Whether you love following the latest nail trends or you prefer the all-natural aesthetic, nail care is often viewed as a form of self-care. But what happens when you have peeling nails? And is it necessarily a cause for concern?
"Peeling nails" generally refers to when your nails become brittle or weak and split or peel on the tip, says Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, a dermatologist and president and co-founder of Modern Dermatology. "Typically, this will be a vertical split from the tip toward the cuticle of the nail, in addition to separation of the keratin layers in the nail—commonly known as peeling," she says.
Peeling nails can also have layers of nail plate separation which creates an uneven nail surface, says Faranak Kamangar, MD, a dermatologist, psoriasis expert, and founder of PSOTelehealth. "Brittle nails can split at the distal part of the nail (or away from the center), and due to aging and consistent hand washing, brittle nails can also have what is called longitudinal ridges, which are lines that appear along the nail," she adds.
You may also notice cracks, white lines, and flakes along the nail beds, and your nails may feel dry, thin, sensitive, or rough to the touch, adds Jessie Cheung, MD, a dermatologist and founder of Cheung Aesthetics and Wellness.
Curious what you’re dealing with? Ahead, doctors weigh in on the nine most common causes of peeling nails, along with healing remedies and how to prevent it in the first place.
Meet the experts: Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, is a dermatologist, president, and co-founder of Modern Dermatology and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Yale New Haven Hospital. Faranak Kamangar, MD, is a dermatologist, psoriasis specialist, and founder of PSOTelehealth. Jessie Cheung, MD, is a dermatologist and founder of Cheung Aesthetics and Wellness.
What causes peeling nails?
1. You have a nutritional deficiency.
Believe it or not, your nails can tell you a lot about what’s going on inside the body, says Dr. Mraz Robinson. “A common trigger of weak, peeling nails is iron deficiency anemia, so if you have other symptoms such as fatigue, talk to your doctor who can order a simple blood test to see where your levels are,” she explains. Plus, because nails need a variety of vitamins to grow, nutritional deficiencies in biotin, zinc, vitamin D, and protein can also cause peeling nails, adds Dr. Kamangar.
2. You get regular manicures.
“Repeated trauma to the nails from manicures can lead to a vicious cycle, as the application and removal process will weaken your nails,” says Dr. Cheung. More specifically, soaking your nails in water and/or chemicals like nail polish remover, can dehydrate and compromise the nail’s health leading to peeling and splitting, explains Dr. Mraz Robinson. You may depend on polish, gel, or acrylics to camouflage your fragile nails, but this can further strip away the moisture and natural oils making them dry, brittle, and prone to splitting and peeling, Dr. Cheung adds.
3. You have a fungal infection.
“Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail that can cause it to thicken or discolor, and it starts at the tip and spreads toward the cuticle,” says Dr. Mraz Robinson. Your nail may also peel and separate as the fungus eats the keratin in the nail, explains Dr. Cheung. When identified early, nail fungus can clear up with a topical treatment or oral medication, so if you notice white, yellow, or brown discoloration, visit your doctor ASAP, adds Dr. Mraz Robinson.
4. You're getting older.
It’s unavoidable, but aging can cause your nails to peel, says Dr. Kamangar. They’ll likely become more dull and brittle, but research also shows that nails grow slower as you age, resulting in more exposure to water, harsh soaps, and chemicals which can cause further peeling.
5. You're exposed to harsh chemicals.
Peeling nails are a common occupational hazard for people who are exposed to harsh chemicals like acetone, harsh soap, sanitizers, cleaners, and laundry detergent, since they strip your nails of natural protective oils, says Dr. Cheung. To keep your nails hydrated and peel-free, Dr. Kamangar suggests wearing gloves when cleaning and opting for a gentler, hypoallergenic soap like Vanicream, Dove, or CeraVe.
6. Your medications are to blame.
Certain medications like Accutane and chemotherapy agents cause your nails to dry out and become brittle, says Dr. Cheung. “Accutane will dry out your skin and nails by reducing oil, and chemotherapy drugs can lead to hair shedding and nail fragility due to direct toxicity to the rapidly growing cells,” she explains. You may need to stay on the medication, but it’s always a good idea to talk with a doctor about your symptoms as there may be an alternative drug.
7. You have an underlying skin condition.
Peeling nails can be a sign of underlying skin conditions like psoriasis, lichen planus, eczema, and alopecia, says Dr. Cheung. If you have other rash-like symptoms or notice a change in your overall skin, check-in with your doc for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
8. Your hands are frequently wet.
Repetitive hand washing or wetting and drying of the hands can cause peeling nails, says Dr. Kamangar. It may sound counterintuitive, but soaking your hands in water actually strips away the moisture and natural oils in your skin and nails which causes them to feel dry and brittle, explains Dr. Cheung. This is especially common in the winter months when your skin and nails are already dehydrated, adds Dr. Mraz Robinson.
