Just as skin shows signs of age, nails do, too. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Kiran Mian at Hudson Dermatology & Laser explained that aging nails can look dull or discolored, be slow-growing, become brittle or weak, and develop ridges and textural irregularity across the bed.
“There is decreased blood flow to nails as we age, as well as decreased moisture levels and loss of collagen,” said Mian, who also cited chronic health conditions and hormonal shifts commonly associated with aging as potential causes of poor nail health.
Fortunately, Mian and other experts confirm that certain products and ingredients can help address premature aging of the nails — specifically, products that can help target moisture loss or brittleness by filling in gaps in the keratin structure of the nail.
If your nails are betraying their age (or are just looking worse for wear), see the products that Mian and other board-certified dermatologists suggest you try in the list below. You’ll find a $4 keratin polish that claims to improve growth in just three days, a cult-favorite nail and cuticle oil that’s packed with antioxidants, and tons more.
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