’s made with omega-3s, which boost keratin production to strengthen nails and soy, which provides moisture to help accelerate nail growth.
4. How to grow your nails: Take a biotin supplement
Another nail-building secret weapon the experts swear by: Biotin supplements. “Biotin is well-researched for its ability to strengthen nails and help with growth,” says Dr. Kopelman. In fact, some studies show some benefit for brittle nails with individuals taking 2.5 mg of biotin, adds Dr. Garshick. “Study participants who took the supplement showed improvement in nail firmness, hardness and thickness.” One to try: Nature’s Bounty Optimal Solutions Extra Strength Hair, Skin and Nails Softgels with Biotin.
5. How to grow your nails: Eat a balanced diet
When it comes to boosting nail health during menopause, Dr. Kopelman stresses that it’s vitally important to nosh on foods that have plenty of protein and B vitamins (from foods like salmon and eggs), minerals like zinc (from lentils and pumpkin seeds), and iron (from beef and spinach.) These proteins, vitamins and minerals fortify nails from the insider out and contribute to nail health, she says. “It’s amazing how small lifestyle changes like diet can make a big difference in improving the strength and appearance of nails during this stage of life.”
Original post by lstachiw from www.womansworld.com
