The Best Nail Care for Mature Nails to Stay Healthy and Strong
These manicure essentials keep nails looking their best at any age.
When it comes to nail care for mature nails, age is just a number, especially if you’re giving your hands and nails the attention they deserve. Just like our skin loses elasticity over time, nails also go through visible changes like thinning, peeling, increased brittleness, and more pronounced ridges. These shifts are often the result of decreased collagen, slower cell turnover, and reduced moisture retention that naturally come with age.
With a few simple steps and the right products, aging nails can look just as healthy, polished, and strong as ever. Strengthening treatments, nail color correctors, and gentle, yet effective polish removers can go a long way toward maintaining your best nails.
Our top nail care for mature nails
- Best Overall: CND Rescue RXx Daily Keratin Treatment
- Best Color Neutralizer: Zoya Nail Polish Lavender Perfector
- Best Nail Polish Remover: Zoya Remove Plus
Whether you’re noticing nail changes, refreshing your nail-care routine, or trying a targeted nail treatment, we’ve got the expert tips and product recs to help you nail it.
Best Overall: CND Rescue RXx Daily Keratin Treatment
Why we love it: Whether you’re dealing with dryness, brittleness, or peeling nails, CND Rescue RXx is a keratin-based treatment that helps restore strength and promote strong nails. “It’s ideal for age-related thinning or peeling,” says Julie Kandalec, a New York City-based manicurist, who recommends applying it daily for one to four weeks, depending on how weak your nails are. The lightweight, oil-based formula absorbs quickly and doubles as a nourishing cuticle oil, thanks to a blend of jojoba and sweet almond oils. It also smells surprisingly delightful: “It reminds me of the mini fruity marshmallows we had as kids in the Midwest,” says Kandalec. If you’re recovering from damaged nails, this convenient, clear formula applies like a top coat, making it effortless to integrate into your daily routine.
Editor’s tip
Sweet almond oil is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, which helps restore moisture for nails that become drier and more brittle with age.
More to know
- Key ingredients: sweet almond oil, keratin
- Fragrance-free: no
Best Color Neutralizer: Zoya Naked Manicure Lavender Perfector
Why we love it: Zoya’s Nail Polish Lavender Perfector is perfect for tackling those pesky yellow tones or uneven nails—whether it’s a result of aging, smoking, or wearing dark polish on repeat. It’s like a color corrector for your nails, with a soft lavender tint that evens things out, and a breathable formula that allows oxygen to flow to your nail beds. “It smooths texture, neutralizes discoloration, and strengthens nails,” says double board-certified Kristina Collins, MD.
Editor’s tip
Use it as a sheer tint alone or layer it under your regular polish.
More to know
- Key ingredients: nitrocellulose, citric acid, silica
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Nail Polish Remover: Zoya Remove Plus
Why we love it: Zoya understood the struggle was real: Traditional nail polish removers can be harsh, leaving nails brittle and cuticles dried out. Zoya Remove Plus, an Allure US Best of Beauty Award winner, is a gentler, kinder alternative that still gets the job done. This three-in-one product doesn’t just remove polish—it also hydrates and conditions your nails and skin while it works. “It evens out texture, neutralizes discoloration, and strengthens nails with a breathable formula,” says Dr. Collins.
Editor’s tip
The bottle’s pump format is so convenient—just press with a cotton ball or pad and swipe without making a mess.
More to know
- Key ingredients: acetone, glycerin
- Fragrance-free: no
Frequently Asked Questions
Meet the experts
Kristina Collins, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Austin
Julie Kandalec, a manicurist and Kiss Nails brand ambassador based in New York City
How do you take care of your nails as you age?
As nails age, they can become more brittle, dry, and prone to splitting, making care and maintenance even more important. “Aging nails require hydration, strengthening, and protection,” says Kristina Collins, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Austin, Texas, USA. Start by regularly applying cuticle oils and moisturizing hand cream to hydrate your nails and the surrounding skin. Incorporating a nail strengthener into your routine once a week is also crucial for addressing brittleness and promoting resilience. “Weekly use of a nail strengthener can make a big difference in reducing breakage,” she says.
Also, don’t forget to protect your nails from your lifestyle habits—pop on some gloves when washing the dishes to prevent hands and nails from drying out. “Wearing gloves prevents exposure to harsh chemicals,” Dr. Collins confirms. By adopting these simple but effective habits, you can keep your nails strong, hydrated, and looking their best.
How do you get rid of buildup under your nails?
To safely remove buildup under your nails, soak your hands or feet in warm, soapy water for a few minutes to soften the debris. This makes it easier to clean them without irritating the skin around your nails. “Use a soft nail brush and avoid metal tools to reduce the risk of injury or infection,” says Dr. Collins. Gently scrub under your nails with the brush, using light, circular motions to remove dirt and residue.
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
