Want shinier hair, glowing skin, and stronger nails? It might be time to tweak your habits.
Here are the most effective, expert-backed tips to improve your beauty from the inside out, and what to avoid.
Eat a colorful and varied diet
A diet full of vibrant colors and textures helps provide essential vitamins and minerals your body needs.
Think fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes — all of which support keratin production, giving your hair, skin, and nails the strength and glow they need.
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Prioritize protein and iron
Protein is essential for new cell generation, while iron helps build the integumentary system — your hair, skin, and nails.
Eat red meat or plant-based sources like lentils and beans to meet your daily iron needs.
But always consult a doctor before taking iron supplements, as they can have side effects.
Cut back on alcohol and sugar
Too much alcohol dehydrates the body and weakens hair, while excess sugar breaks down collagen and elastin in your skin.
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This can lead to sagging, wrinkles, and brittle nails and hair over time.
Make sleep your beauty secret
During sleep, your body ramps up collagen production and repairs itself.
Skimping on sleep causes cortisol to spike, leading to inflammation, poor hair growth, and weak nails. Aim for at least 7 hours of quality sleep every night.
Use ketoconazole shampoo for thinning hair
If your hair feels thinner than usual, look for a shampoo with ketoconazole.
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Originally used for treating fungal infections, it’s now known to increase hair shaft thickness and overall hair count — without the need for prescriptions.
Never skip daily SPF
Regardless of the weather, an oil-free SPF should be part of your morning routine.
UV rays damage skin and accelerate aging, so protect your complexion daily to keep it healthy and youthful.
Avoid facial oils if you’re acne-prone
Though popular, oils can clog pores and worsen breakouts, especially for acne-prone skin.
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Experts recommend skipping them to avoid pigmentation and irritation, even if celebrities swear by them.
Nourish your nails with oil
Exposure to water, soaps, and sanitizers dries out your cuticles and nails.
Massage a paraben-free nail oil into your cuticles daily to prevent peeling, cracking, and the temptation to pick at damaged skin.
Give your nails a break from polish
Whether it’s gel or regular polish, constant wear can weaken nails over time. Give your nails regular polish-free breaks to keep them strong, breathable, and healthy.
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Choose smart salon treatments
Keratin treatments at the salon can smooth and strengthen hair, reducing frizz and breakage.
For your skin, try microneedling — it boosts collagen by tricking the skin into healing itself, especially when combined with vitamin serums.
For nails, a high-end, medical-grade manicure can do wonders.
This article is based on information from Healthline.com.