Fact of Fiction: Do your nails really need to 'breathe'?

Let's break this myth!

The nail plate is made up of keratin, a structural fibrous protein that is the same as our hair. It isn't living tissue that needs oxygen to breathe. When the nail plate is formed in the keratin matrix, it gets its nutrients and oxygen for growth from the blood supply in the matrix, which is the root of the nail.

Once fully formed, the nail plate that we see is dead tissue that no longer requires blood or nutrients. This is why it doesn't hurt when we cut or file our nails. Nail coatings will not suffocate the nail plate, and taking a break so your nails can 'breathe' is a misconception.

To promote healthy nail growth, cuticle oil is essential as it delivers nourishment and nutrients to the matrix, where your nail is formed. When used twice daily, it will encourage healthy nail growth and help retain moisture.