Nail Health Meets Nail Art: How to Keep Your Nails Strong While Having Fun

Beautiful nails start with healthy foundations. Nail art is not just a fashion statement, it is a form of creative expression that allows you to show personality and confidence. While it has become a major beauty trend, it is important to remember that strong, well-cared-for nails make the best canvas. Many Australians are embracing nail designs that reflect their unique style, from subtle minimalist looks to bold, vibrant patterns. However, frequent treatments, polish changes, and extensions can sometimes take a toll on nail strength. With the right balance of creativity and care, you can enjoy stylish nails without sacrificing their health.

Start with Nail Care Basics
Before diving into nail art, a simple routine can make all the difference. Keep nails clean and trimmed, moisturise your cuticles regularly, and avoid using nails as tools for opening or scraping surfaces. When removing old polish, use acetone-free removers to prevent dryness. A gentle nail file is better than aggressive buffing, which can weaken layers of the nail. Little daily habits like these maintain a healthy base, making polish and designs last longer.

Choose Quality Products

Your choice of polish and accessories matters just as much as your design. Cheap or poor-quality nail products can contain harsh ingredients that cause brittleness or peeling. Investing in professional-grade tools and polishes, such as those from reputable brands like NSI Nails Australia, ensures that your nails are treated with care. These products are formulated to deliver vibrant colour without compromising the health of your nail plate. Always look for toxin-free options that are labelled as “5-free” or “10-free,” which means they avoid common harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP.

Prep Before Every Application
Healthy nail art begins before the first brushstroke. Always start with clean, dry nails and apply a nourishing base coat. A good base coat forms a barrier between your natural nails and coloured polish, preventing staining and providing essential hydration. It also helps polish adhere better and reduces chipping. If you are applying gel nails or acrylic extensions, make sure the nail surface is gently buffed but not over-filed. This protects the nail bed from thinning and splitting.

Give Your Nails a Break
Even though nail art is fun, your nails need time to breathe. Regularly take short breaks between manicures to allow natural nail regeneration. During these rest periods, apply cuticle oils and nail strengtheners. Keeping nails bare for a few days can restore moisture levels and improve flexibility. Consider using a biotin supplement or incorporating more protein and leafy greens into your diet, as nutrition plays a key role in nail health.

Nail Art That Supports Wellness
The trend towards minimalist and natural nail looks is growing, especially among Australians who prefer sustainable and health-conscious beauty routines. Simple touches like soft gradients, negative-space designs, or a single accent nail can look chic while being gentle on your nails. For more detailed insights on nail health, you can read this helpful resource from Better Health.

Caring for your nails does not mean compromising on creativity. With mindful choices, you can enjoy every polish, pattern, and sparkle while keeping your nails strong, healthy, and beautiful. For premium nail products and inspiration, visit NSI Nails Australia.

 

New OXY Anti-Blackhead Gel is Gentle on the Skin Yet Effective in Combatting Blackheads

Blackheads and oily skin are amongst the top skin concerns faced by teenagers. When teens  hit puberty, their oil glands become overactive thereby resulting in the production of excessive  sebum. The excess sebum and built-up of dead skin cells in the hair follicles then forms  blackheads. 

The need to use a facemask during this time of the pandemic can worsen one’s skin condition as it traps dirt and bacteria underneath it. Without proper care and treatment, blackheads will potentially lead to enlarged pores.  

OXY the skincare brand for teens has introduced the new Anti-Blackhead Gel that is specially  formulated to treat blackheads. It is gentle on the skin yet effective in diminishing blackheads  which is usually found on the nose. 

Effective ingredients found in its formulation include: 

i. Glycolic Acid (AHA) and Salicylic Acid (BHA) 

Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid are both active ingredients that targets different layers  of the skin. While Glycolic Acid exfoliates and removes dead skin cells from the surface  of the skin, Salicylic Acid is able to penetrate deep into the skin and clear out impurities  such as dirt and sebum from the pores to ensure skin around the nose area is clear  and smooth. 

Salicylic Acid used in the new OXY Anti-Blackhead Gel is derived from Wintergreen  Leaf Extract, which is 100% natural Salicylic Acid that comes with skincare benefits  such as purifying the skin, removing excess sebum and ultimately helping to get rid of  blackheads. 

ii. Witch Hazel Leaf Extract 

With the possibility of inflammation caused by exfoliation, the new OXY Anti-Blackhead  Gel is packed with Witch Hazel Leaf Extract to soothe the skin and bring down

inflammation. Other than its soothing properties, the Witch Hazel Leaf Extract also  helps to tighten the pores to reduce the appearance of pores on the problemed area. 

iii. High Purify Centella Asiatica Extract 

Centella Asiatica Extract promotes collagen reproduction in the skin, which is  important, as collagen helps the skin cells to renew and repair themselves. This  ingredient has also been found to calm inflammation, soothe redness, and repair  damaged skin to achieve an overall even complexion.  

The OXY Anti-Blackhead Gel is to be applied after cleansing the skin. Pat dry, squeeze out  an appropriate amount of the gel on the fingertip and apply a thin layer on the nose. Leave it  to dry for about 3-5 minutes. Then, gently massage to exfoliate and remove blackheads.  Lastly, wash thoroughly with water.  

This product is recommended to be used 2-3 times a week. Traditional blackheads removal  methods such as using tools or our fingers to squeeze them out may risk permanent scarring  on the skin and cause damage to the epidermis layers of the skin; therefore, gentle chemical  exfoliation is the way to go.  

The new OXY Anti-Blackhead Gel retails at RM14.90 (18g) and is available at leading  pharmacies and supermarkets nationwide. For more information about the new OXY Anti Blackhead Gel, kindly log on to oxy.com.my.