You can often tell a lot about a person by looking at their fingernails. They can reflect personal style and even offer insights into overall personality. More importantly, nails can also be indicators of your general health. If you frequently ask yourself, “Why Are My Fingernails Peeling?”, know that you’re not alone. Weak and brittle nails, along with peeling, breakage, and splitting, are a widespread issue affecting approximately 20 percent of the population.
This common nail problem can stem from various factors, ranging from a lack of moisture to the improper removal of nail enhancements. The good news is that peeling nails are not only treatable but also preventable. To understand this condition better, we consulted with leading experts in the field: dermatologists Dr. Michele Green and Dr. Dana Stern, and nail educator Anastasia Totty, to provide comprehensive insights.
Ahead, discover everything you need to know about peeling fingernails, from the underlying causes and effective treatments to practical prevention strategies.
What Causes Nails to Peel?
“Numerous factors can contribute to nail peeling, and pinpointing the specific cause for each individual is crucial,” explains renowned nail educator Anastasia Totty. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green, peeling nails, medically known as onychoschizia, is essentially a disruption in the nail structure often triggered by trauma. This trauma can include actions like aggressively peeling off nail polish, excessive nail filing, or the prolonged use of artificial nails such as press-ons or acrylics. Totty further clarifies, “A significant contributor is often the improper removal of nail enhancements, such as acrylics, gel manicures, or even using harsh nail polish removers. When these services are professionally applied, it’s best to rely on the expertise of the nail technician for their proper removal after a few weeks of wear.”
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Dr. Dana Stern, a leading dermatologist specializing in nail health, highlights that peeling nails are a primary clinical indicator of brittle nails, alongside ridging (onychorrhexis). “Peeling nails can have roots in genetics, age-related changes, product use, environmental exposures (like water and chemicals), or even personal habits such as peeling off nail polish,” she states.
Dr. Stern offers a helpful analogy to understand nail peeling by comparing it to skin dryness. “When your skin becomes dry and starts to peel, you instinctively reach for an exfoliating tool to remove dead skin cells, allowing for better absorption of moisturizer. The same principle applies to nails,” she explains. “The nail is composed of layers of dead nail cells called onychocytes. To some extent, nail peeling occurs due to a lack of natural exfoliation, similar to how unexfoliated skin tends to peel. Under a microscope, a peeling nail reveals detached, lifted, and separated nail cells. This cellular separation is the reason nails peel, split, and even why nail polish may not apply smoothly and becomes prone to chipping.”
Moreover, an imbalance in moisture levels can also be a key factor. Both excessive moisture, leading to soft and brittle nails, and insufficient moisture, resulting in dry and brittle nails, can contribute to peeling. “Constantly immersing your hands in water softens the nails, making them fragile and prone to breakage. As the layers of the nail plate dry out, they begin to peel,” Totty elaborates. Therefore, before focusing on treatments for peeling fingernails, it’s advisable to examine your toenails as well. If your toenails are also peeling, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying health conditions, such as iron deficiency or other nutritional imbalances.
How to Treat Peeling Nails
The good news is that peeled nails can grow back, and there are several effective at-home treatments you can try. “Once you have identified the likely cause of your peeling nails, you can implement a number of strategies,” suggests Totty. “It’s crucial to adopt a consistent, systematic approach to any treatment, as noticeable results won’t appear overnight.”
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Incorporate a Nail Hardener: Nail hardeners can be remarkably effective for treating peeling nails. “They not only provide support and protection to prevent further peeling but many are also formulated with nutrient-rich ingredients that offer additional benefits like moisturizing, strengthening, and overall protection,” assures Totty. “You can find a wide selection of these products from various brands at your local drugstore.” A recommended option is OPI Nail Strengthener, known for its formaldehyde-free formula and enriched with aloe vera (to soothe sensitive skin and nails), calcium (to enhance strength), kukui nut oil, and vitamin E (to prevent peeling).
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Apply Strengthening Lotions Regularly: Look for nail creams that include ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or lanolin, as these components are known to aid in rebuilding nail strength. Elon Lanolin-Rich Nail Conditioner is a highly recommended choice. For optimal absorption, apply these lotions after soaking your nails in water for about five minutes.
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Consider Using Cuticle Oil: “An effective cuticle oil should be composed of pure essential oils, such as tea tree or lavender extract, and be rich in vitamin E, like Tea Tree Eucalyptus Nobility Vitamin Enriched Cuticle Oil,” advises Totty. “A small amount goes a long way. It absorbs quickly, and daily use can significantly improve even the most unhealthy nails.”
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How to Prevent Nails From Peeling
Now that you understand the causes of peeling nails and how to treat them, here are several proactive strategies to prevent nail peeling from occurring in the first place:
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Consume Nutrient-Dense Foods: Enhance your diet with foods rich in iron and biotin, such as avocados, whole grains, eggs, cauliflower, and lean meats. Lean meats, in particular, are beneficial for building nail strength, making them less prone to peeling, breaking, and bending. Moreover, such a diet offers broader health benefits, including increased energy levels and sustained satiety.
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Take a Daily Multivitamin: Vitamins play a crucial role in nail health, working synergistically with each other and the nutrients from your diet to support overall bodily functions and nail strength. “Vitamins A, C, and E, as well as B vitamins like B6, are excellent for nail health,” says Dr. Green. “Supplements such as keratin are also beneficial for nail growth as they strengthen the nail structure and increase its density.” For revitalizing dull nails, fish oil supplements can impart a healthy shine and also serve as an effective anti-aging supplement due to the collagen-stimulating omega-3 fatty acids. “These vitamins are essential for nail growth because they fortify the nail matrix, which ultimately promotes healthy nail development,” Dr. Green notes.
