Nail Care Advise

Ingrown Toenails

2008-08-21T10:36:00.000-07:00

An ingrown toenail occurs when a corner of the toenail grows and digs into the skin at either the end of the toe or the side of the toe. Pain and inflammation in the affected area are the early symptoms of ingrown toenail. An ingrown toenail calls for immediate medical treatment as otherwise it may lead to an infection or even form an abscess requiring surgical treatment. Ingrown toenails generally occur only in adults and seldom found in children. Although any toenail is susceptible to become ingrown, the big toe is most vulnerable. The best method to prevent ingrown toenails is to exercise care while clipping of the toenails. Toenails should be clipped straight taking care to keep the end longer than the skin edge. This prevents the corners from digging into the skin. It is also necessary to keep the feet clean and dry at all times and wear right-fitting shoes.

One chief cause for developing toenail is wearing tight-fitting shoes or shoes with high heels that keep the toes compressed and induces the toenail to grow awkwardly. Improper trimming of toenails can also prompt the corners of the nail to dig into the skin. Nails should be trimmed straight across and not rounded. Fungal infections of the nail are said to cause an erratic toenail to develop. Ingrown toe nails are also hereditary and if a member of your family has an ingrown toenail, then you are more likely to develop one too. The most common signs and symptoms of ingrown toenails are pain, redness, and swelling at the corner of a toenail. Fortunately there will be no pus formation and although the affected area may appear warm, there is no likelihood of the patient developing fever.

When you notice inflammation and know that an ingrown toenail is developing and there is no relief even after two days of home treatment, it is advisable to consult a doctor without delay. If you are a diabetic, have poor circulation, or have another reason for poor healing then you are prone to increased risk of infection and immediate medical attention becomes all the more imperative. The doctor will decide if an infection is present or not and what extent of treatment is necessary. A physical exam by the doctor will include checking temperature, blood pressure a detailed examination of the foot, toenail, and quite often an x-ray of the foot. Blood tests may be performed if you have a severe infection or if you are a diabetic. If no serious infection is found, then the nail will be suitably elevated and certain traditional methods of treatment should suffice. If an infection is present, then surgical removal of the nail and draining of the abscess will become unavoidable. The extent of the surgical procedure will depend on the severity of the infection and other health conditions. The surgeon may destroy some of the cells that make the nail grow back by applying a chemical to the skin under the nail or removing a part of the nail bed. This is done as a permanent remedy to ensure the edge of the nail that caused the problem does not return. The toe usually heals well after this procedure. The primary concern is whether the nail will become ingrown again, which can occur, though very rarely, even after destruction of the nail-growing cells. There is no need to worry if part of the toenail is surgically removed as it will grow back within 12 months.

By: JishnuRaj

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Jishnu Raj is a Copywriter of Quality beauty products, dermalogica . He written many articles in various topics such as dermalogica, yonka, revitalash, strivectin, rene furtner, fredrick fekkai. For Further details on beauty products please visit www.planetbeauty.com/.

Is Nail Fungus Contagious?

2008-08-21T10:28:00.000-07:00

Nail fungus and toenail fungus is common amongst men and women. A nail fungus can affect the appearance of toenails, making them unsightly. Once the toenail fungus takes hold, the fungus is kept in place by the nail plate, making it very difficult to get rid of. Nail fungus is the most common cause of discolored, thick, and deformed toenails.

Nail fungus is made up of tiny organisms that can infect fingernails and toenails. Despite the commonly used term "fungal toenails", onychomycosis describes both fungus and yeast infections in the nail. Now the next question is of course, is nail fungus contagious? The answer is YES! So, if you have nail fungus of any kind, refrain from sharing things like nail clippers, towels and other hygiene related items with anyone else in your family. Ensure that proper hygiene is maintained till your nail fungus is truly cured. My daughter ended up getting fungus in one of his toenail while accidentally using my nail clipper!

Nowadays, there are many non-toxic all natural formula helps eliminate toenail fungus or fingernal fungus while the nail grows. One of its most popular uses nowadays is to treat nail fungus, whether it be on the fingernails or toenails.

Treatments
Some people who have not had success with traditional treatments have turned to herbal or home remedies to treat toenail fungus. But you can treat yellow nails and other symptoms by applying a toenail fungus treatment such as Mycocide NS. To cure toe nail fungus, use this natural toenail fungus remedy. It is best to treat toenail fungus or nail fungus from the inside out.

Sporanox is also another very popular remedy for treating nail fungus. Before SPORANOX became available, many doctors did not treat toenail fungus because available therapies were not as effective. Fortunately for all of us now, nail fungus can be treated quite effectively.

However, unfortunately, toenail fungus is difficult to treat because your feet are warm, in a dark environment and moist. So, always ensure that your feet are always dry by ensuring your shoes are not damp on the inside! One easy method, sun them. This works amazingly well as the sun rays will not only help dry your shoes well, but will prevent any fungus from growing in them too!

