Written By A.R – Edit – Olivella
It’s a stressful time for many Americans, says the American Psychological Association, whose research has found that around 77% of adults are worried about the future. Stress can affect human health and wellbeing in many ways, as it is linked to heart disease, obesity and other conditions, but did you know that it can also affect your nail health? Research by the American Academy of Dermatology has shown that stress can lead to skin problems, hair loss, and even brittle nails. If you want to sport strong, smooth nails that withstand the wear and tear of everyday life, fight stress proactively and pay heed to a few useful tips.
Keeping Your Hands And Nails Moisturized!
A great way to apply and keep moisture in is to use products made with Omega-3-rich olive oil. Olivella has two products that can help keep your nails – and the skin that surrounds them, including the cuticle bed – healthy. One is the Olivella Hand Cream, containing a pleasant blend of essential oils, and the other is the Olivella Moisturizer Oil, perfect for massaging into your nail beds. Olive oil is rich in antioxidants, and contains a potent combination of vitamins – including A, D, E, and K. It also has antibacterial effects, and of course, is a powerful yet natural way to trap moisture where it is needed.
Hot Showers Are A No-No.
Hot showers may be the stuff your relaxation dreams are made of in the winter, but try to keep them short and warm instead of steaming hot. This is because hot water disrupts the natural balance of moisture on the skin and nails, leaving them vulnerable to cracking and brittleness. While showering, you should aim to use gentle products made with natural components such as essential oils, olive oil, and other moisturizing ingredients. Avoid those containing sodium laureth sulphate and other ingredients that cause suds to form but can have harmful health effects.
Credit pic: @alessandra_ceccaroni
Embracing The Power Of Nail Strengtheners.
If you are finding it hard to grow your nails past a certain point, then boosting nail strength requires another approach – nail strengthening products. You don’t need to file down the larger surface of your nail or have a professional manicure. Just using one coat of clear nail gel will work wonders in terms of reducing cracking and denting. Maintenance is just as important, so the moment you see a snag or slight crack, cut a tiny piece from a teabag, apply it over the crack, and use a hardening gel on top. If you have a nail lamp, cure the nail within the lamp to promote faster drying. You can cover any patch-up work with bright colors; to accentuate the vividness of neon and other bright hues, use a white nail polish above your base coat or gel hardener to let the color really ‘pop’.
Picture credit: @buenostyles
Embracing A Mediterranean-Style Diet.
Your skin, hair and nails glow when you pursue their beauty from within – and that means following a healthy diet with enough calories to provide you with your daily nutritional needs. Most doctors recommend a Mediterranean-type diet, characterized by plenty of fiber (thanks to fruits and vegetables), as well as lean protein sources, pulses, legumes, and healthy Omega-3-rich fats. For cooking, use extra-virgin oil, which is high in Omega-3s. These healthy fats will help keep heart disease at bay, while also promoting brain health, and giving your hair, skin and nails a beautiful, healthy glow.
Credit: Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil by Olivella
Stress can wreak havoc on your appearance, so make sure to keep it at bay by embracing relaxing techniques such as yoga and meditation. Of course, beautiful nails need to be approached with a multifaceted strategy. Achieve your beauty goals by consuming a healthy diet, keeping your skin and nails moisturized, and using nail hardening products if necessary to battle brittleness and weakness.
Credit pic: @theworldfromawindow
