Are ridged nails getting in the way of your wonderfully manicured look?

 Ridged Fingernails - what can we do about them?

 

Although, nails do not contain any blood, nail issues such as ridged nails can indicate the presence of an underlying disorder.  We all know that ridges in fingernails are bumpy, elevated lines forming either vertically or horizontally.  When we refer to vertical ridges, we mean the ones running from the base of the nail bed to the tip of the nail.  Such ridges can change the appearance of the fingers, however these finger nail abnormalities are not painful and may go unnoticed.

 

Vertical ridges are often considered to be due to a genetic attribute, yet there are other causes for this nail condition:

1.  Poor Diet - If a person's diet is lacking essential vitamins and minerals, they might experience ridged nails.  Therefore, ridged fingernails may indicate that the body is not getting its daily dosage of vitamins.  Your diet should include adequate amounts of Vitamin A, B, iron and protein.  And deficiencies  can trigger nail ridging. 

2.  Poor Nutrient Absorption - Ridged fingernails is often the result of the body's inability to properly absorb nutrients from the food we eat, in which case it would be recommendable to consult a doctor to find out the cause.

3.  Loss of Moisture - As we grow older, the nail plate loses its moisture and natural oils, which often results in ridged fingernails.  Unfortunately, the aging process always has a negative effect on our nails.  It is therefore no wonder that we find elderly people with ridged, cracked fingernails.

4.  Nail Injury or Fungal Infection - Either could be a possible trigger for the formation of ridged fingernails.  If you have sustained an injury to the nail bed, this could produce ridges, which may remain for a very long time. 



Horizontal ridges should never be overlooked!  People having horizontal ridges often experience a change in their nail colour, which is an indication of a potentially serious health problem.  Be sure to make an appointment with your doctor if you have or think you may have horizontal ridges.

 

 

What can we do about ridged nails?

 

• The easiest thing is to start eating a nutritious diet.  Assess your food intake and ensure that you are providing your body (and nails) with all the necessary vitamins, minerals and iron it requires.  This will be a huge step in keeping the ridges at bay.
• Always be sure you are drinking enough water.  As you read above, dehydration is also a possible cause for ridged fingernails.
• A lack of moisture is often the primary cause behind ridged nails, in which case moisturizing creams applied daily would be beneficial.

 

 

 

Myth-Busting - Can you have gorgeous, healthy nails after wearing fake nails for years?

Gayle's Amazing Transformation - from artificial to compliment-worthy, real nails

 

Starting Point for Gayle

 

My nails are in poor condition and my cuticles even worse. The nails are dry and brittle and prone to splitting, still have a lot of ridges which I believe are related to the acrylics I wore for some time. My cuticles are dry, sore and I seem to have a new hang nail every time I look.

 

Pre-Challenge Photos

 

 

 

Week 1 Progress Update

 

Week 1 down and I can already see an improvement. The nails are stronger, not splitting as much and not snagging on things. They definitely have a healthier glow about them too. My cuticles seem to be healing and have improved. All this despite the fact that today I did yard work without my gloves on: I raked,  picked up leaves, etc. and placed in yard waste bags, put away outdoor furniture and pulled some weeds. Last week I was working in our basement crawl space, and my hands took a real beating.

I have been using my Tips for Toes, 1st thing in the morning prior to washing hands or showering and again later in the day, usually in the evening. I am using my Revival Hand and Nail Wash most of the time and keeping Revival Skin Conditioning Milk on my desk at work, beside my bed at home and in the kitchen and I am using probably about 3 times per day and using the curved file several times a day (love all the products but love this file the most). I almost forgot to mention... I am not biting my thumb nails any longer, this challenge has given me the motivation I required!

Week 1 Photos

 

Week 2 Progress Update

 

My nails and cuticles continue to improve in condition, colour, texture AND the biggest thing this week is no breakage, not one snag on fabric or hair or anything for that matter... the Contour Nail File is doing a great job of sealing the edges and I am loving that. I carry the products with me as when I am at work, I am usually there for 12 hours and during my day, when tied up on the phone talking but not having to type or take notes, out comes the contour file which can be done without any fuss or mess, I then quickly moisturize using the Revival Skin Conditioning Milk, you don't need alot and it is quickly absorbed.

The item of key importance which no other nail product company has ever informed me of, is the vital importance of the cuticle health and that the cuticle should be nourished but otherwise left alone. In the past, all the cuticle products I purchased encouraged massage, pushing back, trimming etc of the cuticle yet now that ASK is educating me and I am learning to leave the cuticles alone, I am having far better results than I ever have.

