Seasonal Nail Care: What Happens to Your Nails in Autumn?

It’s Autumn! As I like to say, the leaves are falling and it’s time to put on clothes while inside the house.  The neighbors can see you!

Another thing everyone can probably spot are the changes occurring in the nails and skin.  As the weather changes this time of year, there are two major things that happen:

Dry, Peeling Nails

At the turn of the seasons, you’ll most likely experience peeling nails.

• Cuticle Oil – Now is the time to begin a good routine of using cuticle oils and penetrating lotions/butters.  The name cuticle oil is deceiving because it not only works on the cuticles but also keeps your nail bed protected.  It’s good stuff.
  • Get into the habit of rubbing it in daily – you can even keep a small bottle in your purse to dab on during down times.   Bonus:  The action of rubbing your fingertips stimulates blood which encourages healthy circulation leading to nail growth.
    • Need a cuticle oil recommendation? Favorite brands: CND Solar Oil, Spa Ritual Cuti-Cocktail
• When getting a manicure, opt for a dry or waterless manicure to prevent further moisture loss and potential weakening of the nail bed
• Buff off peeling nails – the pieces of your nail won’t magically adhere back.  Make sure you get a clean slate to work with and loose pieces are buffed off.  If your nail peels, it will take any polish with it.
• Like to keep your nails naked?  End with a good buff of oil to keep them healthy with a high shine.

Athlete’s Foot and other Ailments

Cramming your toes back into closed-toe shoes can bring up these problems:

• Moist, shedding skin – Make no mistake, this is a problem.  If you are experiencing this don’t be embarrassed, don’t be in denial, just do something about it.  A little patch that starts on the toes can overtake your entire foot.  It isn’t pleasant and it isn’t healthy for you either.
  • Work to rid the problem quickly with daily, soapy soaks to combat bacteria/fungal infections.
  • Wear shoes with socks that wick away moisture
  • Make sure you have enough wiggle (breathing) room in your shoes
  • Spray down feet &  shoes with a product like Tinacin
  • If your feet are moist, do not use products that will keep it moist and trap bacteria like a heavy lotion with mineral oil, Vaseline, etc

• Runner’s Toe – repetitive pressure causes toenails to blacken and fall off.  Nails are susceptible to repeat fungal infections.

• • Have athletic shoes professionally fit
  • If you have any bends in your toes that cause them to hit or tap your shoes, see a podiatrist for a splint type tool that can be used while you exercise
  • Keep your nails short and healthy with regular pedicures
  • Prevent further infections with a professional product like Mykocept, or over the counter tea tree or tonafoil
  • If you spot a nail blackening, it could be from pooled blood or a fungal issue.  Have it looked at professionally as soon as possible.  Sometimes you can save the nail if the problem is caught early enough.
  • If you can’t save the nail, ask your manicurist about building out a nail to assist cosmetically (and provide some protection) while it grows back.

Fall is a great time of year and with a few precautions you can keep your nails & skin looking beautiful all season long.