By: Daniel J.Fox -

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Nail fungus is the most common cause of discolored, thick, and deformed toenails. Find out more about Nail Fungus at www.eabout.info

Natural Nail Fungus Cure By Charlene Nuble Platinum Quality Author

2008-07-21T23:31:00.000-07:00

One of the most challenging fungal infections is nail fungus, which infects the interior of a nail, making it very difficult to reach. In fact, any advertised cure will take quite a long while to work. Most nail fungi go away after a year, or even more, because of the strength of the nail.

If you are looking for a natural nail fungus cure, you will often be advised to use it in conjunction with conventional cures, such as nail paints enriched with antifungal medications. You might also be advised to drink antifungal tablets as you use antifungal creams.

According to anecdotal evidence, extracts from grapefruit seed can act as a natural nail fungus cure. This has not yet been verified in the laboratory. Another natural nail fungus cure is white vinegar, which can change the pH of the area surrounding the nail, helping fungi to not grow there.

There are still antifungal creams and powders available, as well as antifungal nail coats. According to research, the antifungals butenafine and ciclopiroxolamine are both effective in treating it, but they need to be placed on the affected area daily for at least a year. Research has also shown that nail coats fortified with the antifungal terbinafine worked well against nail fungi.

There is also a new medicinal nail paint that is undergoing clinical trials. It is hoped that the drug in the lacquer will dig into the nail bed, which is where the fungus is lodged. When searching for that natural nail fungus cure, turn to conventional medications first and see how they work for you.

Charlene J. Nuble is a healthcare professional who loves writing about women's issues, parenting and other health related stuffs. Click on the link to learn more about Natural Nail Fungus Cure...

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charlene_Nuble

Nail Care By Juliet Cohen

2008-07-21T23:05:00.000-07:00

Nail Care is nowadays is in fashion and cleaned nail certainly add beauty to your hand and that in turn add to your personality. Fully polished and cared nail will give different look to your shapely hands. Nail care takes good care of your nail and it involves avoiding excessive, proper nourishment, improving your dry nails. Applying a right nail polish is also a part of nail care and it will ensure that your nail get the best beauty.

The primary nail care practice is applying gloves on hands that will protect your nail from damaging while cleaning chores at home etc. And a wide form of nail care is to use various creams, polish or several other cosmetic products to remove dryness, and improve shape of your nail.

As we know a nail is made of a hard protein that is called keratin. This protein is building blocks that make up the body. The nail concern protect fingers end and toes from trauma and it also help to pick up small objects. This is a good practice to keep your nail clean, polished and feminine and try to use various nail care tips that give you perfect nails that always liked. The Basic care that is in practice is mentioned below:

Soak your hands in warm water for few minutes to get soften the cuticles. Wash your hands by mild soap by using nailbrush. This is got fungus infection good practice to file the ends of your nail to smooth them off. Trim the nail to the same length that gives good look to your hand shape. Use various hand cream that help you to remove dry on your hands.

If your nail is looking whitish and crumbly or yellowish, separate slightly from the nail bed, then your nail have. To remove this infection you should use anti-fungus medicine. While shaping your nail you should use emery board never use any type of metal file that is harmful for you?

The definition of healthy nail is that they should not be spotting curved, smooth, and should not have any ridges or hollows. This is a big concern to choose a color for your polish that makes them attractive. This is your personal matters that which polish you like or what kind of a personality of your project. Try to use best product for nail care and you are supposed to follow the tips provided by specialist for getting better result.

Juliet Cohen writes articles for makeup tips and skin care tips. She also writes articles on beauty tips.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Juliet_Cohen

The Amazing Benefits Of Melaleuca Oil

2008-07-21T22:55:00.000-07:00

Melaleuca oil, also known as tea tree oil, is truly nature’s natural antiseptic. This topical oil, which comes from an Australian tree called the tea tree, is naturally safe oil that is effective as an antibiotic, anti-viral, and fungicide.

Tea tree oil was first used by the Bundjalung Aborigines living in the Northeast Corner of what is now New South Wales, Australia. They would pick the oil-covered leaves of the tea tree and rub them on their skin to alleviate cuts, bites, burns, and other skin ailments. They made a dressing for wounds by grinding the leaves into a paste. They also crushed the leaves to use as an insect repellant.

There are several kinds of tea trees. Yet, the most potent medicinal oil is called Melaleuca alternifolia
Dr. A. R. Penfold, a chemist in Sydney, found that tea tree oil was 13 times stronger in killing bacteria than carbolic acid, the universal standard antiseptic in the early 1900’s. The Medical Journal of Australia published a study that tea tree oil was effective in treating pus filled infections of the skin and infected nail beds, and helped speed recovery from sore throats when the oil was gargled. Another study published in the Medical Journal of Australia in 1990 found tea tree oil as effective in treating acne as benzoyl peroxide, with fewer side effects. It is also effective in treating burns, thrush, and bacterial and fungal infections.

Tea tree oil can also be used for animals; Bites, cuts, stings, rashes, dermatitis, lice, mange, ringworm, fleas, and ticks are just a few of its veterinary uses.

