Re: Peeling fingernails

In Reply to: Peeling fingernails posted by Christine on December 10, 2000 at 16:18:55:

: I am experiencing peeling and breaking fingernails since last year. This summer they stopped peeling and were growing very nicely, since I used Nailtiques Formula 2. However this fall they started peeling and breaking again while still using Nailtiques. I even changed hand soap. What else can be done to stop this? And why did they do so well in the summer months?

Ok, to begin with, Nailtiques contains formaldehyde or formalin resin (I don't have my bottle in front of me), and both these chemicals are added to the mixture to make the nail plate appear harder. In order to accomplish this, the formaldehyde/formalin will remove all the natural moisture in the nail plate, making it rigid and hard. Since the oils and moisture in the natural nail plate are the cement that holds the layers together, overuse of these type products will result in peeling, splitting, cracking and breaking. Whenever one uses a nail strengthener, it should be accompanied by a twice daily application of cuticle and nail oil. this will help to keep the plate flexible, and in all honesty, a plate that is flexible is much stronger than one that is hard and rigid. Nailtiques has a 'kit' that comes with a nail oil. I think it is called 10 Days to Beautiful Nails.