Since aging is a natural part of life, taking care of aging nails is just as vital as finding remedies for facial and neck wrinkles and fine lines.
The building elements of strong, robust nails, collagen and keratin, are naturally produced less by our bodies as we age, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hannah Kopelman of New York. Brittleness, cracking, reduced circulation, and a notably slower development rate are all symptoms of aging nails.
The finest nail care products for aged nails and what to look for when buying were discussed with board-certified dermatologists. Additionally, we created a shopping list based on their advice and suggestions.
GO Ahead and SkipWhy Trust NBC Select? How did we choose the top nail care products? The top nail care products of 2024? How can I purchase for nail care products?
Our top picks
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Best overall/editor s pickCnd Solar Oil Nail and Cuticle Conditioner
$undefined$13.90Ulta
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Best for strengtheningSally Hansen Good. Kind. Pure. Nail Polish Hardener
$undefined$9.99Ulta
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Best kitDr. Dana Nail Renewal System
$23.00$30.00Amazon
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How we picked the best nail care products
Our experts advise considering a number of aspects when purchasing nail care products for aged nails, such as the product’s type and components. We’ve highlighted their shopping recommendations below.
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Type of product:
The three most common nail care products are cuticle oils, hardeners and conditioners. Oils help hydrate and soften the cuticles in addition to preventing moisture loss and cracking, and are a great option for people struggling with dryness. Nail conditioners hydrate brittle nails and boost nail strength. Finally, nail strengtheners are great for preventing breakage, splitting and peeling, which is best for those with damaged nails. -
Ingredients:
What s in the products you choose makes a big difference in the results you ll get. Biotin is one ingredient that helps strengthen brittle nails and support healthy growth by improving keratin production, saysDr. Pooja Rambhia
, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York, adding that it can also increase nail thickness and reduce splitting. Jojoba oil is another beneficial ingredient not only is it rich in
vitamin E
and has anti-inflammatory properties, but it mimics the natural oils produced by the skin, allowing it to penetrate deeply and lock in moisture, which is crucial for maintaining healthy nails, says Rambhia. Applying jojoba oil or products containing it regularly can promote nail flexibility, reduce cracking or splitting and support overall nail strength, she says. Other beneficial ingredients for your nails include petrolatum (which is deeply hydrating) and
hyaluronic acid
(to draw in moisture).
Related
Experts say our skin gets drier as we age. Here are the best moisturizers for mature skin
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The best products for nail care in 2024
Cnd Solar Oil Nail and Cuticle Conditioner
Cnd Solar Oil Nail and Cuticle Conditioner
- Feels lightweight
- Brush applicator easy to use
- Absorbs quickly
- Strong smell
Because it has a combination of jojoba, vitamin E, rice bran, and almond oil and is intended for daily use on the cuticles and nails, Dr. Serena Mraz, a board-certified dermatologist in California, is a fan of this oil, she says. It is portable and convenient to use while on the road because it comes in pen form in addition to the brush applicator.
Dimensions: 0.25 fluid ouncesImportant components: rice bran oil, vitamin E, and jojoba oil
Vaseline Petroleum Jelly
Vaseline Petroleum Jelly
- Deeply hydrating
- Quick results
- Prevents dryness
- Can feel heavy
According to Rambhia, Vaseline is a time-tested, incredibly powerful treatment for aged nails. It creates a barrier of protection for the nail and surrounding skin, retaining moisture and avoiding dryness. It creates the perfect environment for strength and healing, making it particularly helpful for brittle nails and dry, cracked cuticles. To use, apply a small amount to the nails and cuticles overnight.
13 oz. in sizeKey ingredients:petrolatum
Sally Hansen Good. Kind. Pure. Nail Polish Hardener
Sally Hansen Good. Kind. Pure. Nail Polish Hardener
- Can use as a base coat
- Plant-based formula
- Non-irritating
- Not long-lasting under polish
This plant-based nail hardener is gentle and free from harsh chemicals like formaldehyde, formalin and toluene. It s formulated to reduce the appearance of ridges on the nails, and is a great option for anyone looking to strengthen aging nails while avoiding potentially harmful chemicals, says Rambhi, who recommends applying the formula as a base coat for nail polish to protect and fortify aging nails.
Dimensions: 0.33 fl. oz.Important components: phosphoric acid and calcium
Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Cream
Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Cream
- Unscented
- Non-greasy
- Moisturizing
- Doesn’t strengthen
To keep nails and hands hydrated, this travel-friendlymoisturizercomes recommended by Kopelman since it s moisturizing without being greasy. It also hasceramides, an ingredient that plays a crucial role in maintaining hydration and reinforcing the skin barrier around the nails and cuticles, she says. By helping to lock in moisture and reduce water loss, ceramides prevent dryness and cracking, which are common issues in this area.
