My Nail Care To-Do List

“Do you want one?” My coworker asked me, handing me—I kid you, not—a pair of cheetah-print, fingerless gloves created to wear during gel manicure appointments to protect your skin from UV light exposure. Because I work in beauty, I wasn’t too surprised by the gloves’ existence, though I was surprised by my instant disdain for them. Aesthetically, they’re so silly! And maybe a little embarrassing? I could never wear these in public, I thought. (This, coming from a beauty director who has tried every “silly” product and/or treatment under the, er, sun, but I digress.)

But here’s the thing: Earlier this summer, I wrote about my recent skin cancer scare, and how I’m doing everything I can to prevent another scare (a.k.a. reapplying sunscreen multiple times a day and wearing a hat every time I go outside). So it would make sense that, in order to help prevent further sun damage, I’d start wearing these UV-blocking gloves (made with UPV 50+) during my monthly gel manicure appointments. Except… I haven’t worn them once. But I need to.

I also need to start keeping better care of my hands holistically. They’re constantly dry due to too-many-to-count handwashing sessions and hand sanitizer applications, and add in my chronic hangnails, and I’ve got myself a pair of crusty, not-very-photogenic mitts. Cute, right? Well, there’s only one way to turn these babies around—especially because as I get older, so do my nails. “As we age, our nails grow at a slower rate,” Dana Stern, MD, a dermatologist previously told Allure US. “In fact, studies have shown statistically significant differences in growth rates before and after age 40.”

I’m 33, but still, I don’t want my nails to get even more flimsy or prone to discoloration. “As our nail growth rates slow, the nails are exposed to considerably more environmental influences and over time, these exposures can affect the color and overall appearance and strength of our nails,” Dr. Stern said.

That being said, here’s what I’m going to do from here on out to keep my hands, fingers, and nails healthy and hydrated for the years to come:

1. Stop picking.

This is more of a chronic psychological issue I need to work on, but I desperately need to stop picking and pulling off my hangnails. It’s gotten to a point where I keep a pair of dull Tweezers (yikes, I know) on my nightstand and reach for it when I see a single piece of dry skin.

2. Stay hydrated.

Like I said before, my cuticles are constantly inflamed and, sometimes, they bleed after too much picking. In order to avoid the ache and pain (because damn, does it really hurt), I’m going to add both cuticle oil and hand cream on my nightstand (and in my bag, on my desk, etc.) to keep my hands and fingers as hydrated as much as possible.

3. Add a strengthener.

This is more specific to my nailbeds, but in-between manicures, I need to incorporate a nail strengthener into my bare-nail routine. This base coat-like treatment will give my weak nails added durability, as well as fill in any ridges. Try the classic Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Strengthener.

And maybe I will try those cheetah-print gloves, after all!