Nails break due to a number of reasons, one prominent reason being overexposure to moisture, leading to brittleness and weakness.
Here's a breakdown:
The Role of Moisture in Nail Breakage
How Moisture Weakens Nails
Long-term exposure to water can significantly compromise the integrity of your nails. According to research, the processes are:
- Softening of surrounding skin: Prolonged water exposure softens the skin around the nail.
- Brittle nails: The nail itself becomes brittle, making it prone to breakage, bending, or splitting.
- Causes of Overexposure: Common activities like doing dishes, frequent hand washing, or excessive nail polish use contribute to this overexposure.
Practical Example:
Consider someone who frequently washes dishes without wearing gloves. The constant exposure to water and detergents can strip the natural oils from the nail plate, making it dry and brittle over time. This, in turn, increases the likelihood of the nails breaking.
Solutions
- Wear gloves when doing dishes or engaging in activities that involve prolonged water exposure.
- Moisturize your hands and nails regularly, especially after washing.
- Take breaks from nail polish to allow your nails to rehydrate naturally.
