Superb Ways To Strengthen Hair, Skin, And Nails

Are your nails breaking all the time? Hair lacking luster? Skin giving you problem after problem? These issues are all too familiar and just about everyone experiences at least one at some point in their lives. Unfortunately, though common, these issues are incredibly frustrating to deal with and solve. The good news is there are simple ways to help strengthen hair, skin, and nails. In fact, these methods are simply superb!

Consume Essential Vitamins And Nutrients

A healthy and balanced diet full of vitamins and other nutrients does more than just reduce the risk of serious illnesses, improve sleep, and boost energy. If you are looking to strengthen your hair, skin, and nails, you will need to consume healthy levels of all the essential vitamins and other nutrients necessary for growth. These vitamins and nutrients include omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, protein, and magnesium.

Omega-3s promote hair growth, add luster, reduce skin inflammation, and function as a moisturizer within the body, preventing dry and itchy skin. Keratin is the primary protein making up your hair and nails, and the body’s only way of producing it is through amino acids, which your body obtains by consuming high-protein foods, such as chicken. When the body lacks calcium, you can easily see it in the strength of your hair and nails, which are considered bones, as both will be prone to breakage, growth will be slow, and nails will often have white spots. Magnesium prevents hair loss and reduces nail ridges, both of which often occur as a result of an increase in stress.

Minimize Stress

When individuals feel stressed, their bodies increase cortisol production, leading to an increase in oil production and, you guessed it, acne. Stress can also trigger the fall-out phase of hair as well as prolong it. Individuals may also pick at or bite their nails, rub their thumbnails causing ridges, and otherwise compromise nail health during stressful times. Thus, reducing stress is paramount for putting your hair, skin, and nails in the best positions possible for growth and strength.

Engage in stress-relieving activities such as practicing meditation, yoga, getting a relaxing massage, and listening to calm music. These are not the only activities available to reduce stress. Many individuals find reading relaxing, as well as watching their favorite movie, talking to friends, and even going out to socialize with others. Find what works best for you to reduce your stress and remember to integrate this into your routine, especially when a stressful event occurs.

Go Fragrance-Free

Many individuals might not realize it, but artificial fragrances in skincare products, makeup, and perfume can be a significant detriment to the strength of your skin. Even someone without a severe allergy can still be reducing the strength and appearance of their skin! Look closely at the ingredients on the list of the products you use and see if there are items such as fragrance or perfume listed. Try switching out these products, one at a time, with fragrance-free alternatives. You can consult a dermatologist or beauty expert at your local drug store when in doubt about what to choose for your skin type. Watch your skin improve within a couple of weeks!

No More Smoking

Did you know smoking essentially starves the skin of oxygen? This results in dull, gray, and lifeless looking skin. It can also increase wrinkles and sagging skin, as smoking breaks down elastin and degrades collagen. Perhaps the most significant detriment, however, is that smoking dramatically increases an individual’s risk of skin cancer, which significantly impacts the appearance of skin and puts the individual’s life at risk in severe cases. Research has also theorized that smoking restricts oxygen to the hair in the same way it does to the skin, which accounts for smoking causing dull and lifeless locks. Furthermore, smoking causes yellow stains on the nails (same as teeth), and may also increase brittleness.

Nothing about smoking helps your hair, skin, and nails. But quitting smoking now can help increase oxygen to the hair and skin, and stop the progression of yellow stains on nails. Reduce the risk of skin cancer by quitting as well. Over-the-counter stop-smoking aids like patches and gum can increase the chances of successfully stop. Consult with your doctor to develop a detailed plan to help you improve your chances of quitting smoking successfully.

Wear Sun Protection Daily

Most individuals understand wearing sunscreen on sunny days at the beach is key to protecting their skin from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. However, many may not be aware that these rays can still negatively affect their skin, even on cloudy days. Thus, it is essential to wear a bit of sunscreen every day, at least on the face, to provide sun protection all the time. The good news is that many daily moisturizers also contain sun protection factor (SPF), typically around the fifteen or twenty level.

This is often sufficient for everyday use, though you will still want to also use a dedicated sunscreen for long days in the sun. The other benefits of using a moisturizer with SPF include added protection against damaging environments (e.g., chemicals in the air), replenishing lost hydration, slowing the signs of aging, and preventing outbreaks of skin conditions such as eczema.

Develop A Healthy Hygiene Routine

If you want to have strong hair, skin, and nails, you are going to have to take care of them in every way possible. One of the best things you can do to take care of all of them is to develop a healthy hygiene routine. This includes considering the products you use and how you use them. For instance, be aware of your hair type and its needs when you are choosing shampoo and conditioner. Also ensure that you always carefully brush out your hair immediately after washing it, and only put conditioner on the ends if you have an oily scalp.

Consider skipping your shower for a day or two when possible, as continually washing your hair can put more strain on it and remove essential natural oils it needs to stay healthy. If you need to, try filling the gaps with dry shampoo. When it comes to your skin, the exact products you need will depend on your skin type. However, the two basic components of every skin routine are a cleanser and moisturizer. Nail health depends a lot on nutrients, but engage in regular grooming to help boost growth and appearance. And remember, no biting!

Increase Blood Flow With Exercise

Remember how smoking cuts off oxygen to your skin and hair, resulting in their dull and lifeless appearance? While quitting smoking can return oxygen flow to normal, why stop there? Regular exercise helps get the blood flowing through your veins, which helps carry oxygen as well as other nutrients throughout your body. Thus, your hair, skin, and nails will get more of what they need to grow healthy and strong.

Furthermore, when you exercise your body will sweat, thus flushing out toxins and impurities like dirt and improving the appearance of your skin (e.g., preventing acne), hair, and nails as a result. Exercise is also a known stress reliever, and as mentioned previously, high levels of stress have a detrimental effect on hair growth, as well as increases nail-biting and acne. Try exercising for half an hour five times a week to start, and adjust as needed to fit your needs and schedule.