Nail Care 101: The Importance of Caring for Your Nail Health

As a board-certified dermatologist, one of the most common complaints I hear in my practice is about dry and brittle nails. It’s a frustrating issue, and patients often feel like they’ve tried everything. What they don’t always realize is that the solution isn’t just about what you put on your nails, but what you do for the skin around them.

When I examine a patient with brittle nails, I almost always notice that the cuticles and the skin surrounding the nail, what we call the nail folds, are dry, peeling, and sometimes even cracked. The health of your nail folds is critical to the health of your nails. The cuticle provides a protective seal for the nail bed. When this seal is compromised by dryness, it can lead to many different issues, including dry brittle nails, hangnails, and even infections.

What’s Causing Your Dryness?

Dry nails and cuticles can be caused by a range of everyday habits and conditions, including:

• Frequent handwashing or hand sanitizer use, which strips away natural oils
• Exposure to harsh chemicals, like cleaning products at home
• Skin conditions such as eczema that dry out the hands and nail area

When cuticles become dry or cracked, they lose their ability to protect the nail matrix — the area where new nail cells are formed. This can lead to:

• Brittle, weak nails
• Painful irritation or peeling
• In more severe cases, infections like paronychia, where bacteria enter the cuticle, causing inflammation, swelling, or pus

My Go-To Tip for Healthy Nails

The good news is that maintaining a healthy nail fold is one of the easiest ways to improve the overall look and feel of your hands. The key is to keep that area consistently moisturized.

One of the tips I give to my patients is to use Vaseline Original Healing Jelly on their cuticles and nail folds. A small amount is all you need. It’s easy to rub in and provides a powerful barrier that locks in moisture. I recommend applying Vaseline to the entire nail fold, which includes the cuticle and the skin along the sides of the nail. And my patients love that Vaseline keeps their nails and cuticles healthy without interfering with nail polish or gel manicures.

The Science Behind Vaseline

So, why is Vaseline Original Healing Jelly so effective? The answer lies in its properties as an occlusive. Occlusives work by creating a protective layer on the skin’s surface that prevents moisture from escaping. That’s why I tell my patients it’s so helpful to use an ointment like Vaseline immediately after washing their hands. It seals in the moisture that is already on the skin, helping to restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier.

Your Simple Daily Routine for Healthy Nails

Consistency is key. Just like you moisturize your face and hands, your nails and cuticles need that same attention. A simple routine with the tips below can make all the difference.

Keep it Handy. Keep Vaseline nearby—at your sink, on your desk, or in your bag.

Apply After Washing. Every time you wash your hands, make it a habit to apply a small amount of the ointment to your cuticles and the skin around your nails. This is a very quick step that locks in moisture while your skin is still damp.

Repeat Throughout the Day. Aim to do this at least two to three times a day. This is especially important if you have very dry skin on the hands and around your nails.

The Key to Healthy Nails

Dry, brittle nails can be frustrating, but with the right care, you don’t have to live with them. The health of your nails truly begins with the health of your cuticles. By following this simple routine and giving your hands and cuticles the regular moisture they need, you can ensure the foundation for healthy, strong nails.