Melaleuca oil may be applied full strength or diluted in water or other type of oil like olive oil. Most tea tree oil that is produced is added to skin and beauty care products, such as deodorants, shampoos, and mouthwashes. Industrial-grade oils are used as disinfectants, floor detergents, and can be added to air conditioning and ventilation systems to kill mold and fungus.

As we rediscover nature’s natural medicines through modern research, a new world of therapies is opened to us. Natural therapies are often as effective as drugs, but without the side effects. Many medicinal drugs contain properties to heal that no synthetic drug has been able to mimic.

By: Vanessa Pruitt

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

This article was written by Vanessa Pruitt, a work at home mom promoting wellness in our everyday lives. To learn more about the benefits of Melaleuca oil, and about the products Vanessa uses in her home, email her at peetred@hotmail.com . To learn more about working from home promoting wellness visit her website at www.TriCityMoms.com .

How To Airbrush Nails?

2008-07-21T08:06:00.000-07:00

All women enjoy having their nails beautiful. Anyway, going to a salon can get a little bit expensive. For learning to airbrush nails on your own, you can save money or if you are lucky maybe even make some money from this.

Things Youll Need to airbrush nails on your own:
First of all youll need acetone and a nail stencil. You will also need some nail polish (you will need minimum 2 diferent colors), an Airbrush gun will be very useful and a topcoat nail varnish to finish.
If you dont have yet a nail stencil you can buy from a supply store. This kind of stores have lots of stencils. If you are wondering what kind of nail stencil to buy we recomand you purcase a simple but very eficient design such as a plain line when you first airbrush nails.

You may use polish remover - acetone and gently wash your hands before starting the procedure - thats eliminate any kind of oil or old polish from your nails becouse if your nails arent perfect clean the the airbrush design will not last so long as you wish.

You must apply a basecoat to your nails. When this basecoat is perfect dry you can apply wich color do you want or have for coloring the nails - this color will be the background color.

Now you will position the stencil on top of you nail in the position you want to make the design. After this you will may use an airbrush gun to paint over the stencil with the color youve chosen for your design. For the last touch you can remove with acetone any over spray near your design.

You can brush on a long-lasting topcoat and let your nails dry and remember to let them dry without touching anything; of course if you posses a professional nail dryer you can use it.

After all this steps are done you can declare yourself a little specialist and in the future you can use and experiment with more elaborate stencils.
You if are a little scared to start doing this procedure on your own you cand buy from a store synthetic hands or even fingers to experiment on them before starting to airbrush your real nails.

By: Roberto Bell

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

miro is the writer of How to airbrush Nails. You can find more articles at Airbrush Nails.

Nail Salons May Spread Fungal Infections

2008-04-11T07:34:00.000-07:00

Getting a manicure or a pedicure is like playing Russian roulette. If you’re not careful, you could end up with a nasty fungal nail infection that could ruin your nails!

This warning comes from Dr. Marta J. VanBeek, assistant professor, Department of Dermatology at the University of Iowa College of Medicine in Iowa City, who said that while most nail salons conscientiously keep their places clean, some are perfect breeding grounds of stubborn fungi that can compromise your health.
“Look at the salon with cleanliness in mind and ask yourself these questions: Are the stations clean? Does the nail technician wash her hands between clients? Are there dirty implements lying around? If the salon does not appear clean, then move on," VanBeek said.

Her advice is timely considering the growth of the salon industry that serves millions of people worldwide. In 1995 alone, Americans spent an estimated $5.2 billion on nail services, half a billion more than in 1994, according to the Nails 1995 Fact Book. During that time, there were over 34,000 nails salons across the country – an increase of 2,000 over the previous year.

Today, there are more than 50,000 nail salons in the United States with women (and some men) spending more than $6 billion a year on nail care and cosmetics. That figure doesn’t include the number of beauty salons that offer nail services.

People often go to these salons for artificial nails which are the most requested service, the Fact Book said. At the No. 2 slot are manicures followed by nail jewelry and nail art. Unfortunately, these beauty services harbor an ugly secret: they can give you a bad case of fungal nail infections that are common in the elderly and can spread rapidly from one family member to another.

Removing the cuticle is usually the first step in getting a manicure or a pedicure. New York dermatologists Drs. Herbert P. Goodheart of Mount Sinai Hospital and Hendrik Uyttendaele of Columbia University Medical Center said this is not a good idea since it can lead to inflammation and infections of the surrounding tissue and nail root, and cause permanent nail deformities.

"The cuticle is a barrier that protects the skin and the delicate nail matrix, or 'root' of the nail. Pushing back on the cuticle can injure it and expose the paronychium or skin fold around the nail, to bacteria and result in infection," VanBeek said.

Unclean instruments are another cause for concern. While the states regulate their respective salons and their technicians, they can’t always monitor what’s happening in your area unless something goes wrong. And often it does. In 2000, over 100 infections were traced to footbaths used in nail salons.

“Unclean implements are especially dangerous if the skin around the nail is broken. This can occur with overzealous manicuring - if, for example, too much of the cuticle is cut or pushed back too far. If the cuticle is cut or separated from the fingernail, infectious agents can get into the exposed area,” explained Paula Kurtzweil of the US Food and Drug Administration.

