When shopping for nail care products for aging nails, our experts recommend looking at several factors, including the type of product and ingredients. Below, we highlight their suggestions when shopping:.
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Dr. Serena Mraz, a board-certified dermatologist based in California is a fan of this oil because it has a blend of jojoba, vitamin E, rice bran and almond oil, and is designed for daily use on both the nails and cuticles, she says. In addition to the brush applicator, it also comes in pen form, making it easy to travel with and use on the go.
Size: 0.25 fl. oz. | Key ingredients: jojoba oil, vitamin E, rice bran oil
“A classic, highly effective ingredient for aging nails, Vaseline forms a protective barrier on the nail and surrounding skin, locking in moisture and preventing dryness,” says Rambhia. “It’s especially useful for dry, cracked cuticles and brittle nails, creating an ideal environment for healing and strength.” To use, apply a small amount to the nails and cuticles overnight.
Size: 13 oz. | Key ingredients: petrolatum
This plant-based nail hardener is gentle and free from harsh chemicals like formaldehyde, formalin and toluene. It’s formulated to reduce the appearance of ridges on the nails, and “is a great option for anyone looking to strengthen aging nails while avoiding potentially harmful chemicals,” says Rambhi, who recommends applying the formula as a base coat for nail polish to protect and fortify aging nails.
Size: 0.33 fl. oz. | Key ingredients: calcium, phosphoric acid
To keep nails and hands hydrated, this travel-friendly moisturizer comes recommended by Kopelman since it’s moisturizing without being greasy. It also has ceramides, “an ingredient that plays a crucial role in maintaining hydration and reinforcing the skin barrier around the nails and cuticles,” she says. “By helping to lock in moisture and reduce water loss, ceramides prevent dryness and cracking, which are common issues in this area.”
Size: 2.7 fl. oz. | Key ingredients: ceramides
Developed by board-certified dermatologist and nail specialist Dr. Dana Stern, this all-in-one kit has everything you need to get your nails back on track. Whether you’re experiencing age-related nail changes or your nails have been put through damage, the three-step system repairs brittle, peeling nails and improves shine. The kit features a glycolic pen to exfoliate and remove superficial damage, a priming wand to promote shine and a hydrator to moisturize nails and cuticles.
Size: 1.5 ml. glycolic pen, 5 ml. hydrator | Key ingredients: coconut oil, glycolic acid
Kopelman recommends this nail strengthener, which is “fortified with calcium and protein to help strengthen brittle nails.” It comes in several shades — including white, pink, red and nude — so it can work as a nail polish in addition to strengthener. It’s also 9-free, which means it’s free of nine common chemicals commonly found in nail products including formaldehyde, parabens and phthalates. To use, the brand recommends applying two coats to bare nails followed by an additional coat daily.
Size: 0.5 fl. oz. | Key ingredients: calcium, protein
When shopping online or in your local drugstore or pharmacy, here’s what experts recommend you pay attention to:
Nail care products come in different forms and what you choose should depend on your desired benefits and the application experience. For instance, oils are helpful in keeping the nail and cuticle area hydrated, but can potentially feel greasy upon application and may be best worn overnight. Nail hardeners typically have ingredients that strengthen the nail structure, reduce brittleness and help prevent breakage, but they won’t do much for nail growth if that’s what you’re after. To encourage quicker nail growth, look for products with keratin and biotin.
Nails, like skin, lose moisture over time and as we age. “Nails rely on natural oils to hold the layers together, but with age, these oils decrease, making nails more prone to chipping, splitting and even developing ridges,” says Kopelman. “I often tell my patients that these ridges are like wrinkles on the skin — totally normal but sometimes frustrating.” Moisturizers like vitamin E, jojoba oil and omega-3 fatty acids can aid in moisture loss and overall health and appearance in this area. “Moisturizing the nails provides a degree of flexibility and improved strength to the nail,” says Mraz. “When nails are more flexible, they are less apt to break and split with normal forces applied during everyday activities.”
Just like our skin, our nails are susceptible to age-related changes. Here’s more:
There are several things you can do to care for your aging nails. For one, you’ll want to treat the dryness, as dryness can make nails more brittle and prone to splitting and breaking. “I recommend moisturizing your nails and cuticles regularly with a hydrating cream or oil,” says Rambhia.
Also, get into the habit of wearing gloves when cleaning or washing dishes, as it protects the nail from excessive exposure to chemicals and water, which can strip the nails of moisture and weaken them.
Diet can play a role in the health of your nails, too. Mraz recommends consuming a variety of nuts (which have protein and vitamin E), pumpkin seeds (which are rich in protein, iron, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids) as well as oats (for the biotin, zinc and silicon). “Bone broth is rich in collagen, amino acids and gelatin, which can work to strengthen the nails,” she says. Finally, a variety of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C can also help with nail formation. .
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Michelle Rostamian has more than 10 years of experience covering beauty and skin care topics. For this story, Rostamian spoke to three board-certified dermatologists and included their direct recommendations and highly rated products based on their guidance. She also included formulas she’s tested and likes.
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