What Happens To Your Nails As You Get Older?

The topic of skin aging is something we've covered plenty of — from surprising ways you're aging your skin to how to reduce the signs of aging on your hands — but one area that many seem to neglect and not think about is nails. However, just like the rest of our body, nails also change with age.

To better understand what those changes are and how to prevent them, we've reached out to dermatologist Dr. Hannah Kopelman of Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery. "As we age, there are several notable changes in the nails that become more apparent," Dr. Kopelman explains to us exclusively. "First, nails tend to grow more slowly. This is due to a decrease in blood circulation and a slower regeneration of nail cells." Of course, this means that taking care of them is an even bigger imperative as they will grow out much slower. "Along with that, nails often become more brittle, which can result from reduced natural oils and moisture retention," Dr. Kopelman adds. "You might also notice ridging on the nails, which is a normal sign of aging. In some cases, nails can also become more prone to fungal infections, particularly in the toenails, due to the slower turnover of cells." Luckily, there are tips and tricks you can implement into your routine to ensure your nails remain healthy and youthful, no matter how old you are!

While aging is inevitable, as are the changes in your nails that come with it, there are things you can do to keep your nails strong and beautiful. "To keep your nails healthy as you age, it's essential to adopt good nail-care practices," Dr. Hannah Kopelman shares exclusively with Glam. "Moisturizing the nails and cuticles regularly is key, as this helps prevent brittleness and splitting."

However, finding the right moisturizer for you can include a bit of trial and error, but Dr. Kopelman has some tips. "Look for products that contain ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or plant oils to keep your nails hydrated," she tells us. "Also, make sure to avoid overly harsh nail treatments, like aggressive filing or buffing, as this can further weaken the nails." Basically, treat your nails gently, and they will thank you. Similar to skincare, what you see often has to do with what you put in your body. "Maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly biotin and zinc, also plays a significant role in nail health," Dr. Kopelman adds.

Now, what if your nails already have plenty of symptoms of aging? Is it possible to get them back to their peak youthfulness? According to Dr. Hannah Kopelman, there are things that can be done to improve the strength and appearance of your nails. "Reversing aging symptoms in nails can be challenging, but it's not too late to improve their health," she tells us exclusively. "Consistent care can strengthen and restore some vitality to your nails."

However, don't expect any miracles — improving the health of your nails is possible, but they will most likely never be the same nails that you had in your youth. "While we can't fully reverse the natural aging process, implementing the nail-care practices mentioned above can help slow down further deterioration," Dr. Kopelman adds. "Additionally, treatments like biotin supplements and moisturizing products can improve the appearance and strength of nails over time." Of course, if you're worried your nails are looking older than they should, consult a dermatologist to ensure there isn't any underlying condition causing their aging appearance.

Now, if you're ready to give your nails some well-deserved TLC and a fresh coat of nail polish, check out our guide on nail colors you shouldn't use if you have older hands.