Read this BEFORE your next mani-pedi 💅

5 essential tips to keep your nails looking strong, healthy, and FABULOUS! Who doesn’t LOVE a good mani-pedi? Especially this time of year, {NAME} — when it’s time to break out your sandals. But as relaxing as the whole experience can be… I can’t overstate how important it is to make sure your pampering is done safely. Otherwise, your nails and hands could actually look older… And in some cases, you could even put yourself at risk for a serious infection! So whether you’re going to the salon or doing a DIY mani-pedi at home… Here are my top recommendations for achieving beautiful, healthy looking nails:  #1. Mind your cuticles Cuticles MAY be annoying… but they’re essential! See, they act as a protective barrier that prevents bacteria and fungi from entering your nail bed… So you should never forcefully cut or peel back the skin. Instead, gently push cuticles back after soaking your hands or feet in warm water. This helps maintain their appearance while reducing the risk of infection. And of course, if you're visiting a salon, it's crucial to ensure the tools used on your nails are properly sanitized or, ideally, individually wrapped and sterile. Don’t be afraid to ask about the salon’s cleaning practices… And if you get frequent manicures and pedicures, consider even purchasing your own tools to be used at the salon. When doing an at-home treatment, clean your tools thoroughly with warm, soapy water after each use to remove any bacteria or product residue. #2. Use gel polish with caution I’ll be honest, gel polish isn’t my favorite… Because even though the polish is super shiny and durable, getting that perfect finish can actually make your hands and feet look older. The culprit? UV lamps used to harden the polish — which are known to damage skin cells.1 There’s growing research around this topic… With a new study suggesting consistent use of these lamps can actually accelerate aging and increase your chances of getting skin cancer.2 So if I were you, I’d skip the gel all together and opt for dip powder or regular polish instead. This can give you a similar effect without using a UV lamp. (Tip: If you do find yourself using gel polish, consider wearing a pair of fingerless manicure gloves to help protect your hands from UV damage.) #3. The earlier, the better If visiting a salon, try to schedule your appointment first thing in the morning… That way, you can avoid any potential germs left behind by other customers! This is especially helpful if you plan to get a pedicure… Because foot basins are notorious for harboring bacteria if they’re not cleaned properly between customers. (Tip: If you're getting a pedicure, I recommend against shaving or waxing your lower legs for at least 24 hours before your appointment. See, shaving and waxing can cause nicks or micro-abrasions — leaving you more susceptible to getting an infection. So instead, play it safe and shave after your nails are done.) #4. Choose non-damaging nail products Nail polishes and gel products can contain potentially harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP (dibutyl phthalate). Formaldehyde can weaken your nails over time, leading to brittleness and chipping...3 While toulene and DBP can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat.4 This is especially important as we age because our bodies start to produce less keratin — the protein that makes our nails strong and flexible… And over time, this causes our nails to become weaker, thinner, and more prone to breakage. So to keep your nails as healthy as possible, opt for polishes labeled as "3-free" or "5-free," indicating they’re free from these harmful ingredients. You can also look for polishes labeled as "nourishing" or "strengthening" to support healthy nail growth. These formulations often contain ingredients like keratin, vitamin E, calcium, or other nutrients that can help fortify your nails and keep them in good condition. #5. Treat yourself to a DIY nail soak You can get the spa experience right at home with the right recipe… And I have one I think you’ll love! This homemade nail soak is packed with protein and antioxidants — to help prevent chipping and encourage shiny, healthy nails. (Because the secret to a perfect manicure is hardy, strong nails underneath the polish.) So here’s how to do your own “nail strengthening soak” at home: 1. Combine 2 egg yolks and 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium bowl. 2. Whisk in 1 tablespoon of honey until the mixture is smooth and creamy. 3. Allow your nails to soak in the mixture for 15 minutes, then gently rinse in warm water. Give it a shot, and you’ll notice your nails looking healthier (and younger) in no time! Plus, the hydrating olive oil will help to replenish lost moisture and prevent nail chipping. What’s not to love! So there you have it… 5 pointers to help your nails look and feel their best. After all, you do a lot to care for your skin… Why not do the same for your nails? Your Beverly Hills MD, Dr. Payman Danielpour   //links.beverlyhills-md.com/a/141/click/10021010/742234759/_d58d69de911042aa8d625e51347d274360cfe48f/3debf6c4688a644c4b6f4542f27cda408dfa82e9 Sources: 1. Moyer, M. W. (2023). Are gel manicures dangerous? Retrieved from 2. Zhivagui, M., Hoda, A., Valenzuela, N., Yeh, Y.-Y., Dai, J., He, Y., … Alexandrov, L. B. (2023). Retrieved from 3. (N.d.-b). Retrieved from 4. (N.d.-a). 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