Taking care of your nails during quarantine is important for maintaining their health and preventing problems. Staying at home more often might tempt you to neglect your nail care routine, but keeping your nails in good shape can be a great way to de-stress and practice self-care. Here’s how you can maintain your nail care routine during quarantine and keep your nails looking healthy and attractive.
Why Nail Care Matters
Dr. Dana Stern, a dermatologist at Mount Sinai Hospital, emphasizes that neglecting your nails during quarantine can lead to issues like breakage, splitting, and infections. Proper nail care can help prevent these problems and keep your nails strong. Maintaining a routine is not just about aesthetics; it’s also about your overall nail health.
Basic Nail Care Steps
1. Keep Nails Clean and Dry
Keeping your nails clean and dry is the first step in preventing infections. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, making sure to scrub under your nails to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Trim and File Regularly
Trim your nails regularly to keep them short and prevent them from breaking. Use a clean, sharp nail clipper and cut your nails straight across, then round the tips in a gentle curve. File your nails with a fine emery board to smooth any rough edges.
3. Moisturize Your Nails and Cuticles
Julie Kandalec, a nail expert at Essie, advises using a good cuticle oil or cream to keep your cuticles moisturized and prevent dryness. Apply a moisturizing hand cream or cuticle oil daily, especially after washing your hands, to keep your nails and cuticles hydrated.
4. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
During quarantine, you might be cleaning more often, which means more exposure to harsh chemicals. Wear gloves when cleaning or doing dishes to protect your nails from damage. Use gentle, non-toxic nail products whenever possible.
Nail Care Tips for Quarantine
Create a Home Manicure Routine
Even if you’re not going out, maintaining your nail care routine can be a great way to de-stress and take care of yourself, according to celebrity manicurist Jessica Washick. Here’s a simple home manicure routine you can follow:
- Soak Your Nails: Start by soaking your nails in warm, soapy water for a few minutes to soften the cuticles.
- Trim and File: Trim your nails straight across and then file them to your desired shape.
- Push Back Cuticles: Gently push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher.
- Moisturize: Apply cuticle oil and hand cream to moisturize your nails and hands.
- Polish (Optional): If you want, apply a base coat, two coats of your favorite nail polish, and a top coat for shine and protection.
Avoid Nail Biting
Nail biting can become more common during stressful times, but it can lead to damage and infections. Keep your nails trimmed and polished to reduce the temptation to bite them. You can also use a bitter-tasting nail polish to discourage nail biting.
Take Breaks from Nail Polish
Give your nails a break from polish occasionally to let them breathe and recover. Use a nail strengthener or a clear, nourishing polish to keep your nails healthy during these breaks.
Personal Insights
From my own experience, creating a simple home manicure routine during quarantine helped me maintain a sense of normalcy and self-care. I noticed that taking the time to care for my nails gave me a small, but significant, boost in mood and confidence. A friend of mine found that regularly applying cuticle oil prevented the dryness she often experienced from frequent handwashing and sanitizer use.
The Impact of Quarantine on Nail Health
A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology compared the nail health of 500 people before and after quarantine. It found that many experienced increased nail brittleness and splitting due to changes in routines and increased stress. Another study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology surveyed 1,000 people and identified areas for improvement in home hygiene practices, including nail care.
Key Findings:
- Increased Handwashing: Frequent handwashing and use of hand sanitizers can lead to dry, brittle nails.
- Reduced Professional Care: Limited access to professional nail services resulted in more DIY nail care, with mixed results.
- Stress and Anxiety: Increased stress and anxiety during quarantine can lead to habits like nail biting, which can damage nails.
Adapting Your Nail Care Routine
Adjust to Increased Handwashing
To counteract the drying effects of frequent handwashing, use a rich hand cream after each wash. Look for creams that contain ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, and vitamin E for extra hydration.
DIY Nail Care
With limited access to salons, many people have turned to DIY nail care. Invest in quality tools and products to ensure the best results. Follow online tutorials or consider virtual consultations with nail experts to learn proper techniques.
Manage Stress
Managing stress is crucial for maintaining overall health, including nail health. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to reduce stress and prevent habits like nail biting.
Conclusion
Maintaining your nail care routine during quarantine is essential for keeping your nails healthy and strong. By following a simple home manicure routine, moisturizing regularly, avoiding harsh chemicals, and managing stress, you can prevent common nail problems and enjoy beautiful nails. Remember, taking care of your nails is a great way to practice self-care and boost your mood during these challenging times.
