How to Keep Your Nails Healthy
Whether or not your ridges ever fade, a few simple habits will keep your nails stronger and more comfortable.
- Moisturize regularly: massage a hand cream or nail oil into your nails and cuticles, especially after washing your hands.
- Protect them: wear gloves when washing dishes or handling cleaning products to limit drying and cracking.
- Eat for your nails: include sources of biotin, iron, zinc, and magnesium, such as eggs, nuts, seeds, leafy greens, and whole grains.
- Buff, do not scrape: gentle buffing can smooth the surface, but aggressive filing thins the nail and can do more harm than good.
- Stay hydrated: drinking enough water supports the moisture balance of your whole body, nails included.
Vertical ridges are, more often than not, simply a sign of a life well lived. Care for your nails kindly, keep an eye out for anything that changes suddenly, and let the rest be the ordinary, unremarkable work of time.
