This can be the result of too little or too much moisture. The former from repeatedly getting the nails wet and then drying them, and the latter from prolonged water exposure during activities like household chores.

Damage, peeling and flaking might also be the result of one-too-many acrylic manicures or ripping your gel mani off.

Weak nails can also be associated with a deficiency in B vitamins, calcium, iron or fatty acids.

Nails are porous and absorb water readily. When nails absorb water, they expand, and when they dry out, they contract. Repeated cycles of expansion and contraction weaken the nail structure over time, leading to brittleness and peeling.

Water alone is not the only culprit. Harsh detergents, cleaning agents and solvents often used in household chores can further strip nails of their natural oils and weaken them.

To maintain strong nails, it's essential to strike a balance between keeping them adequately hydrated and preventing excessive exposure to water and harsh chemicals. Moisturising and protecting your nails can help mitigate the negative effects of water exposure.

Stop using products that could be dehydrating your nails (i.e. nail polish, nail polish remover, hand sanitiser, basically anything solvent/alcohol based) and minimise exposure to water and chemicals (wear gloves while doing the dishes and cleaning).

We’re very sorry to hear you have been going through chemotherapy treatment and our team sends their best wishes to you.

Unfortunately, chemotherapy can have a range of long lasting adverse effects on nail health for several reasons:

Cell Division Inhibition: Chemotherapy drugs target rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells. Unfortunately, the drugs can also affect the rapidly dividing cells in the nail matrix, where new nail cells are formed. This interference with nail cell production can lead to abnormal nail growth and changes in texture.

Nail Matrix Damage: The nail matrix, located under the base of the nail, is particularly vulnerable to chemotherapy-induced damage. Damage to the nail matrix can result in the formation of ridges, pitting and discolouration on the nails.

Dryness and Brittleness: Chemotherapy can disrupt the body's natural oil production, leading to dry and brittle nails. These weakened nails are more susceptible to cracking, splitting and breaking.

It's important to note that not all chemotherapy drugs have the same impact on nail health, and the severity of these effects can vary from person to person. Patients undergoing chemotherapy should discuss potential nail-related side effects with their healthcare team and explore strategies for managing and protecting their nail health during treatment.

It’s unlikely that any topical product will assist with your nails after such a strong drug and your nails may never recover.

Peeling and flaking nails can become more prevalent as we age due to several factors. The ageing process often leads to decreased moisture retention in both skin and nails, resulting in dryness and increased nail brittleness. 

Slower nail growth is another characteristic of ageing, causing a delay in the replacement of damaged nail tissue with new, healthy cells. 

Reduced blood circulation, medications, health conditions, changes in nail care habits and exposure to environmental factors can all contribute to the increased likelihood of peeling and flaking nails in older age.

While these issues are more common as people age, they can be addressed and managed with proper nail care regardless of age.

While dry nails can benefit from regular moisturising, over hydration can also be an issue. Excessive moisture can lead to soft, weak nails that are more prone to bending and breaking.

Keep a close eye on your nails' response to regular use, adjusting frequency or product if any adverse effects are observed.

While hydrating nail treatments can be a valuable part of nail care, individual needs may vary, so it's advisable to find a routine that suits your specific nail type and preferences.

We have a very high positive review rate for this product, however, some nail issues just can't be fixed with topical products.

If you're finding that Rest & Repair Mask isn't helping, you may have some dietary related issues that may need to be addressed, such as mineral or omega 3 deficiencies. 

We’d recommend speaking to your doctor or a naturopath about your concerns.