To avoid trouble, see your doctor at the first sign of infection. Many antifungal medications are available but they are generally expensive, contain harsh chemicals that can do more harm than good, and may affect your heart and your liver. One notable exception is Somasin AFS, an all-natural fungus fighter made from a powerful herbal blend that destroys persistent fungal infections in just seven days.

By: Janet Martin

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Janet Martin is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premier online news magazine www.thearticleinsiders.com. For more information on Somasin, visit www.somasin.com.

Vital Information On Nails And Nail Care

2008-04-11T07:25:00.000-07:00

Nails are vital since they carry out different activities. Without them, it will be infeasible to carry out many things.

Nails support the animals cinch and rip the grub they eat. Humans who are favored with eating appliances don’t rely on nails to eat. For all that, they conserve the borders of the fingers and toes, and allow us pick-up small things.
Several male guitarists, specifically classical players, raise long nails to serve as guitar picks and support them pluck strings. In the absence of nails, it will also be infeasible to scratch any itchy area you have!

Nails raise from the nail root that is observed underneath the skin. They are made from keratin, the predominant protein in skin and hair. This enables the nail cells to stiffen. As new cells form underneath, they elbow the hard cells which we can see as nails.

Contrary to ordinary belief, nails don’t raise after death since they are already dead! They appear to be growing since the skin shrinks. Neither do nails sweat because they don’t have sweat glands. What becomes damp is the skin nearby the nails. As they are dead, nails don’t have grub or nourishment. Their pink color comes from the wee blood vessels underneath.

The nail plates, inconsistent with the ordinary belief, don't breathe. So they don't need oxygen. For all that, the nail beds and the cuticles are live cells and they do need oxygen, vitamins and minerals.

Toenails are thicker than fingernails but they raise rapidly. It needs about four to six months for them to develop back while toenails take from 12 to 18 months. Commonly, men’s nails raise rapidly than women’s nails. Children and pregnant women also have rapid rising nails.

Climate also affect nail growth. Nails raise rapidly in hot climatic conditions and in daytime, than in cold climatic conditions and at night. Nails raise at different speeds on both hands. If you are right-handed, its natural that nails on your right hand will raise rapidly than the nails on your left hand and vice versa. Anxiety, typing on a computer etc. boosts nail growth.

Nails mirror a person’s healthiness. When you are not well, it will definitely show in your nails. One of the most common nail issues is onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the nails that may make your nails ugly and deformed. To stop this, take elaborate care of your nails by rinsing and drying them completely, putting on properly- aired shoes and cotton socks that sponge up moisture, and using a good foot-powder.

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By: Gilbert Nathan

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Gilbert Nathan is a beauty Guru. He recommends - Where to find masterly manicure material? There is such a display of manicure material found today that it can be amply confusing and backbreaking to take a large virtual tour on the Internet to know what the beauty supply companies are up to. After finishing with that great examination, I am in a position to propose Manicure sets and Pedicure They are the best in manicure sets.

Nail Care System - 12 Tips

2008-04-11T06:07:00.000-07:00

Finding a quality nail care system is very important!

Why?

When it comes to making a good impression, well kept fingernails rank highly. Poorly kept nails are almost immediately noticed and can greatly impact a person's image and the all important first assessment when meeting someone for the first time.

Use these 12 care tips as part of a nail care system that ensures your nails serve as a good advertisement and help build a positive image:

1. Healthy looking nails should be smooth, curved, void of any spotting, and should not have any hollows or ridges.

2. Make sure your nails are completely dry before you file them.

3. Shape your nails with a fine emery board, do not use any type of metal file.

4. When filing, try to keep the shape of your nails oval not pointed, thus making the nails less susceptible to breakage.

5. The cuticle acts as a seal between the finger and the nail. Gently exfoliating the dry, rough, cuticle skin layers by actually sloughing off the dead outer layers exposes new and vibrant skin.

6. This new healthy skin protects the nails matrix which is the growth center of the nail and should be treated with care.

7. Don't over manicure your cuticles. Over-grooming the cuticle damages the cuticle and causes it to thicken and overgrow.

8. Never use metal or sharp instruments on your cuticles.

9. Wear rubber gloves if your hands are going to be immersed in water for any length of time. Extensive periods in water can dry out the nails making them brittle.

10. Apply colorless nail polish or a nail strengthener to the tip of the nail to provide a protective shield.

11. Apply a base coat before putting on nail polish to avoid the nail polish staining the nails. Sometimes the dye in the nail polish can leave a residue and stain the nail.

12. If your nails carry stains you will need to let them grow out to remove the stain. Alternatively, lemon juice applied around the tips of the nails can remove some stains.

Nail Biting

If nail biting is a problem, setting up a good nail care system can do much to conquer the habit. Those who have the nail biting habit often neglect their hands and give up on them altogether.

As a first step, using a nail biting deterrent such as a bitter tasting coating which is applied to the nails can help. Patience is needed while nails grow out to eliminate the effects of mistreatment

Then, investing in quality nail care products as part of an overall nail care system will gradually help an individual take pride in having attractive hands.

