Symptoms and solutions for brittle or ridged nails

What are the symptoms of brittle or ridged nails?

Fragile nails can take various forms, sometimes combined [1]:

• Brittle nails: they break easily, indicating insufficient cohesion of the keratin layers.

• Soft nails: the nail material becomes more flexible and loses resistance.

• Peeling nails: the nail separates into thin layers.

• Longitudinal ridges: vertical lines appear, indicating irregular growth.

Overall, these conditions indicate a fragilization of the nail plate, the hard, translucent surface of the nail, with an alteration of the keratinization process [2].

Brittle and ridged nails: the most common causes

Various internal and external factors can cause nail fragility by impacting the quality of their keratinization and slowing their growth.

Solutions with the Novophane range

The Novophane range from Laboratoire Dermatologique ACM is specifically designed to support the vitality of phanera and strengthen nails and hair.

Novaphane is based on a comprehensive approach to nail and hair care with:

• Targeted micronutrient intake essential for normal keratin metabolism.

• Formulas developed under dermatological control.

• Complementary solutions: oral and topical forms, depending on needs and preferences.

The Nail Cream precisely targets weakened, ridged, and brittle nails. To improve their resistance and strengthen their structure, it combines:

• Biotin (in the form of vitamin H, also known as B8) for keratin synthesis.
• Moisturizing agents: squalane, glycerin, and urea.
• Nourishing and protective agents: beeswax, sweet almond oil.

The Novaphane capsules food supplement works from within. In addition to essential nutrients (biotin, vitamin B6, cystine, methionine, zinc, copper), it contains a horsetail extract rich in silicon, a major component of the nail and its growth.

Brittle, soft, or ridged nails indicate multifactorial fragility of the nail plate, linked to daily aggressions, physiological variations, and individual sensitivities. A better understanding of these mechanisms allows for adapted actions, such as Novophane formulas, specifically developed to promote keratinization and sustainably support nail quality and resistance.

Most frequently asked questions:

What deficiencies cause brittle nails?

Brittle nails can be associated with deficiencies in iron, zinc, or B vitamins. These nutrients participate in the normal formation of keratin, a major constituent of the nail. For healthy nails, it is therefore important to ensure sufficient daily intake.

How to know if you have an iron deficiency in your nails?

Pale, fragile, or ridged nails can be a non-specific sign of iron deficiency. These manifestations alone are not sufficient: to identify an iron deficiency, it is essential to perform analyses under medical supervision.

What vitamins for brittle nails?

Vitamins B8 or H (biotin), B6, and B12 play a key role in keratin metabolism, which is responsible for nail formation and growth. Adequate intake contributes to maintaining normal nails, as part of a balanced diet or supervised supplementation.

We recommend the Novophane range