How To Keep Your Nails Healthy After 40

If you thought a swipe of polish is all you need for happy nails, think again. Here's some tips on how to keep your nails healthy and preened.

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Your nails need some extra TLC after the age of 40 as nail growth starts to slow and they become drier and more brittle. Vertical ridges can appear as the skin under the nail plate loses structural integrity.

The solution? Opt for a combination of good nutrition and nourishing treatments (see right), says wellness expert and nutritionist Fiona Tuck. “As you age, your body absorbs nutrients less effectively, which often presents itself in the nails,” she explains. “However, if we ‘feed’ the nail with the correct nutrients, they’ll grow stronger and be more resistant to breakage and deterioration.”

So fuel up on good-quality protein such as oily fish, brown rice, oats and leafy green veggies. Your nails can tell you a lot about your internal health, so if you notice any serious or sudden changes, such as discolouration or shape, speak to your doctor. Meanwhile, add some of these nourishing nail-care products to your self-care routine.