I cannot wait to see how wonderful my nails and cuticles look at the end of the TNT challenge, I am so optimistic about the future of my nails now, yet when I started this challenge, I had been so discouraged that I was actually toying with the idea of having acrylic's applied again. ASK is giving me hope of an Acrylic free future, thank you ASK :)

Week 2 Photos

 

 

Week 3 Progress Update

 

It is going fairly well, no breakage, no snagging, no problems really. The only problem that I am dealing with is that some mornings I gap and don't apply TIPS Nail Conditioner before showering.. it has been very, very busy though and find I am very preoccupied. I also really need to learn to not pick at or manipulate my cuticles... I am working on it and coming along slowly.

 

Week 3 Photos

 

 

 

 

Week 4 Progress Report

 

(Gayle is now receiving compliments on her nails!)

 

This week was very, very busy and I was tired and distracted, so multiple mornings, completely forgot my TIPS till I was in the shower and it was too late for pre-water application. I still applied once in the afternoon and a light pre-bed application and my nails are definitely getting stronger and healthier. I am seeing an improvement in my cuticle health but must admit to a tendancy to pick and am working on training myself to leave the cuticles and hang nails alone. Every week when I take my pictures, I think that my nails look dirty, yet they truly are not, I wonder if this is all part of the damage caused by acrylic nails and am watching for an improvement in this area. I am still using my curved file several times a day and applying revival skin conditioning milk 2-3 times per day. This week, I actually had 2 or 3 people mention that my nails were looking good.

 

Week 4 Photo

 

 

 

Week 5 & 6 Progress Updates

 

My nails continue to improve in strength and appearance, with amount of ridges starting to decrease. Cuticle health is improving except for where I continue to pick, this is a habit I am working hard to break and do see some improvement. I have stopped picking apart my pomegranates and my nails are losing the dirty look I had complained of (beware of those pomegranates - they definitely stain). You will see that during a particularly stessful moment I reverted to biting and attacked the right hand thumb nail as well, another bad habit, using nails as tools, did this and had some breakage, didn't break right off and I am babying it and believe it or not, I think it is self mending, will let you know more next week.

I continue to receive compliments on my nails and a co-worker commented across the table after a meeting "oh I see you are getting acrylics again" and when I told her I had stopped biting and these were my very own, she was really impressed and had to hear all about the ASK products I am using.

 

Week 5 & 6 Photos

 

Week 7 Update

 

 Nails continue to improve, many compliments and inquiries regarding the ASK Cosmetics products I am using.  I ran into Hannah who used to do my acrylic's; she was really impressed as she knew how I used to bite to the quick.

 

Week 8 Update

 

Nails still look good but cuticles definitely starting to suffer due to forgetting to apply TIPS in my hectic lifestyle.

Week 9 Update

 

Hubby still away, trying to get some projects completed at home; banged hand on counter and one nail snapped off; when sanding wall, another nail snapped off. So, I got mad and forced myself back into routine of using products, hands/cuticles/nails immediately. I had to trim down nails on left hand this week as getting too long and in the way when working, typing, etc.

 

Week 10 Update

 

Nails and cuticles coming along, using all the ASK products. I caught myself biting right thumb nail and immediately stopped. My left hand looks great; right hand definitely a work in progress.

Week 11 Update

 

Nails on my right hand are starting to fill in; all nails and cuticles looking much healthier and my nails are much stronger. Continuing to use all products. I was fortunate to win some ASK products in the Christmas Giveaway so although I ran out of skin milk, there was some in my prize which arrived very swiftly.

 

I received a couple of compliments from people over the holidays from people who know I was a long time biter and acrylic wearer, all very impressed and interested in ASK products.

Final Photos of Gayle's gorgeous nails after 11 weeks of using ASK Cosmetics' nail & skin care products

 

There you go - from many years of wearing acrylics to having her own, healthy-looking, long & strong nails. 

 

 Great work Gayle and thanks for participating in our Total Nail Transformation Challenge in Fall 2012.

 

For more information about the ASK Cosmetics products click here.

 

And thanks to you for dropping by and reading this amazing story.  Be sure to follow this blog for more updates, giveaways, videos, challenge info, etc.