The Milagro Nail Care System includes a nail conditioner and cuticle conditioner which contain a rich combination of gentle botanicals, minerals, and amino acids which make the nail more flexible and resistant to breaking. Click here for details:

http://www.1bodycare.com/159490-milagro

Review the latest developments in nail care systems here:

http://www.bodyfaq.com/nail-care-system.html

For a huge range of quality nail polish products click here:

http://www.bodyfaq.com/nail-polish.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Jones

8 Essential Nail Care Tips for Healthy and Strong Nails

2008-04-11T05:51:00.000-07:00

Proper nail care is very important in today's world where a first impression means so much. They say a person's hands say a lot about them and your nails can make a big difference on how neat and attractive your hands look. If your nails are not attractive and healthy it will be obvious when you shake hands with people or simply introduce yourself. These days taking proper care of your nails is important for both men and women due to the reasons mentioned above. For men, however there is a stigma attached to going to a nail salon or purchasing a nail kit, and even for women the cost of a professional manicure can be prohibitive.

With that in mind here are 8 tips for naturally keeping your nails healthy and attractive without spending a fortune every month on a professional manicure.

1. You will need to get yourself at least the basics of proper nail care like a good nail file, nail buffer and perhaps some cuticle oil which you can usually find in a nail kit. Remember these are very basic products which can be found in any drugstore and you don't need to spend a fortune on name brands with these products.

2. Use the nail file to file down your nails to a proper length. However be careful not to do this too often. You should really never file the nail unless it's about a quarter inch grown from the top of the pink part. Filing before that can weaken the nails and cause them to break easier.

3. As with proper skin and overall health in general, proper water intake is important for naturally healthy, attractive nails. Aim for at least eight glasses of water per day.

4. When applying nail polish aim for doing two or three thinner coats instead of one thick one. This will give you a stronger coat of polish by drying faster and lasting for a longer period of time.

5. Be careful with the products you put on your hands such as soap and lotions. Avoid products with alcohol or other drying agents because that tends to dry and weaken nails, making them brittle and prone to cracking.

6. It is important to keep your hands and cuticles moisturized and hydrated. Try using cuticle oil to soften cuticles and provide hydration which will make them look smoother and feel more comfortable.

7. If you bite your nails you need to get rid of this habit as soon as possible, no matter what it takes. Not only is this a really nasty habit to observe it will destroy the appearance and health of your nails and hurt any other efforts at proper nail care you may be doing.

8. When using a nail file or nail buffer on your nails make sure not to use the back and forth motion because that generates excessive heat on your nail which will weaken it. Instead go from the side to the middle along the ridge line of the nails.

Follow these tips consistently and you will be on your way to naturally healthy, strong and beautiful nails which will be an important part of creating a positive first impression!

Nicole Essler is the head beautician at Cleopatra's Choice where she has designed the Dead Sea nail kit and nail buffer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nicole_Essler

Nail Care – Tips For Healthy, Beautiful Nails

2008-04-11T05:31:00.000-07:00

Here you will find several simple quick tips that will ensure your nails are groomed and in tip top condition.

Here are your nail care tips.

1. Cuticles make sure you oil them

Do this each night before you go to bed it will make them healthier and stronger

2. Use Blue Tinged Translucent Polish

It will make the pink of your nails look a deeper shade of pink and the white in your nails even whiter.

3. Regular filing

Is essential and stops nails from breaking or splitting and makes them look better, so file them all to the same length.

4. Nail buffing

Do once a week this will increase the circulation and oxygen in the nails. Do for about two minutes each session and be careful to apply firm pressure but don’t be to hard, which can damage the nail

5. Moisturize

Have hand cream always so you can add moisture whenever your hands are feeling dry or in need of some protection.

6. Get a white nail pencil

This is great for enhancing the look of your nails. Use the pencil underneath the edges of your nails. This will enhance color and make them look fresh and clean.

7. Nourish your nails from within

If you have any of the following then you need to change your diet.

• Lack of vitamin A and calcium indicates dryness and brittleness.

• Lack of protein, folic acid and vitamin C causes hang nails.

• White bands across the nails mean a protein deficiency.

• A lack of sufficient hydrochloric acid can cause splitting nails.

• Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to dryness, very rounded and curved ends or darkening of nails.

• Zinc deficiency can cause white spots on the nails.

• Red skin around cuticles indicates poor metabolism of essential fatty acids.

Increase the amount of calcium in your diet and also take Evening primrose and an oily fish supplement to keep your nails healthy and strong.

8. Keep polish in a cool place

Don't store polish in a warm place as the polish will change consistency, store it always somewhere cool i.e. in the refrigerator.

9. Less is More

Do not remove and reapply polish more than once or twice a week.

Why?

Because it will dry out your nails. Choosing a remover with built in moisturizer will mean you don’t have to change coats to often.

10 Hand Massage

Boosts circulation and encourages healthy nail growth and is the perfect way to make your hands feel wonderful.

Incorporate the above in your beauty regime and you will have healthy and great looking nails.

