As we age, which begins in our late teens, the nail plate can become dried out and the ridges upon which the nail plate rides forward on the nail bed become apparent on the surface as vertical ridging. Wear gloves whenever having your hands in water for more than 3 minutes and always whenever using any type of household cleaning solution or any type of solvent. Go to Sally Beauty Supply and get a bottle of Botanical Oil. It contains the essential oils needed to rehydrate the nail plate. Apply at least twice daily and always at bedtime. Massage a small amount into each nail and cuticle. Also, if you work with a lot of paper on a daily basis, this can also wick the natural oils and moisture from the skin and nails.