 

Have a great day,  Lisa M.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proper Footcare - especially for Diabetics

Looking after your feet properly needn't be difficult, but does require special care and proper practices

 

We all know that diabetes is a disorder, in which the pancreas secretes insulin. In recent years, the incidence of diabetes is on the rise because of our lifestyle changes. Diabetes itself may be not severe, however the real life-threatening situation is the complications that may occur to a diabetic's foot, which may lead to amputation of a foot or leg. Therefore, proper foot care is very important to prevent diabetic foot. This article will provide an introduction on diabetic foot care in detail.

 

 

As a person with Diabetes, you are more vulnerable to foot problems, and even a small cut can result in serious consequences. In addition, Diabetes may cause nerve damage that takes away the feeling of your feet, reduce blood flow to the feet, make it difficult to heal an injury or resist infections. Once these problems occur, you are more likely to develop a blister or a sore on your feet, thus, diabetic foot appears. At present, there is no specific treatment to cure diabetic foot, so the best treatment is always correct diabetic foot care.

 

How to develop a proper diabetic foot care routine?

◆ Use warm water and mild soaps to wash your feet every day, and then dry your feet thoroughly with a dry towel.

◆ Moisturize your feet by using some lotion but not between your toes, because that will encourage a fungal infection.

◆ Cut your toenails after bathing, because they are soft at that time. Don’t cut nails too short as this may lead to ingrown toe nails. If you have some doubts about your nails, you should consult your doctor.

◆ Never walk barefoot! Ensure that you walk with shoes to avoid a scratch or cut. Since very small cuts can cause severe consequences, you should pay close attention to this advice.

◆ If you get a sore or a blister on your feet, don’t deal with it by yourself.  Seek help from your doctor.

Proper diabetic foot care is vital in order to avoid severe foot problems.

 

Thanks for reading and sharing this with others.  Til next time,  Lisa M.

 

Mid-Week Myth Busting on Skin Care

MYTH: Daily exfoliation keeps skin young.

 

FACT: This isn't entirely false, but for some skin types, daily peels or scrubs can do some serious damage.  If you have sensitive skin, eczema, or rosacea, you can over-exfoliate and irritate your skin. In lieu of aggressive, abrasive sponges, we prefer gentle exfoliation for all skin types with a cleansing brush system to slough off dull, old-looking skin.

 

 

There is also a simple DIY home remedy for exfoliating.  You can remove dead skin cells with a paste of baking soda and water.  It will leave your skin soft and smooth, perfect for applying that "glow".  Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda (I use ARM & HAMMER) to 1 part water.  Rub in a gentle circular motion to exfoliate your skin.  Rinse clean.  Easy, very inexpensive and effective!

 

How do you rev up your skin's radiance?

Read more: www.askcosmetics.com
Follow us:  on Twitter @TIPS by ASK, on Facebook, on Instagram
Watch us:   on YouTube

Feature Friday - The Beginnings of TIPS

How We Started Karen Orlowski, the inventor of this miraculous product, conceived T.I.P.S. Nail Conditioner in her kitchen some 20 years ago with the assistance of the University of Guelph's Equine Research Centre. The original formulation was intended to address some serious deficiencies in her horse's hooves. As Karen tells the story, "From being coated with this formula, my own fingernails, which had always been in terrible condition, were longer and stronger and really healthy looking. They were virtually indestructible!". Karen's friends noticed and asked for some of what she was using, and then their friends noticed and asked for some. Pretty soon all Karen was doing was making up this solution to supply the demand. Karen quickly realized that her discovery could help other women. She worked tirelessly over the next several years to find a suitable avenue to get this product into the marketplace and to perfect the formula for use on human fingernails. The task of convincing women that the nail hardening products that they have used for years may actually be contributing to the problem presented an obvious marketing challenge. T.I.P.S. Nail Conditioner had to be explained and demonstrated in order to build customer confidence. In addition, unlike most cosmetic products, T.I.P.S. Nail Conditioner does not offer instant results and therefore requires a level of commitment by the user to "stick to the program". This was especially difficult in an industry dominated by huge companies with large advertising budgets promoting the instant results that consumers want. "Your nails didn't become terrible overnight, so how do you expect to repair them overnight?  There is no such thing as a quick fix for nails."  Words spoken by Karen herself during a live TSC Show While continuing to work on avenues for the T.I.P.S. nail solution, Karen came up with a revolutionary new design for a nail file. She recognized that nail files currently on the market were too rough with a tendency to damage nails. The traditional flat nail file was not particularly useful for women trying to sculpt their nails. Thus was born the T.I.P.S. Contour Nail File, which allowed women to safely and easily achieve the perfect shape while sealing the tip edge of the nail from further damage, something never before seen in the nail care industry. At this time, television shopping was already on the scene, but limited by the Canadian Radio-television & Telecommunications Commission to showing only still pictures. When The Shopping Channel won approval to go to full motion, Karen saw an opportunity to effectively present her product to a wide audience. At the same time, the cosmetics industry was changing. Consumers were becoming better-educated and demanding products that were safe, healthy and effective. On television, Karen had an opportunity to talk candidly about her health concerns regarding existing products and long held grooming practices. She immediately found an audience that was eager to learn more. She could also demonstrate the use of the product and the benefits of her system by example of her own long, strong healthy-looking nails. Karen's obvious sincerity and her heart-felt desire to share her discovery along with her casual manner and common sense information on nail care quickly won a loyal following in the Canadian marketplace. With her rapid success in Canada, the shopping networks in the USA quickly took notice and introduced T.I.P.S. Nail Conditioner to their customers, where the success story was repeated.       For more information on the complete line-up of nail, skin and hair care products by ASK Cosmetics Inc. visit our website/online shop.   Let's get social!  Connect with us on :    Facebook   Pinterest   Twitter @TIPSbyASK   YouTube - TIPS TV   LinkedIn Group - ASK us, we have the answers   Instagram

