Look closely at your nails. They look strong and healthy? Or you see irregularities, changes color and shape? Many problems with the nails can be avoided if properly care for them.

Fingernails: what is the norm, and that - no

Nails are composed of several layers of a protein called keratin; their bases are under the cuticle. As soon as new cells are formed, of which the nail, older cells harden closely adjacent to each other, and finally are ejected at the surface of the skin from the cuticle.

Healthy nails - smooth and evenly colored. Sometimes the nails observed ribbing, which may be exacerbated with age - usually quite harmless phenomenon. The results of the various lesions on the nails can be formed white spots, but they just gradually grow along with your fingernail. All this is common and does not go beyond the norm.

Abnormal The following are symptoms that can appear on the nails:

• Unusual changes in nail color, such as dark spots on the nails or nail diskoloratsiya all;
• Changes in the shape, for example, strongly curved nail;
• Thinning or thickening of the nail;
• Separation of the nail from the surrounding skin;
• Bleeding around the nails (in the absence of mechanical damage);
• Redness, swelling and / or tenderness of the skin around the nails.

Nail care: it is possible that you can not

• Keep nails clean. Manicure sessions should include a thorough cleansing of the space under the nails. In addition, during the washing of hands should at least occasionally use a nail brush. This will help to prevent the multiplication of bacteria under the nails, fungi, and other microorganisms. During washing dishes and use of various household cleaners, wear rubber gloves; Otherwise, prolonged exposure of nails in a humid environment can increase the risk of growth of microorganisms.
• Regularly Trim and file nails. Use a well-sharpened nail scissors. Most are safe for nail glass nail files - they minimize the damage to the nail plate, as well as allow you to attach nail most flat shape.
• Moisturize your nails. Using hand cream, carefully lubricate the nails and cuticles.
• Do not test the strength of nails. Do not open cans nails and tightly closed plug, do not bite them, and do not try to use them as toothpicks.
• Not biting his nails and skin around them. Those who are familiar this habit, you know how easy it is to give such advice, and how difficult it is to implement, but it must be done. Even minor damage to the skin around the nail open the way for a variety of microorganisms that are potential infectious agents.
• Do not ignore the problem. If you have any problems with the nails that do not disappear within one or two weeks, contact your doctor.

Caring for weak nails

• Trim fingernails short. Long loose nails are likely to begin to exfoliate and break.
• Use nail polish. A thin layer of clear lacquer nails will not weaken even more, and will help keep the moisture in it.
• Limit the use of nail polish remover. Try to use them no more than one or two times a week. Select that do not contain acetone.
• Nutritional supplements with biotin. Some researchers believe that biotin is very effective for strengthening nails. To help quickly weakened nails, you can increase its consumption by means of food supplements Food additives - basic classification .

Safe manicure salon

Doing a manicure in a beauty salon to take care of security, which will depend on the health of nails, and possibly the entire organism. The first step is to make sure that the salon has a license, and it has passed all the necessary tests. When you first visit the salon pay attention to cleanliness; if something is strong suspicions, it is better to choose another room.

You can buy your own set of manicure and bring it into the cabin - but first should consult with the master, because the tools must be of sufficient quality for a professional. Be sure to clean tools after each use.

If you do not use your set, make sure that the master took out to manicure tools of disinfectant directly in front of you. If he does not, ask them to clean tools; there is nothing to be ashamed of it - the normal behavior of a person who cares about their health.

Leather - the first line of defense against environmental influences. When the sun, wind and cold cause dryness and itching of the skin, fight the cause, not the consequence of not hide the skin under the gloves, long pants and a layer of make-up - first of all, it moisturizes.

Cold weather

When the temperature falls, the humidity also becomes lower. Dry air robs the skin of moisture, and in the winter a lot of people are turning to dermatologists and cosmeticians with complaints of dry skin. Heating does not help solve the problem, rather the opposite - it makes the air more dry.

• What to do? Moisturize the air and skin

Buy a humidifier to the room or put on the radiators, a few cups of water - it will vaporize and humidify the air. The ideal humidity in the room - 45-55% percent.

Before you go out, put on the face, hands and lips strong moisturizer, and be sure to wear gloves, hats and scarves.

Hot showers

Hot showers - it's lots of fun, but it is for the skin, at least, not helpful and sometimes harmful. Hot water robs skin of its natural protective oils, which is why it becomes more dry. If the skin is dry on its own, the habit of taking long hot showers can cause tightness and increased sensitivity of the skin, and in the long term - cause premature wrinkles. Remember - the longer you take a hot bath or shower, the more you dry your skin.

• What to do? Reduce temperature

Take a warm or a cool shower, and try to wash faster. Five minutes is enough to properly clean the skin without drying it.

Hard soap

Do not choose any soap to wash you with the pleasant smell. If your soap is too harsh, with fragrant foam you to wash off the skin and a protective layer consisting of natural oils - it is unlikely you achieve such a result.

• What to do? Choose mild cleansers

Use mild soap without aromatizitorov that not only cleans, but also moisturizes the skin. It does not matter, it is usually either liquid soap - the main thing that it was designed specifically for dry and sensitive skin.

Hard toothbrush

You think to clean the skin, it must go all out to rub a stiff brush or sponge? Get rid of these outdated ideas with brushes that are not clean, but rather scratch your skin. High friction leads to that the skin loses moisture; it can also cause irritation and other undesirable reactions.

Rubbing with a towel

Perhaps as a massage from time to time, rubbing a towel and helpful, but do it every time after the shower is not completely accurate. Rubbing the body with a towel, you do not give the skin to absorb moisture: moisture which could be part of your skin cells, instead simply absorbed in the towel.

• What to do? Do not rub down

Wipe the body easily by touching it with a towel, or just wrap it in a few minutes. While the skin is still not completely dry, apply a moisturizing cream on it. For sensitive skin Sensitive skin: causes and care   best suited creams or lotions with ceramides, for very dry - with urea or lactic acid Lactic acid - shows our health . These materials do not allow the skin to lose moisture and creating on its surface a protective barrier.

Aging

With age there are processes in the body, due to which the skin is thin and dry.

• What to do? Smooth years

You can not turn back the clock, but you can make the skin aging less noticeable. Every day, morning and evening, apply on the face and body a good moisturizer. To reduce wrinkles and deeply moisturize the skin, choose cosmetics with ingredients such as alpha-hydroxy acids and retinol. Not accustomed to regularly care for your skin? Place the jar of cream on the table next to the bed, and it will be the first thing that comes to you in the eyes in the morning.

Irritants

What is your favorite sweater causes itching and irritation? Maybe it's in the fabric, and maybe in the media that you use for washing. In addition, the causes of irritation can be cosmetics, perfumes, household chemicals, and more.

• What to do? Get rid of the irritants

Identify what caused the irritation of the skin, and throw these things, or a familiar. In the future, buy products that do not contain dyes and fragrances, and clothing and linen from natural fabrics - cotton, silk and polyester instead of nylon.

To your health

Your skin is reddened and scaly? This may be a skin disease such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. Severe dry skin can also be a symptom of diabetes Symptoms of diabetes - if you are thirsty   or decreased activity of the thyroid gland The thyroid gland - is responsible for your hormones .

• What to do? Go to the doctor

If dry skin can not cope with the help of cosmetic products, consult a doctor - it is possible that this is a symptom of a disease. In many cases this can not cope quite quickly by means of oral medication or salves.