9. You have a thyroid disorder.
Thyroid disorders including hypothyroidism (when your thyroid gland doesn't make enough thyroid hormone) can cause dry, peeling nails, says Dr. Kamangar. Why? Because thyroid diseases affect the turnover rate of the skin and nails, causing slow nail growth, so older nail tissue lingers and becomes brittle, according to a new study published in Frontiers in Endocrinology.
Home Remedies For Peeling Nails
1. Keep your nails moisturized.
Regularly applying moisturizing creams or oils to the nails and cuticles can prevent dryness and brittleness, says Dr. Kamangar. Her suggestion? Olive oil, coconut oil, or Aquaphor. To take it a step further, Dr. Mraz Robinson recommends sleeping with cotton gloves or socks on your hands to lock in the oil’s moisture.
2. Avoid harsh chemicals.
Limit exposure to harsh chemicals like detergents and cleaning agents as they can weaken the nails, says Dr. Kamangar. Instead, wear gloves while doing household chores or activities that involve prolonged exposure to water or chemicals, she adds.
3. Use nail strengtheners.
Apply nail strengtheners or hardeners that contain ingredients like keratin, calcium, or vitamins to help the nails, says Dr. Kamangar.
4. Maintain a balanced diet.
Ensure that you’re eating a balanced diet to maintain proper vitamins and minerals as deficiencies can contribute to nail problems, says Dr. Kamangar. Foods rich in biotin, iron, zinc, and vitamin E are especially beneficial for nail health, she adds. Think: eggs, nuts, vegetables, sweet potatoes, lentils, tofu, and peas.
5. Take a break from manicures.
You may not want to, but taking a break from manicures can help strengthen your nails, explains Dr. Cheung. “If you're stuck in the vicious cycle of manicures to hide your peeling nails, stop the madness and take a break,” she says. Instead, apply a nail strengthener at home and Do. Not. Pick!
Best Products To Help With Peeling Nails
“ISDIN Si-Nails is a fast-absorbing nail growth formula designed to support and strengthen brittle, dry nails by increasing their thickness, density, and durability,” says Dr. Mraz Robinson. “The formulation works to promote keratin and silicon in the nails to support growth, alongside hydrating hyaluronic acid to hydrate them and protect from peeling and splitting.”
L’OCCITANE Nourishing Nail & Cuticle Oil
“L'Occitane Nourishing Nail & Cuticle Oil boasts a super hydrating and reparative concentration of shea oil alongside hydrating apricot oil," says Dr. Mraz Robinson. “Healthy nails start with healthy cuticles, and the cuticles protect new nails from bacteria as they grow out from the nail root.”
CHANEL Hydrating and Fortifying Oil
This gel-like product transforms into a hydrating, non-greasy oil that’s enriched with camellia oil to help nourish your nails and prevent dryness, says Dr. Cheung.
Nail Strengthener
“Olive and June’s nail strengthener can be used on bare nails for an intensive treatment as well as for maintenance underneath a coat of nail polish,” says Dr. Mraz Robinson. “The formulation includes the active celery seed extract that helps to heal and condition the nail surface, preventing peeling and smoothing ridges.”
How To Prevent Peeling Nails
Peeling nails aren’t always avoidable, but a high-protein diet and collagen can help prevent the issue, says Dr. Kamangar. Chicken, fish, turkey, tofu, beef bone broth, leafy greens, nuts, and citrus fruits can up your nutrients, but Dr. Kamangar also recommends a collagen supplement like Vital Protein Collagen Peptides or Olly Collagen Gummy Rings.
It’s also best to moisturize every time you wash your hands, Dr. Kamangar says. Aveeno Eczema Therapy and Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Cream are great, non-greasy options that lock in moisture on your hands and nails, adds Dr. Cheung.
Lastly, skipping gel and powder manicures that require extensive soaking and scraping to remove polish is also key in prevention, says Dr. Mraz Robinson. A manicure may seem like a good idea to cover up the peeling nails, but this actually worsens the damage and causes further irritation, Dr. Kamangar adds. Instead, keep your nails short and apply an at-home nail strengthener.
When To See A Doctor For Peeling Nails
Peeling nails usually isn’t a cause for concern, but anytime you notice changes in your hair, skin, and/or nails, it’s always a good idea to consult with your dermatologist, says Dr. Mraz Robinson. From there, they can diagnose the cause and identify if there is any correlation to underlying medical issues like a fungal infection, iron deficient anemia, or thyroid disease, she explains.
Additionally, if you notice any yellow or green color change, redness, swelling, pain, or thickening of the nails, it may be a sign of inflammation or infection, and it’s best to see your healthcare provider sooner rather than later, says Dr. Kamangar.
Andi Breitowich
Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based writer and graduate student at Northwestern Medill. She’s a mass consumer of social media and cares about women’s rights, holistic wellness, and non-stigmatizing reproductive care. As a former collegiate pole vaulter, she has a love for all things fitness and is currently obsessed with Peloton Tread workouts and hot yoga.