Mid-Week Myth Busting

MYTH: Everyone's skin ages the same way.

 

FACT: Here's where the women with oily complexions just might get the last laugh. You may have cursed your T-zone during your teenage years, but oil naturally moisturizes and protects skin from aging. Dry skin shows those fine lines earlier, no thanks to an impaired outer barrier that lets youth-preserving moisture out and aging irritants in. It is recommendable for dry types to apply a lightweight moisturizer with hyaluronic acid, a molecule that attracts water. 

 

 

Two products from our skin care line-up offer wonderfully mild, yet effective cleansing and moisturizing features & benefits:

 

The Revival Hand & Nail Cleanser is a head-to-toe cleanser, which is ultra-mild due to its gentle ingredients.  Gentle enough for a baby's bottom, yet strong enough for a mechanic's hands - that's the best way to describe it.

 

The Revival Skin Conditioning Milk has a "watery", light texture to penetrate the skin faster.  It is formulated with some of the most expensive ingredients found in skin lotions, among which hyaluronic acid.  Many customers use it as their facial moisturizer too.  That's the real beauty of the ASK Cosmetics products - they are multi-taskers and can be applied head to toe.

 

Follow us:  @TIPSbyASK /  ASK Cosmetics on Facebook
Visit us at  ASK Cosmetics Inc.

Watch us:  TIPS by ASK Cosmetics TV

All Smiles!

Who can't be happy when the sun is shining and the temperatures have finally reached double digits about 20 degrees?  I know my spirits have been lifted enormously.  Well, today I am going to show you that happiness on my nails.....

 

Seen here:  ASK Cosmetics "Sheer French Pink" + Nail Tattoos - Red Design

 

The company FAKE TATTOOS has easy-to-apply tattoos that are FDA tested and totally non-toxic for both skin and nails.  They are the Nr. 1 in Europe regarding temporary tattoos, but sell their designs world-wide.  They focus on fast delivery and 100% customer satisfaction. 

 

To read a bit more, check out my first blog post entitled Better than the Real Thing.

 

Full instructions are on the reverse side of each sheet of tattoos.  They are super-easy to follow and the application is pretty much "fool-proof" in my opinion.

 

2 coats of Sheer French Pink + Nail Tattoos - Red Design #CT615745

 

The final touch should be done using a high quality top coat.  I used the top coat offered by ASK Cosmetics, which makes your manicure last longer and the wear of the tattoos is prolonged as well. 

 

If you want to learn more about Fake Tattoos, click here

 

Now, tell me - what do you think of my nail tattoo manicure?  Please leave a comment below.

 

Thanks for stopping by, Lisa M.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mid-Week Myth Bust!

MYTH: Standing in the shade protects you from UV damage.

FACT: Just because you can't feel the sun on your skin doesn't mean ultraviolet radiation isn't there. As you, say, walk to work on the shady side of the street, sneaky diffuse irradiation (scattered solar beams) present in the atmosphere during daylight hours accounts for a whopping 80 percent of your annual dose of UV exposure. "Sun damage is cumulative," explains New York dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman, so you simply must wear SPF 30 broad-spectrum sunscreen all year round. "Even when it's cloudy, the sun penetrates through," she says.

Do you wear sun screen the entire year?