Healthy toenails don’t just happen. They require deliberate efforts and extra attention. Although the feet are often concealed in your footwear, that doesn’t mean you should ignore them during your routine manicure sessions. Prolonged negligence of the feet (and toenails) can make them become a playground for fungi, bacteria, and the like. We are certain you don’t want that.
With the warm weather fully here, sandals have come out to play so slaying your ensemble with healthy toenails should be the goal. However, if up until now you haven’t been giving your toenails the right attention, we have compiled some key tips to help you maintain strong, and healthy toenails in no time.
Check out 9 foolproof ways to maintain healthy toenails easily…
#1. Exfoliate and moisturize often
Just like the rest of your body, the skin on your feet needs regular exfoliation and moisturizing. Not only does this ensure your feet stay soft-to-the-touch and free of dry cracks, your toenails benefit as well. While you can use your body lotion and have great results, we recommend that you use nail oils like jojoba oil to keep your toenails from becoming brittle, dry, and cracked.
#2. Be cautious with nail polish
Certain nail polishes, like non-organic nail options, can do more harm than good to your toenails. For instance, you may develop stained yellow nails. Additionally, acetone nail polish remover can dry out your nails, leading to unattractive peeling and cracking. Therefore, opt for all-natural, organic nail polishes, especially those free from toxic ingredients like toluene, dibutyl phthalate, and formaldehyde.
#3. Eat the right meals
Your fingernails and toenails are made from a protein called keratin. By eating a balanced diet, you can help your body produce the right amount of protein to keep your nails healthy. Therefore, it’s imperative that you consume substantial amounts of nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and lean meat. A good diet can really go a long way.
#4. Take a look, literally
It’s important to frequently inspect your toenails as oftentimes, that’s the first place serious health issues show their symptoms. Diseases like diabetes, psoriasis, and onychomycosis (toenail fungus) show up on your nails via pits, marks, discoloration, and ridges. Therefore, taking a look at your feet and toenails could potentially save you lots of health-related troubles, and even your life.
#5. Trim your toenails often
It’s great to wash and moisturize your feet daily, but it’s also important to trim your toenails at least once a month. This will render the fungus that may have hidden beneath the nails homeless and also prevent ingrown toenails. Filing or trimming your toenails also helps them grow fast.
#6. For healthy toenails, wear the right shoes
Ill-fitting shoes are another culprit behind unhealthy toenails as they are known to cause black toenails, ingrown nails, and some other foot problems. Avoid these issues by always wearing perfect-fitting shoes. Cinderella would agree.
#7. Get some feet TLC
Foot soaks, massage, and occasional (but careful) pedicure would bring magic to your toenails. Your feet deserve all that love and more. Ensure your nail technician doesn’t remove the cuticles and the surrounding skin to prevent infections.
#8. Keep your nails dry
There are two things that do not go together: water and toenails. While it’s obvious you should wash your feet every day, it is also necessary to always keep them dry. Also, air dry your shoes regularly for strong, clean, and healthy toenails.
#9. Take nail supplements
From age to diet, there are many factors that could affect our nail health. Nail supplements and multivitamins are helpful in rejuvenating the nails and keeping them healthy. You can either opt for vitamin or biotin supplements as they are known to boost nail growth.
Healthy toenails are a reality for anyone willing to pay extra attention to them. With the right pamper, these “underdogs” can prove a worthy ally for your lifestyle and health in general. But really, why shouldn’t we pamper our feet with all the use we get out of them?
Featured Image: Brandon Richardson/Pexels
For the latest in fashion, lifestyle, and culture, follow us on Instagram @StyleRave_
This is a Style Rave original content exclusively created for our readers. If reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used by any other publishing house or blogs, such use should provide a direct link to this source article. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
—Read also
