"Nails can be a direct reflection of our stage of life," says dermatologist Shari Lipner.
As we age, he explains, our nails tend to become thinner, weaker, and more prone to developing ridges. They can also lose their shine.
The rate of nail growth decreases by approximately 50 percent over the course of a lifetime. Geneticist David Sinclair stated in a 2022 podcast that the rate of nail growth can be a great indicator of aging.
How do nails change with age?
As we age, blood circulation slows down and levels of keratin, a protein essential for nail and hair growth, decline. In addition to slowing nail growth, physical changes are also visible, reports Index.hr.
"In older people, nails become more brittle, thicker, or have more pronounced grooves," explains dermatologist Danilo Del Campo.
However, it is important to distinguish normal changes associated with aging from possible signs of more serious health problems.
Some changes may indicate the need for medical intervention, especially since older people are at higher risk of various chronic diseases.
For example, severe nail discoloration can be a sign of osteoporosis (a disease of bone loss).
Thicker and swollen nails can indicate heart or lung problems, and white or pale nails can be a sign of liver disease or anemia.
"If someone notices sudden thinning of the nails, dark lines, or separation of the nail from the nail bed, it could be a sign of a more serious problem and a dermatologist should be consulted," adds Dr. Del Campo.
He says that "this doesn't mean that every change in the nails indicates disease, but if something is long-lasting or unusual, it's better to get it checked out."
How to improve nail health?
Changes in your nails are a normal part of aging, but it's important to monitor their appearance because they can indicate internal health problems, says dermatologist Mona Sadegpur.
Additionally, nutrition and hydration play a key role in maintaining healthy nails, as well as overall health.
Six dermatologist tips for healthy nails
A diet rich in protein, biotin, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids helps to grow and strengthen nails. It's best to get them through foods like fish, legumes, and nuts.
Dietary supplements such as biotin (vitamin B7) are often used to promote nail and hair growth, but their effectiveness has not been scientifically proven.
Stay hydrated – water is essential for the health of your entire body, including your nails.
Avoid filing your nails too often, as this can weaken their structure.
Reduce your use of acetone-based nail polish remover, as it dries out nails and can make them brittle.
Limit your exposure to UV rays. If you use UV lamps for gel polish, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen 20 minutes before exposure, reports Index.hr.
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