Dry and ridged nails- anything out there to help?

[MumblingsonMN]

My nails are quite strong but they are dry and ridged (vertical ridges) and getting worse. I'm old and I know this happens!

Is there anything to help?
I've some nail oil which a friend gave me (it's like almond oil) but it's very oily and you can't really use it during the day simply as it washes off every time you wash your hands.

Is there anything out there to paint on that actually moisturises nails?

I think this is one of those things where prevention is better than cure. Nails are dead tissue. How is your diet, lots of fresh veggies and good fats? Could you have a vitamin or mineral deficiency?

I’ve had the same issue with dry, ridged nails. It’s common with age and usually harmless, but dryness can make it worse.
Your almond oil is helpful; try using it at night with cotton gloves. During the day, look for nail treatments with keratin, biotin, or glycerin for moisture. Also, wear gloves when doing chores to avoid water damage.
As Sugar said, diet matters too; low iron or B vitamins can affect nails. Worth checking in with your GP if it persists.

You can get one of those files that smooth, buff and shine your nails.

I know but I read that it can weaken the nail bed and make it worse.

Diet is great- all of the above and more, daily.

It can. Basically when you buff, you’re removing layers of the nail plate (the bed is the skin underneath the nail plate that we don’t see). For some people, if they have relatively thick nails, this might not be a problem if done the odd time but it’s not recommended.

Nail ridges are more common as we age, too. Even applying oil after washing your hands will help, even if you wash it off again not long after. The key is consistency. The woman in the videos I posted is amazing for natural nail care and it’s mostly basic, non costly things that she recommends (like the oil soaks). I really recommend watching her videos when you get chance.

Thanks for this- I'lll look.

Apply a really good hand and nail cream before bed too.

OPI Nail Envy is good for making them look superficially better. I also like the Burt’s Bees almond hand cream in a glass jar. It’s very thick so I just use it at night. Stays on better than oil, I find.

I have the same. Nursem caring skin fix seems to be helping a bit. Watching this thread with interest.

Hi, I have been using okeefes working hands on my dry hands and nails, it really has helped.

My ridges end up in nail splits which are painful and hard to treat. I put a Sally Hansen nail hardener on nails and keep the thumbs (the worst) very short. It definitely comes with age - I'm in my 70s and used to have very well-behaved nails! When they're really bad, I put skin-coloured silicon 'sleeves' on them when I'm indoors to protect them a bit more.