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Soak Nails in Essential Oils Regularly: “Massaging essential oils like coconut oil and olive oil into the cuticles and nails creates a protective, hydrating barrier,” explains Dr. Green. “This helps to lock in moisture, preventing brittle nails and dry cuticles.” Coconut oil offers antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can help inhibit nail fungus growth. Olive oil, as Dr. Green points out, is rich in potent antioxidants that protect the nails. “It aids in restoring skin smoothness and shields nails from damaging ultraviolet light,” she explains. It’s also abundant in vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients that help maintain and lock in moisture, preventing dryness. To create a nail soak, warm a few teaspoons of your chosen oil (microwave coconut oil for a few seconds if solid), slightly moisten your nails, immerse them in the oil, and relax for 20 minutes.
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Opt for a Gentle Nail Polish Remover: Peeling nails require ample moisture, which is counteracted by acetone-based nail polish removers. “Acetone, commonly found in most nail polish removers, is highly drying and strips nails of their natural moisture,” explains Dr. Green. “Acetone-free removers, conversely, effectively remove polish without depleting the nail bed of essential moisture.” Olive & June Polish Remover Pot is a highly recommended acetone-free alternative.
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Reduce Manicure Frequency: “The nail bed’s inability to breathe under the barrier of nail polish increases the risk of developing nail fungus,” cautions Dr. Green. “Additionally, the nail filing involved in manicures can increase the risk of skin or nail infections.” Opting for natural nails or using breathable nail polishes can mitigate the drying effects of harsh chemicals found in conventional polishes. Furthermore, allowing sunlight to reach your nails and cuticles, by going polish-free, can promote cell regeneration.
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Use a Glass Nail File: Traditional emery boards can cause microscopic damage to nails, whereas glass files provide a smooth, even edge. Dr. Stern recommends the Dr. Dana Precision Glass Nail File, which helps to seal the keratin layers, preventing chipping, splitting, and peeling.
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Buff Rough Edges Carefully: Nail buffers can smooth out rough edges, preventing them from catching and potentially peeling. Use gentle, unidirectional strokes to smooth ridges and create a soft surface on the nail bed. The 4-Way Buffer Block from Tropical Shine, with its varying grits and cuticle protection edge, is a great option.
Byrdie Tip: When buffing, always move the buffer in a single direction. A back-and-forth motion can weaken the nail beds, increasing the likelihood of peeling.
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Avoid Nail-Biting: While nail-biting doesn’t directly cause peeling nails, it can lead to other nail issues that indirectly contribute to peeling, such as infections. “Nail-biting can cause infections of the nail and increases the risk of spreading germs throughout your body,” states Dr. Green. “This exposure to bacteria and viruses trapped on your fingers and under your nails can lead to broader health problems.” To break this habit, consider using a deterrent product like Ella + Mila No More Biting, formulated with a bitter taste to discourage nail-biting.
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Exfoliate Your Nails: Exfoliating to remove damaged layers is essential for healthy, beautiful nails. Dr. Stern recommends the Dr. Dana Nail Renewal System, the first nail treatment system incorporating nail exfoliation with glycolic acid (an alpha-hydroxy acid), clinically shown to have nail rejuvenating properties. Dr. Stern describes this botanically formulated system as “a clinically-proven, once-weekly, three-step nail system that, in just 10 minutes, reveals healthy, hydrated, youthful, shiny nails. It’s like a facial for your nails.” This on-the-go kit is enriched with hydrating botanicals and natural nail strengtheners, and is free from artificial fragrances, dyes, parabens, alcohol, and formaldehyde. “It’s ideal for brittle, peeling, weak nails, post-gel damage, or simply for achieving a gorgeous, healthy shine without salon visits,” she adds.
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Limit Gel Polish Use: Gel polish, while long-lasting, can be detrimental to nail health and contribute to peeling, according to Dr. Green. “Gel manicures require UV light to cure the gel, and this UV exposure can be as damaging to the nail bed as UV light from the sun,” she explains. “Furthermore, gel manicures can increase the risk of nail fungus and infections due to the nail filing process.” As an alternative, opt for a high-quality top coat like Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat and wear gloves when washing dishes to prolong the life of your manicure.
The Final Takeaway
Peeling nails are a common concern caused by a range of factors, from genetic predispositions to environmental exposures like water and chemicals. Fortunately, numerous effective strategies exist to treat and prevent nail peeling. Treatments include nail hardeners, cuticle oils, and strengthening lotions to address existing damage. For prevention, consider incorporating multivitamins, reducing manicure frequency, and regularly exfoliating your nails.
However, if peeling persists despite these treatments, or if the onset is sudden, it’s important to consult your primary care physician or a board-certified dermatologist to investigate potential underlying causes.
FAQ
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What deficiency causes fingernails to peel?
“Nail peeling can be an indicator of deficiencies in calcium, iron, or biotin,” says Totty. Your body might also require more zinc and B vitamins, which are crucial for strengthening keratin, the primary protein in nail tissue. -
What is the cause of nail shedding?
Onychomadesis, or nail shedding, occurs when the proximal nail plate (the top layer of the nail) detaches from the nail fold (surrounding tissue). This condition is typically triggered by trauma, infection, or underlying medical conditions like thyroid disorders.