MORE FREE BEAUTY INFO

On all aspects of health and more on beauty visit our website for a huge resource of articles, features and downloads and at http://www.net-planet.org/index.html

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How to Dispose Your Nail Polish Properly

2008-03-26T09:46:00.000-07:00

While finishing last month article about 'say no to formaldehyde, toluene and dbp', a question came to my mind. In the past, I didn't care about what kind of nail polish I'd use, whether it was safe or not. Now, since I'd like to stick with safer nail polish, I want to get rid my old nail polishes I've been collecting. But, would it be alright to just toss them in the trash?

After a search on internet, I just found out that nail polish can't be thrown away in the trash just like that because it's flammable and categorized as household hazardous waste (at least that's what US Environmental Protection Agency said). It means nail polish is as hazardous as your household cleaners in your cabinet under your sink. And to throw them improperly would pollute the environment and post a threat to human health. Moreover, doing that is illegal. Oh my gosh, I don't know having nail polish could be this hard!

Then I stumbled to the city of San Diego website. From there I knew that there's a household hazardous waste transfer facility (or a landfill) nearby where I live, which accept not only nail polish, but nail polish remover, batteries, light bulbs, paints, etc. It's open to City of San Diego residents only. And an appointment is required. So, I called them and made an appointment. It was actually pretty easy. I didn't wait for a long time until somebody picked my call. And I got an appointment on the nearest Saturday (they open only on Saturdays). Dropping the waste off was also very easy. Just drove in, had my ID checked, then drove to an area where some people were waiting for taking the trash from my car's trunk and I was ready to leave. Best of all, it's free!

I believe you can bring up to 15 gallons of waste at a time. You can also bring all sort of hazardous waste. I brought some used batteries along with my nail polishes in a plastic bag. Just make sure they're securely closed. It's recommended to collect the waste for a while, like a year, before you dump it. Or you may also volunteer to recycle nail polish from friends and relatives. If you're a resident in another city, you may contact your city's website or Earth 911 website. At Earth 911, you can search a recycling center near you based on a city or zipcode.

And if you feel creative, reusing your old, unwanted nail polishes is always an excellent idea. From preventing rust at a deep scratch on your car to color coding belongings in your house, nail polish could be handy.

For more ideas, you may check this article: 'Use Nail Polish Everywhere' (http://frugal.families.com/blog/use-nail-polish-everywhere).

Thresa Sulistio is the Founder and Co-owner of Esther's Nail Center, an online source for DIY manicure and pedicure supplies and nail-related information. Recycling is her hobby and would love to share and learn any ways to make the earth greener.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thresencia_Sulistio

Gel Nails Vs Nail Polish

2008-03-26T09:24:00.000-07:00

Clear substitutions or complements? Many people may argue that they are actually substitutes, however after researching both techniques for nail preservation and improved cosmetic appearance we come to the conclusion that these two techniques actually complement each other.

Our physical appearance plays a very important roll within the social circle we interact with. People form a mental image of use based on our looks. If we are messy and have ugly/dirty looking nails most people would conclude that we do not follow basic hygiene steps to ensure good appearance; if on the other hand we keep a sharp look as well as attractive-well polished nails the people we meet are most likely to accept us as clean individuals with a pleasant appearance. Common social occasions which arise during summer time force us to show our nails, going to the beach, the pool, public parks, etc. are all good examples.

Nail appearance not only plays a role in shallow social interactions but in our personal, professional and intimate life as well, this is why we must use products to improve the appearance of our nails and keep them healthy at the same time.

Nail Gel - Healing Products:

A common (but effective) product used to improve the appearance of discolored nails is called Nonyx nail gel, there are many substitutes to this product however we will use this one as an example. Nail gel is used to clear out discolored nails due to keratin build up under them. If you have yellow looking nails, dark nails and such the cause may just be concentration of keratin. Applying this gel over the nail and under the nail in the affected areas can restore the natural look of the nails.

After you have healed your nails you can then proceed to the next step, nail polish.

Nail polish is also referred to as nail varnish, unlike the nail gel process the thin layer or liquid applied to the nail is meant to protect it as well as improve its appearance. There are several products in the market designed to improve the look of your nails and give them a natural glossy look.

Gel Nails:

This step is not to be confused with the first one (nail gel - healing method). Gel nails are are made of acrylics (or gels) in order to extend the size of the natural or artificial nail, the application of gel makes them stronger. It is said that learning how to make them is easy but mastering the technique takes a lot of practice which is why we have nail technicians with years of experience in this fine art.

Learning how to heal and improve the appearance of your nails is critical if you want to have a good social life, learning more about products which help you keep them in great shape is not all about vanity but health and aesthetics.

Nails-Guide provides more information about gel nails and the right use/application of nail polish. Get great tips to improve the look of your nails, visit us today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marian_A

How to kill a Nail Fungus

2008-03-21T20:58:00.000-07:00

Can you really Kill your Nail Fungus ?
The answer could be a big fat YES, but you have to know the good treatments.

