The short answer
Nails are made of keratin and need protein, iron, zinc and biotin to grow well. Eggs, fish, legumes, nuts and leafy greens supply most of what strong nails need.
Most nail problems people notice, peeling, splitting and ridges, come from everyday wear: water, chemicals, tools used as nails, and age. Protective habits make the biggest difference.
Protein
Keratin is a protein; eat some at every meal.
Because fingernails grow about 3 mm a month, you can literally watch a routine work, or not, by looking at the new growth at the base over two to three months.
Iron
Low iron can cause thin, spoon-shaped nails.
The cuticle is a seal, not decoration. Cutting it opens a route for infection; pushing it back gently after a shower is enough.
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Supports tissue growth and repair.
Moisturising nails is as important as moisturising hands. A drop of oil or cream massaged into the nail plate each night reduces peeling.
Biotin
Eggs, nuts and seeds, topped up with supplements when needed.
Taking a photo of your nails on day one gives you a fair comparison when the new growth reaches the tips a few months later.
A quick checklist
- Wear gloves for dishes and cleaning.
- Massage cuticle oil in every night.
- File in one direction with a glass file.
- Take breaks between gel manicures.
- Photograph nails on day one.
Nails are made of tightly packed layers of keratin produced in the nail matrix under the cuticle. Anything that affects the matrix shows up in the nail months later as it grows out.
Putting it into practice
Dermatologists treat nails as part of the skin. New dark streaks, pain, swelling, nails lifting from the bed or thick discoloured toenails need a professional look.
Write down your current routine, products and habits. When something changes, for better or worse, a short note makes it much easier to work out why.
Where Gelagen fits
Since you are reading this on the Gelagen official website, here is where our gummy fits: one supporting habit among several. It tastes of raspberry, prints every dose, and today's Gelagen sale covers every order with 60 days of protection. You may also like our page on our Gelagen review.
Common questions
Should I cut my cuticles?
No. Push them back gently and moisturise.
When should I see a doctor about nails?
For dark streaks, pain, swelling or thick discoloured nails.
Do white spots mean a deficiency?
Usually not; they are typically minor injuries.
Key takeaway
In brief: Nails are made of keratin and need protein, iron, zinc and biotin to grow well. Start with one change this week, add another next week, and compare photos after a month.
Before you order, please read this. Gelagen is a dietary supplement, not a treatment for any skin, hair or nail condition. Each serving contains 5,000 mcg of biotin, which the FDA warns can interfere with some lab tests, including thyroid and troponin tests, so tell your doctor before any blood work. Ask first if you are pregnant or nursing, have a thyroid condition or take prescription medicine. Keep gummies out of reach of children, and see a dermatologist about sudden hair loss, new rashes or a changing mole.