Do Nails Breathe?

Way back when, I decided to get fake nails. I love the way manicured nails (short, long ones) look, so I got them done last year ...you can read about it here if you want. After having them for a couple of weeks, I happened to be talking to an executive in the nail industry who described the nail bed and the nail's breathing. She went on about the need for less toxic materials being used on the nails. I went to the nail salon to take them off a few days later, fearing that I was suffocating my hands! Eeek. Back then, it didn't make sense to me and it still doesn't, although now I found a nail professional that shares my opinion but backs it up with facts, which I think are interesting.

As much as I'd like to get the nails and have pretty hands again, my work just does not support the beauty of it all. I bust open big pails of butters and oils, am formulating sugar scrubs, cream, shea butters. I wear UN-latex surgical gloves when I need to mix with my hands and I am constantly getting into the dirt when I plant in my garden, so having nails makes absolutely no sense whatsoever for my lifestyle, but one day perhaps I will be less hands on in scrubs and dirt. :) Maybe.

Penny is the nail professional I speak of and she writes Sugarlicious blog and Zularis Naturals Natural Nail Care blog and if you are into nails and nail care, you should definitely read some of her posts.

She has given me permission to reprint her post on the topic of nail breathing. Thank you, Penny.

Busting Nail Myths - Do Nails Breathe?

I was talking with someone the other day about nail enhancements....AKA artificial nails. Seems they were having their enhancements removed to allow their nails some time to "breathe". Oh my....I could almost feel my head about to spin as I encountered what must be the number 1 nail myth around. It's bad enough when the regular person on the street thinks their nails are breathing. It's even worse when a nail tech thinks the same thing and passes along incorrect information to their customers.

The truth is your nails DO NOT BREATHE! EVER!!!! The only breathing taking place in your body happens in the lungs. Your nails are made up of keratin...a fibrous protein. This is the same stuff that your hair is made of....and your hair doesn't breathe either. Once the nail grows from the matrix (the part of your finger that the nail grows out of) it is basically dead. It does not feel, has no blood supply, etc. Which is why you can trim your nails as well as hair without feeling pain.

Because your nails do NOT breathe there is no logical reason for removing all your nail enhancements to give your nails a rest. The enhancement covers the dead portion of the nail so your nail will continue to grow out. At times, whatever material your enhancement is made of, may begin to age or breakdown after being exposed to various chemicals, etc. When this occurs the material covering the nail can become brittle, begin to discolor or even crack/flake off. Some people keep their nails too long and the constant banging on the nail can also cause problems with the enhancement. This is why it is important to regularly maintain your nails once enhancements have been applied. If a problem is caught early then your tech can re-balance the material rather then soak off the entire enhancement.

As a side note: people sometimes also refer to their skin breathing as well. Actually what they are talking about is the fact that the body controls it's internal temperature through perspiration. If you didn't sweat then your internal temp would rise and damage your organs. Nails do not sweat either....but that's another popular nail myth to be tackled in another post.

Having A Fabulous Face: DIY Masks

Having A Fabulous Face: Masks and Creams 

(guest blogger, Vicky Zhou)
 
One of the best ways to improve the condition of your face is to use a combination of masks and creams to rejuvenate the skin, restoring moisture that has been lost. 
 
When it comes to selecting masks and creams, you will really want to take into account the type of skin you have, so you can be sure that the mask and cream you choose matches your exact needs.
 
Often, the types of masks and creams you will run into include ones for dry skin, irritated skin, oily skin, regular skin, combination skin, or acne prone skin. 
 
By selecting one that matches your current skin condition, you will ensure that it provides the greatest improvement to you.
 
Here are some masks and creams that you can make to use when you are really in the mood to pamper yourself. 
 
Yogurt Face Mask For Sensitive Skin
 
This is a terrific and easy to make mask to use on sensitive skin when you want something that feels both cooling and refreshing. You can alter it to suite other skin types by adding a couple of drops of lemon or lime juice if you have oily skin, or a couple of drops of honey for those with dry skin. 
 
1 cup natural yogurt
½ cup oatmeal (preferably non-sweetened)
 
Simply combine the two ingredients together and then dab it on to the face. Let sit for about 10-15 minutes and then wash off with a warm washcloth. 
 
Oily Skin Oatmeal Face Mask
 
If you are prone to oily skin and want a simple to make mask that delivers great results, consider an egg white oatmeal face mask.
 
½ cup oatmeal 
1 egg white
1 drop of lemon juice. 
 
Mix the oatmeal and the egg white together first, then stir in a tiny amount of lemon juice. Spread this mixture (note that it will be thick) over your skin and let sit for about five minutes.
 
Once the time is up, simply rinse off by splashing the face with warm water and then laying a steamed washcloth on top of the skin for a few minutes. 
 
Banana Face Mask For Oily Skin
 
Another great way to treat oily skin is with a banana face mask.
 
1 ripe banana
1 tbsp honey
lemon or orange juice.
 
First mash up the banana. Once it's turned into a paste-like consistency, mix in the honey and blend until distributed. Finally, stir in the orange or lemon juice and then apply to your face for 15 minutes.  To remove this mask, use a cool washcloth or splash water over the skin. 
 
Clay Face Mask For Anyone
 
If you want a generic clay face mask that will improve the condition of your skin, this is it. This mixture will keep for up to an entire month so make a large batch at a time and then store it in the fridge until you are ready to use it. Try and apply at least once each week. 
 
1 ½ tsp green French clay
1 tsp kaolin clay
1 ½ tbsp aloe vera gel
1 tbsp rosewater
2 drops lavender oil
 
Begin by mixing the clays together first, then add in the remaining ingredients. Spread over your face and let sit for about 10 minutes or until dry and skin feels slightly tighter. 
 
Carrot Face Mask For Oily Skin
 
If you're looking for a good natural face mask, this one is the perfect fit.
 
2-3 large carrots
4 ½ tbsp honey
 
First, cook the carrots so that they are soft enough to mash.  Once you've drained the water, mash them up and then mix with honey.  Spread over your face and let sit for about 10 minutes. 
 
Rinse the face mask off with cool water and then follow it up with a thin layer of moisturizing cream.
 
So, next time you are looking to improve the condition of your skin, give a face mask some consideration.  They are very simple to make if you do not wish to purchase one and often use ingredients that you'll typically find in your home pantry or fridge. 

About Guest Blogger: Vicky is a freelance writer, editor, relationship expert, and soon to be author.