Nail biting is a common habit among children that sometimes continues into adulthood. The troubles of nail biting go well beyond the cosmetic appearance. Biting your nails can damage the tissue that makes your nails grow, causing them to grow unevenly. It can also cause an increase in hangnails and ingrown nails. If you commonly use nail polishes, especially gel polishes, the toxins in these products are harmful when ingested and currently have unknown long-term side effects.
 
Your nail health isn’t the only thing affected. Nail biting can leave you vulnerable to infection from bacteria and viruses passing from your mouth to your nails. This transmission can cause a painful, red, and swollen area around your nails, and in some cases, this area may develop into a pus-filled blister. Similarly, viruses and bacteria can travel the opposite direction. Even after washing your hands, these pathogens can pass from under your nails to your mouth and spread infection. Furthermore, regularly biting your nails can shift the alignment of your teeth, requiring braces or a retainer.
 
While stopping this habit is the best thing you can do for your overall health, it is not always easy. Here are some tips to help stop nail biting:
 

1. Trim your nails. Long nails can harbor more bacteria and be more difficult to clean.
2. Cover your nails. You can use tape or gloves to keep your nails covered. Out of sight, out of mind.
3. Apply a bitter polish. These are available over the counter and have an awful taste to deter you from biting your nails.
4. Identify triggers. Some triggers can be physical, such as a hangnail, while others are caused by outside factors like stress or boredom. Identifying your triggers can help you avoid situations that cause you to continue the habit.
5. Make it a gradual attempt. Try avoiding one set of nails, such as your thumbs, and move on from there to gradually stop biting your nails.
6. Replace it with a good habit. When you have an urge to bite your nails, find something else to occupy yourself, such as playing with a stress ball. 

 

References:

• American Academy of Dermatology 
• Texas A&M Health: Vital Record

“I think I need something to dry it out, not make it oilier.”
“Why do I need to moisturize my already oily skin?”
“My skin is oily enough, why would I add more moisture?”
 
People with oily skin have commonly expressed these concerns when asked about moisturizing. So should you moisturize oily skin? YES, you need to moisturize your skin, even if it is oily and acne-prone. To understand why, let's take a closer look at what a moisturizer really does.
 
Moisturizers don’t add water to your skin, but rather help hold the water in the outer layer of your skin to keep it hydrated. How do they do that? Moisturizers contain ingredients called humectants, which draw the water into your skin, and emollients, which form a protective film and trap the water in the skin. There are all kinds of different moisturizers from lotions and creams to gels. Some are water-based, others oil-based. With so many choices, how do you know what is right for your skin?
 
Remember, everyone’s skin is different. The same product that works well for one person, may not be the best option for you. Be ready to experiment with different moisturizers until you find the one that works best for you. Here are some tips to help you find a moisturizer that is compatible with oily skin:

• Lotions and gels tend to be more water-based and therefore less likely to aggravate oily, acne-prone skin. Avoid ointments as they are greaser and fat or oil based.
• Skin care products labeled “oil free” or “non-comedogenic” are less likely to clog your pores and cause acne.
• Limit the amount of products applied to your skin by choosing a moisturizer containing a broad-spectrum sunscreen. SPF 30 or higher is recommended.
• If you choose to use a sunscreen separate from your moisturizer, look for sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as these are less likely to cause breakouts. Also, avoid sunscreens with fragrances or oils.
• You should always apply your moisturizer while your skin is still damp, such as after a shower or after washing your face. This timing will trap the water in your damp skin.

 
Want another helpful hint? When choosing a face wash, choose something gentle. Using a harsh face wash may actually irritate your skin and trigger increased oil production.
 
If you’re concerned about your skin’s oil production or struggling with acne breakouts, contact us. We will be more than happy to help!

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