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Remember when a matchy-matchy mani-pedi debate was your number one nail concern?
Photography by Rachel Pickus
It’s the same concept with nails.
Anthony Rossi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
As we age, efficient blood flow to the hands and feet can become compromised, says Dr. Stern.
Ridges are akin to wrinkles in the nail.
Thickening of the nail may occur as well.
This is common in toenails due to chronic rubbing or friction in your shoes, she says.
That explains why growing and maintaining a long, strong mani becomes an ongoing challenge.
Add to that the fact that as we age, nail growth is likely to become more sluggish.
As we age, our nails grow at a slower rate, Dr. Stern confirms.
In fact, studies have shown statistically significant differences in growth rates before and after age 40.
Unfortunately, this decline leaves nails extra vulnerable to damage anddiscoloration.
These can be related to iron deficiency, kidney disease, and nutritional deficiencies, he says.
(One to try:CND Solar Oil.)
If you prefer a cream, New York City-based editorial nail artistMiss Popis a fan ofNailtopias Orange Cuticle Conditioner.
Its not greasy and its quick absorbing, she says.
Instead they can be pushed back after theyve been softened, Dr. Rossi says.
The combination of gentle exfoliation and hydration increases nail flexibility and combats brittleness, Dr. Stern says.
Herweekly renewal systemincorporatesglycolic acidfor chemical exfoliation and a moisturizing step rich in phospholipids.
Ditch those orange emery boards (too abrasive!)
This file is great for sealing the edges of a splitting or peeling nail, she says.
Also, a fine-grit buffer is another helpful tool to help smooth ridges.
This is extremely common in women after age 50, Dr. Stern says.
Mostingrown nailsoccur because of mistakes when cutting our nails too short or curved, says Correa.
And the best nail shape as we age?
Nguyen also likes round because it helps prevent hangnails and nail cracks.
Use a gentle approach to downplay bumps.
Orly
Orly Nail Armor
Sally Beauty
Ready for color?
Opt for cream textures over metallic or matte textures.
At the salon, a professionalstructured manicurecan help to smooth out the ridges in the nails as well.
I recommend doing a soft gel overlay with soak-off builder gel to smooth out the ridges.
Miss Pop recommends gel, nail lacquer, or top coat to hold the nail together.
Matte top coat will look like the natural nail, but give you some protection, she says.
Nail stains that result from prolonged polish wear can be brightened at home with denture tablets.
This is a trick I do regularly on set, since its fast acting.
Take three tablets and put them in a cereal bowl.
Soak the nails briefly.
Then, I use a toothbrush to scrub on the denture tablet foam.
This typically can [brighten] nails in minutes, Miss Pop says.
While you might be tempted to try an oral supplement like biotin, check with your doctor first.
As we age, our immune system is not as efficient in staving off or fighting infections.
And nail conditions like psoriasis and fungus can sometimes be indistinguishable.
The key is timing.
If the change is sudden, see your primary care physician or aboard-certified dermatologist, says Dr. Stern.
Final tip: Before your appointment, be sure to remove your nail polish.