Size:2.7 fl. oz. |Key ingredients:ceramides
Dr. Dana Nail Renewal System
Dr. Dana Nail Renewal System
- All-in-one kit
- Doctor-developed
- Improves shine
- Long-term solution
Developed by board-certified dermatologist and nail specialist Dr. Dana Stern, this all-in-one kit has everything you need to get your nails back on track. Whether you re experiencing age-related nail changes or your nails have been put through damage, the three-step system repairs brittle, peeling nails and improves shine. The kit features a glycolic pen to exfoliate and remove superficial damage, a priming wand to promote shine and a hydrator to moisturize nails and cuticles.
Size:1.5 ml. glycolic pen, 5 ml. hydrator |Key ingredients:coconut oil, glycolic acid
Opi Nail Envy
Opi Nail Envy
- Comes in multiple colors
- Prevents chipping
- Free of common chemicals
- Inconsistency among colors
Kopelman recommends this nail strengthener, which is fortified with calcium and protein to help strengthen brittle nails. It comes in several shades including white, pink, red and nude so it can work as a nail polish in addition to strengthener. It s also 9-free, which means it s free of nine common chemicals commonly found in nail products including formaldehyde, parabens and phthalates. To use, the brand recommends applying two coats to bare nails followed by an additional coat daily.
Size:0.5 fl. oz. |Key ingredients:calcium, protein
How to shop for nail care products
When shopping online or in your local drugstore or pharmacy, here s what experts recommend you pay attention to:
Look for the right product type
Nail care products come in different forms and what you choose should depend on your desired benefits and the application experience. For instance, oils are helpful in keeping the nail and cuticle area hydrated, but can potentially feel greasy upon application and may be best worn overnight. Nail hardeners typically have ingredients that strengthen the nail structure, reduce brittleness and help prevent breakage, but they won t do much for nail growth if that s what you re after. To encourage quicker nail growth, look for products with keratin and biotin.
Incorporate moisturizers
Nails, like skin, lose moisture over time and as we age. Nails rely on natural oils to hold the layers together, but with age, these oils decrease, making nails more prone to chipping, splitting and even developing ridges, says Kopelman. I often tell my patients that these ridges are like wrinkles on the skin totally normal but sometimes frustrating. Moisturizers like vitamin E, jojoba oil and omega-3 fatty acids can aid in moisture loss and overall health and appearance in this area. Moisturizing the nails provides a degree of flexibility and improved strength to the nail, says Mraz. When nails are more flexible, they are less apt to break and split with normal forces applied during everyday activities.
Why do nails change with age?
Just like our skin, our nails are susceptible to age-related changes. Here s more:
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Reduced circulation and slower nail growth:
Reduced blood circulation means fewer nutrients and oxygen get delivered to the nail bed. You may also experience your nails growing at a slower rate due to our overall metabolic slowdown. Reduced circulation to the hands and feet means nails aren t getting the same level of nutrients they once did, leading to a noticeable slowdown in growth, says Kopelman. According to Rambhia, nail growth typically decreases by about 0.5% annually after the age of 25, with fingernails growing at an average rate of 3.0 mm/month and toenails at 1.0 mm/month. -
Texture changes:
Aside from slower growth rate, you may experience textural changes in your nails as you age. They may become more brittle and more prone to breakage and splitting. This is often due to a natural decline in keratin production and reduced moisture in the nail bed, both of which are essential for maintaining strong, flexible nails, says Rambhia, who adds that these issues can be exacerbated by systemic conditions such as anemia, hypothyroidism, liver and kidney disease or peripheral vascular disease. -
Discoloration:
A gradual yellowing or dullness is completely normal and is often caused by slower cell turnover and a reduction in blood flow to the nail bed, which Rambhia says can impact nail transparency and vibrancy. Also, repeated exposure to environmental factors like UV light, frequent use of dark nail polishes and certain medications can contribute to discoloration over time, says Rambhia.
How to care for aging nails
There are several things you can do to care for your aging nails. For one, you ll want to treat the dryness, as dryness can make nails more brittle and prone to splitting and breaking. I recommend moisturizing your nails and cuticles regularly with a hydrating cream or oil, says Rambhia.
Also, get into the habit of wearing gloves when cleaning or washing dishes, as it protects the nail from excessive exposure to chemicals and water, which can strip the nails of moisture and weaken them.
Diet can play a role in the health of your nails, too. Mraz recommends consuming a variety of nuts (which have protein and vitamin E), pumpkin seeds (which are rich in protein, iron, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids) as well as oats (for the biotin, zinc and silicon). Bone broth is rich in collagen, amino acids and gelatin, which can work to strengthen the nails, she says. Finally, a variety of fruits and vegetables rich invitamin Ccan also help with nail formation. .
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
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Dr. Hannah Kopelman
is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York and serves as the Chief Dermatologist atDermOnDemand
. She is clinically trained in skin cancer and hair loss.
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Dr. Serena Mraz
is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in cosmetic dermatology and vein surgery.
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Dr. Pooja Rambhia
is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York. She specializes in cosmetic dermatology and laser surgery.
Why trust NBC Select?
Michelle Rostamian has more than 10 years of experience covering beauty and skin care topics. For this story, Rostamian spoke to three board-certified dermatologists and included their direct recommendations and highly rated products based on their guidance. She also included formulas she s tested and likes.
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