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You moisturize your face, your body, your hair… but what about your nails?

Yep, your tips need extra moisture, too.

A variety of factors, both internal and external, can contribute to dry nails.

Hands with minimalist manicure on soft blanket

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For example, age and gender can play a role.

Dana Stern, MD, a board-certified dermatologist specializing in nail health.

On the external side, environmental factors can take a toll.

According to Stern, the answer is a resounding yes.

(It’s why Stern created her eponymous nail renewal system, that contains a glycolic-based exfoliant.)

Choose the Right Moisturizer

Post-exfoliation, it’s time to add back that much-needed moisture.

In terms of how often to moisturize your nails, more is more.

“It’s not enough just to plop it on.

Ideally, you’ll want to do so for at least a minute.

Moisturizing dry nails will both improve their appearance and ensure the nail and surrounding skin stays healthy.

There are also nail- and cuticle-specific creams and oils.