Article by Alain Charretier

For myself, I sought the best known remedies to kill a Nail Fungus, and I give you the truth below...
Get the facts about nail fungus remedies :
Nail Fungus is an infection which concern 35 millions of people in USA only, and is caused by several microorganisms that essentially eat the keratin incorporated in your nails.
An infected nail is mainly detected by a progressive discoloration of the root nail and later a yellow or dark coloring. Then, the nails can take a very unpleasant aspect, and it is difficult to live with.
The problem is that the fungi live inside/under the nail, which is a hard tissue, so it is very difficult to kill the fungus without the proper treatment, and this nasty infection often reappear after a successful cure.
Nail Fungus isn't painful at first but it can evolve during years and doesn't disappear alone.
A nail fungus infected me during years, without even the knowledge.
First thing first, you have to identify your problem.

Alain Charretier run the site www.nails-fungus.com where he share is experiment about the nail fungus infection, and review the main known remedies to kill a nail fungus
So if you have ugly nails and don't know what to do about, consult your doctor, first.
When identified, a nail fungus is eventually difficult to treat, but it really could be done.
It depends to the severity of your infection.
For a light infection, the treatment itself can be rather short, but anyway, you have to wait to the growing of new nails after you get rid of a nail fungus completely.
For a mild or severe one, the process can takes more time, three to six months, sometimes one year.
It depends to the treatment, your age and your health conditions.
Reality is that Nail Fungus could be a difficult disease to treat, and none treatment is actually 100% effective, all time.
The best ones can only cure 60 to 80% of the disease, with eventually some serious side effects.
The soft treatments (natural or home remedies) have even a less success rate than the pharmaceutical, according to the severity.
The good news is that the success depends of each individual, and if one treatment doesn't works for you, an other one can give you a success, all time.
And it doesn't cost you an arm and a leg....
On my site www.nails-fungus.com , I published a testimonial where you will see that nothing is desperate...
So, don't despair and act consistently as soon as possible.
Three classes of treatments exist to kill a nail fungus :
Pharmaceutical remedies : Lamisil (tablet and cream), Sporanox, Penlac
Natural remedies : Leucatin, Tea tree oil and several herbal remedies
Home remedies : vicks vaporub, apple cider vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and several others
Depending on the severity of your infection, you have to consult your doctor who will make the good decisions.
The pharmaceutical remedies are the more effective, but have their sides effects.
Getting rid of a nail fungus is a question of good choice and persistence

Alain Charretier run the site www.nails-fungus.com where he share is experiment about the nail fungus infection, and review the main known remedies to kill a nail fungus

Nailing down good skin care habits can be right at your fingertips

2008-03-21T20:26:00.000-07:00

Proper skin care extends to the hair and nails and a good shielding lotion can heal and protect brittle, cracked nails and dry skin around the nail beds.
Article:
When most people think of skin care, they tend to focus on the exposed areas of the skin - the face and neck, hands, arms, legs and body. But in fact, proper skin care extends to the hair and nails. The cause of brittle and cracked nails and dry skin around the nail beds is usually a lack of moisture.

Nails serve many important functions. With nails, we are able to pick up and manipulate objects. Additionally, nails help support the tissues of the fingers and toes. Most importantly, nails often reflect our general state of health. Doctors frequently look to the nails for more chronic medical conditions like liver disease, kidney disease, indications of poisons, and more. Nails, like hair, grow from the matrix just under the cuticle. As older cells grow out, they are replaced by newer cells, become compacted, and take on a hardened form.

Nails are produced by living skin cells in the fingers and toes and are primarily composed of keratin, a hardened protein also found in skin and hair. The nail itself consists of several different parts, including:

Nail Plate: The visible part of the nail on fingers and toes.

Nail Bed: The skin beneath the nail plate.

: The area under the cuticle, the hidden part of the nail unit where growth takes place.

Lunula: This is part of the matrix and is the whitish, half-moon shape at the base of the nail, usually most pronounced on the thumb.

Cuticle: Tissue that overlaps the plate and rims the base of the nail.

Nail Folds: The folds of skin that frame and support the nail on three sides.

Nails take a lot of abuse and nail disorders comprise about 10 percent of all skin conditions. The most common of these include trauma, white spots, splinter hemorrhages, ingrown nails, fungal infections, bacterial infections, tumors and warts, psoriasis and eczema, and even nail biting. Most minor nail injuries, such as fingers slammed in doors, ingrown toenails, and minor nail infections, usually heal on their own. More serious injuries or disorders may require professional treatment.

Because nail disorders respond very slowly to therapy due to the slow growth rate of the nail and its inability to absorb medications very well, prevention is often the best medicine. Treating nails with shielding lotions that provide barriers to evaporation can prevent water loss in the nail. Because nails are a nonliving structure, water loss from the nail is permanent.

By keeping the nails and hands moisturized with a quality shielding lotion, which protects them, promotes healing, hands and nails will experience less frequent dry cracked skin and be less a target for external irritants or infections.

Shielding lotions were able to help Rhoda Cores find relief from dry cracked skin.

"I use a shielding lotion to protect my hands from the severe cold weather here in central Illinois," says Rhoda Cores of Morton, Ill. "I use it every morning and have had very few cracks on my fingers and around my nails this winter."

