The Sneaky Cause Of Brittle Nails + A Quick & Easy Fix

Just like glowing skin doesn't happen overnight, strong nails take dedicated work. If you’re particularly prone to breakage (read: you have soft and bendy nails) then keeping up with nail care might feel like a full-time job. 

The secret: Start with your cuticles. Cuticle care isn't just about looks (although, frayed, rough skin does take away from an elevated mani). Your cuticle has an essential function, too, as it provides a barrier around your nail bed and protects it from bacteria. This means when your cuticles are in less than ideal condition (dry, peeling, etc.), that function will be affected as well. 

"If the cuticle compromise persists, the nail will eventually grow in irregularly," board-certified dermatologist and nail expert Dana Stern, M.D., once told mbg. "This is because the cuticle overlies the nail matrix, which is the nail-producing center of the nail." To sum it up: Cuticle care is essential for thriving, long nails.

My personal favorite: the mbg dry body oil. Not only does this oil make my skin silky smooth, but it gives my cuticles deep hydration without making my fingers feel greasy or sticky, like some cuticle oils have in the past. 

Plus, the nearly 100-milliliter bottle will last you a while, especially if you’re exclusively using it as cuticle oil. You can also run some of this multi-purpose liquid gold through your dead ends, give yourself a hand massage, or opt for any other way you like to use body oil. The formula is also fragrance-free, ideal for sensitive and peel-prone areas like the cuticles.