Dealing With Weak or Peeling Nails? These Dermatologist-Recommended Best Nail Strengtheners Can Help

Dry skin, parched strands—as most of us in our 50s already know, menopause can cause us to dry out from head to toe—including to the very tips of our fingernails. “During menopause, changes in nail health can be quite frustrating,” says Hannah Kopelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery and host of Derm Club, a weekly dermatology podcast. “The hormonal changes, particularly the drop in estrogen, really take a toll on nail strength and growth.” Since we use our hands every day these problems can be oh-so-very aggravating, and sometimes even painful!

Beauty

5 Tips for Longer, Stronger Nails When Going Through Menopause

There seems to be a never-ending list of menopause symptoms, and as many of us women over 45 have discovered there’s yet another one to add: Slow growing nails! “Nail growth and health can be affected during menopause due to hormonal changes,” says Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist in NYC. “Menopause often leads to a […]

These hormonal shifts can cause nails to become brittle, thin, and weak since estrogen plays a key role in maintaining moisture and keratin production, both of which are essential for strong, healthy nails. “Estrogen also helps in collagen production,” explains Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “The decline in collagen can make nails more prone to breaking, peeling, and splitting.” The good news is there’s hope for these nail woes in the best nail strengtheners. So keep scrolling for easy ways to banish these pesky menopausal-related nail problems.

TK best nail strengtheners

As it turns out, a little swipe can make a big difference—the dermatologists we spoke to said choosing the best nail strengthener can help when it comes to addressing menopausal-related nail issues. Of course, not all nail strengtheners are alike. In fact, some may be better than others when it comes to addressing your specific problem. Keep reading for expert picks for the best nail strengthener to make your nails brighter, stronger, smoother and more—but before we get to that, one quick note: The pros say to be sure to only apply strengtheners to clean, bare nails.

Beauty

How Does Menopause Impact Nail Growth? Dermatologist Answers

From our head to our toes, from hot flashes to hair loss, menopause can kick off a whole range of issues—including changes that extend right down to our fingertips and impact our nails. “Menopause brings about a variety of changes in a woman’s body, and the nails are no exception,” says Hannah Kopelman, MD, a […]

Best nail strengthener for discolored nails

essie Hard To Resist Advanced Nail Strengthener

When keratin production slows, nails have fewer layers of proteins, so they may appear more dinghy and dull. The fix? Dr. Garshick recommends essie Hard To Resist Advanced Nail Strengthener, which can help brighten nails thanks to its use of MSM technology, an organic sulfur compound that is a key component of keratin. “It strengthens soft or damaged nails while improving overall nail health,” she explains. “And helps to make nails appear visibly brighter and healthier.”

Best nail strengthener for weak nails

Mavala Scientifique K+ Keratin Hardener Strengthener

During menopause sometimes the tips of nails become really flimsy and weak. To fortify them, Dr. Garshick suggests using a nail hardener like Mavala Scientifique K+ Keratin Hardener Strengthener. This brush-on treatment contains pistacia lentiscus gum, a tree resin that helps strengthen the bonds between keratin fibers. One note: Use the treatment twice weekly until nails feel stronger, then reduce usage to just once or twice a month. Otherwise, with overuse, nails may become brittle.

Best nail strengthener for slow-growing nails

Deborah Lippmann Hard Rock Strengthener Top and Base Coat

Nail growth is greatly hindered as keratin production stalls since the protein is a vital building block for nails. That’s why Dr. Garshick recommends a protein-rich treatment like Deborah Lippmann Hard Rock Strengthener Top and Base Coat. “It also contains ingredients like safflower seed oil, camellia oleifera leaf extract, and panthenol,” she says. “These moisturizing ingredients help further encourage nail growth.” 

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Best nail strengthener for peeling nails

Ella and Mila First Aid Kiss Nail Strengthener

Since menopause interferes with the body’s ability to retain moisture, this can lead to dehydrated nails that can peel or flake. Dr. Garshick says using a product like Ella and Mila First Aid Kiss Nail Strengthener can target this pesky issue with ultra-moisturizing vitamin E. “This nail strengthener is meant to be used once a week in a four-week treatment,” notes Dr. Gashick. “Then after the initial four weeks, it can be used as needed.” 

Best nail strengthener for brittle nails

Isdin Si Nails Nail Strengthener

When collagen production falls off, nails become less pliable and can become brittle and crack more easily. A strengthener like Isdin Si Nails Nail Strengthener repairs this brittleness with ingredients like silanediol salicylate, which promotes silicon, an essential mineral in nails. “I love that it is easy to use as a one-click applicator pen, designed to be used once daily,” Dr. Garshick raves. “It’s also been clinically proven to increase the density and durability of the nail with results seen as early as 14 days.”

Now that you’ve got all the expert insight on the best nail strengthener for your specific nail problem right at your fingertips, your hands should look lovely in no time! However, if after a few weeks of using a strengthener you don’t notice any difference, or if your nails develop other issues like dents or ridges, it may be time to consult an expert. “If you’re dealing with ridges or other changes in the nails, it’s worth checking in with a dermatologist,” says Dr. Kopelman. “You just to make sure there aren’t any underlying issues like a nutrient deficiency or thyroid problem.”