Good nail care begins with proper hydration using a quality shielding lotion and can prevent many common nail afflictions, but should not be a substitute for more serious nail conditions. Contact your dermatologist for treatment options if your nail condition doesn't improve on its own.
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Author, Len Simpson contributes articles on skin care for the National Skin Care Institute. For more information, visit www.skincarenet.org.

Nail Care For Better Nails.

2008-03-16T16:36:00.000-07:00

There's no doubt about the fact that getting your nails done professionally by a nail care expert is worth the money if only because of the pampering that comes with it. But did you know that nails are one of the last parts of our body to receive blood and nutrients during times of illness. Therefore, nail appearance is a signal of vitamin or mineral deficiency or body changes. But that is not the whole story, and nail care is also very important.

Our nails are colorless and transparent. Healthy nails would usually appear pink because of the abundance of blood vessels under the skin. The nail’s tissue is called the matrix and the white moon-like lunula is at the top of the matrix. Below that is the nail bed, where the nail attaches to the body. The cuticle grows down over the nail bed and forms a watertight seal that protects the matrix against infection or foreign objects. Watch out for manicures or pedicures that cut away the cuticle because by doing so they increase the chance of getting a nail infection.
Natural estheticians do not use chemical nail hardeners or conditioners as part of their repertoire. These products do not stimulate growth or strength. They contain clear nail polish, which must be removed with damaging solvents. The solvents strip away the nail’s natural moisture. Before you know it, the nail’s keratin, or protein, is damaged and your nails peel and chip. Natural treatments include using aloe vera for its healing properties, in combination with oils such as primrose, camellia or almond as emollients. Fruit acids are added to soften the cuticles, allowing them to be pushed back.

A diet made up of fruits and vegetables to ensure vitamin and mineral absorption is beneficial for you and your nails. It should also incorporate whole grains, nuts and foods that are high in iron and protein. Drinking fresh-squeezed carrot juice daily will provide a first-rate source of calcium and phosphorus needed to strengthen your nails. Silica is necessary for the formation of strong healthy nails. It can be obtained by brewing up a cup of herbal horsetail and oat straw tea, or from a colloidal silicea supplement. Horsetail also is high in the amino acid L-cysteine. This amino acid is additionally found in the herb coltsfoot and contains sulfur, which is required in skin and nail growth.

By: gerald online

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Gerald a nail care expert providing a full range of nail care products and French manicure .

Nails Tools Kit - Assembling A Nail Tool Kit

2008-03-16T16:29:00.000-07:00

Cuticle pushers

Repeat after me: I will not buy or use metal cuticle pushers! Metal cuticle pushers can damage cuticles and lead to infection! Instead, go with orangewood or birchwood sticks, which are gentler. You can find these wood sticks in drugstores or nail salons. When using a cuticle pusher, work gingerly You don't want to shove the cuticle so far back that it disappears into the nail fold. You also don't want to remove the cuticle outright. Your goal is to clear any bit of skin that has crept onto the nail plate. Do this by shimmying cuticles back toward the area where the nail fold and nail plate meet.

Here's a surprising fact: The nail polish we use today is a reftned version of car paint.

Nailbrushes

A nailbrush is a great thing to have. You can use it to scrub away dirt, clean off oily vestiges of cuticle cream or hand lotion, rub away callused or dry foot skin, and even to gently nudge back cuticles. A nailbrush needn't be expensive; all you need is something that feels comfortable in your hand and that features slightly flexible plastic or natural boar bristles.

A tip on choosing a nailbrush: Bristles that are too soft don't have enough resistance to work well, while bristles that are too stiff can damage the skin under and around nails

Buffers

Buffers are used on bare fingernails, bare toenails, and polish-coated nails. These tools usually come in the form of a rectangular block or a two-sided board, with a different strength of buffer on each of the block's or board's sides. The buffing material can be fiberglass, rubber, fine-grit sandpaper, chamois, or even leather.

Here's the origin of that pink glow that appears when you buff your nails: buffing removes the top layers of the nail plate, which in turn makes the nail more translucent. You also generate heat by way of friction. This heat encourages blood to flow to the nail bed's surface. The newly thinned nail plate makes it easier to see the blood below.

A buffer is not an essential piece of nail-care equipment. If you decide you can't possibly live without a buffer, go ahead and get one - I don't recommend using it on pose fingernails, where it can cause thinning of the nail plate. Buffers are best used on bare toenails (which are thicker than fingernails) or to give a gleaming finish between manicures to polished fingernails and toenails.

Clippers

Clippers are handy for large jobs, such as eliminating a half-inch worth of fingernail (either real or fake) or shortening toenails which, because of their thickness, don't yield easily to nail files. They're also good for trimming hangnails. The most important quality in a pair of clippers? Sharpness. Depending on the brand of clippers, what you use them for, and how often they are used, a pair should remain sharp anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.

If you notice that your clippers have lost their edge, head to a drugstore or nail salon and buy yourself a new pair. Your nails will thank you.

By: Franchis

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

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