Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance in your body, primarily found in your connective tissues, skin, and cartilage. While it’s widely recognised for its benefits in skincare and joint health, its potential to promote fingernail health is gaining attention.
At Gaia Day Spa, we love Gelish Nourish Cuticle Oil with Hyaluronic Acid – here are just some of the ways it will benefit your nail health:
Let’s take a closer look at these ways hyaluronic acid can help keep your nails strong and healthy.
One of the primary benefits of hyaluronic acid is its exceptional ability to retain moisture. It can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it an effective moisturiser. When applied to the nails and surrounding cuticles, HA helps to hydrate these areas, preventing dryness and brittleness. Well-hydrated nails are less prone to splitting and breaking, leading to stronger, more resilient nails over time.
Hyaluronic acid plays a role in maintaining the integrity of keratin, the protein that makes up nails. By ensuring adequate moisture levels, HA supports the optimal environment for keratin production. Healthy keratin is crucial for nail strength and flexibility, which helps prevent damage from everyday activities like typing, washing the dishes, and other tasks that can stress your nails. Regular application of products containing HA – like Gelish Nourish Cuticle Oil with Hyaluronic Acid – can reinforce this protective barrier, contributing to overall nail durability.
Do your cuticles get a bit ragged, or do you give them an occasional chomp? Consider this – cuticles are essential for protecting the nails from bacteria and fungi. When cuticles become dry and cracked, they can lead to infections and other complications. Hyaluronic acid can be applied to the cuticle area to keep it hydrated and supple. This not only helps in preventing hangnails but also maintains the health of the cuticle, which in turn protects the nail matrix (the area where nail growth occurs). A healthy cuticle promotes better nail growth and overall nail aesthetics – let’s be honest, it does look nicer when your cuticles aren’t scraggly and messy!
Hyaluronic acid’s anti-inflammatory properties can be beneficial for those who get ingrown nails or nail bed inflammation. By reducing inflammation in these areas, HA can alleviate discomfort and promote faster healing. This can be particularly helpful for individuals who are prone to nail injuries or those who frequently expose their hands to harsh conditions (maybe it’s the kids’ turn to take over the dishwashing chore?).
The hydration and nourishment provided by hyaluronic acid can create a conducive environment for nail growth. Healthy nails grow from the nail matrix, and adequate moisture and nutrients are critical for this process. Using HA in conjunction with other beneficial ingredients like vitamins and minerals can accelerate nail growth, and may help you achieve longer, healthier nails more quickly than using products that don’t contain HA.
Regularly using a nail care product containing hyaluronic acid will pay off with time and patience – and regular application following the instructions of the product. At Gaia Day Spa, we can assess the health of your nails and recommend products that will make a positive difference, and we can talk to you about what your goals are for your nails – do you want them to be long and strong, short and tidy, or are you growing them for a special occasion? Our expert beauty therapists are here to help, and to ensure you’re using products and treatments that are right for you, from your head to your fingers and toes.
To book in for your new-season manicure at Gaia Day Spa, or to find out more about our nail care products and recommendations, get in touch with us here.
