The 4 Best Tips For Growing Healthy Nails As You Age

Looking and feeling your best can be a lot easier when you're young; your skin glows, your metabolism is fast, and your nails are like slabs of steel. But everyone eventually learns that nothing lasts forever, especially when it comes to your talons. As you get older, you may notice that your nails are drier, grow slower, and are more easily damaged. And what's more, the damage takes longer to repair itself. But don't panic.

You may not be able to stop the clock, but that doesn't mean there's nothing you can do to keep your nails healthy as you age. We asked Dr. Dara Spearman, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Radiant Dermatology Associates, for her best tips on maintaining strong nails well into our golden years, and she gave us a few simple but crucial pointers. Spoiler: You'll be adding it to the list of reasons to eat your veggies.

"As we get older, our nails tend to grow more slowly and can become thinner and drier, which makes them more prone to peeling, splitting, and breaking," Dr. Spearman exclusively tells Women. That's largely due to hormonal changes slowing down the body's oil and collagen production, reducing its ability to retain moisture. That means products with moisturizing properties are more important than ever.

"I recommend using a cuticle oil regularly to keep your nails and cuticles moisturized," Dr. Spearman continues. In addition to oils, ditch the light lotions in favor of a rich hand cream. Use it often, and take care to rub it into your nails and cuticles — this will improve their appearance as well as that of your hands. Consider moisturizing versions of other nail products you use regularly as well. Nail polish remover and other artificial nail products are available in less drying formulas.

It's important to keep your hands clean, but when it comes to the health of your nails, too much of a good thing can backfire. "Years of exposure to things like frequent hand washing, cleaning products, and manicures can also take a toll on the nails," Dr. Spearman warns Women, exclusively. That's not to mention sun exposure; those UV rays can damage your nails just as much as your skin.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to limit your exposure. "Wear gloves when you're doing dishes or cleaning, since too much water and cleaning products can be really drying and irritating," Spearman advises. In situations where gloves are unavailable or impractical, seek out products that are gentler on the hands, use slightly cooler water, and consider a protectant like Gloves in a Bottle. If you're going outside, don't forget the SPF! Apply it to your hands and nails along with the rest of your body.

You've probably been told a thousand times how essential it is to eat right, especially as you get older. Unfortunately for the junk food lovers out there, people harp on it because it's true — and what you eat can even affect the appearance of your nails. In fact, your nails can give you quite a few signs about the state of your health. "Make sure you're getting enough vitamins and nutrients your body needs for healthy nail growth," Dr. Spearman exclusively advises Women. "Nutritional deficiencies, particularly low iron, can contribute to changes in nail strength and growth."

Luckily, upping these nutrients just means a trip to the grocery store, and we suggest starting at the produce section. The vitamin A found in leafy greens is just as important as iron when it comes to nail strength and shine. Plenty of protein, healthy fats, vitamin E, and vitamin D round out the requirements of a nail-healthy diet. Pick up some salmon and sweet potatoes, and you'll be well on your way to gorgeous, strong nails.

Practicing healthy nail maintenance as you age brings with it a zen-like quality: What you don't do is just as important as what you do. As fun as it is to paint your nails or dive into some manicure treatments, piling on the products can wreak havoc on nails over time. Plus, overzealous buffing in an attempt to regain lost shine or smooth out (totally normal!) vertical ridges just weakens the nails further.

"Try not to over-buff your nails or cut your cuticles too much and take a break from manicures every now and then," Dr. Spearman recommends. "It's good to give your nails a break, especially if you notice they're becoming brittle." If you're thinking about embarking on one such nail detox, you're in luck: Pamela Anderson and Kate Middleton love the "no-manicure manicure" look right now, so there's never been a better time to go bare.