Beautiful, Strong Nails: How Does Collagen Support Nail Health

1 September 2025

Strong, healthy nails are not just about beauty, they are a reflection of our overall health. Yet many women in the UK struggle with brittle, discoloured, or slow-growing nails. While diet and hydration play a key role, research now shows that collagen may help support nail strength and growth from within.

In this article, we look at the common nail issues in UK women, structure of your nails, and the role of nutrients and collagen supplementation for our nail health.

Highlights

  • Common nail health issues in UK women are brittle nails, discoloured nails, and loose nails.
  • Healthy nails are the results of a well-balanced diet, proper hydration, and nutrients including certain minerals, vitamins, and collagen.
  • Some nail cosmetics and procedures may harm your nails, especially when you use them frequently.
  • While collagen is not directly involved in making keratin (a major component of your nails), it works as the building block of the nail structure that produces the nails.

The Most Common Nail Problems in UK Women

Brittle nails are common among women in the UK. According to gov.uk, the five common nail problems are:

  1. Brittle nails

Brittle nails are mostly a sign of ageing. Besides, another common cause of brittle nails is long-term exposure to water, detergents, and nail polish. Less commonly, our nails may become brittle due to fungal infections, immune disorders, and occasionally thyroid problems.

  1. Discoloured nails

Healthy nails appear pink. However, certain infections, medications, and health issues can make them appear yellow, grey, or brown.

Yellow nails often occur due to fungal nail infections. Other factors that can cause yellow or discoloured nails include:

  • Overuse of nail varnish
  • Inflamed thyroid gland
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
  • Certain medications and infections of the lungs

Overgrowth of certain bacteria may cause green-black nails. Likewise, grey nails are often associated with the use of certain medications, such as antimalarials or antibiotics.

Thyroid disease, pregnancy, malnutrition, and overuse of nail varnish are the common culprits behind brown nails.

Salmon patches underneath the nails may be caused by an autoimmune disorder called nail psoriasis. White nails are mostly a sign of fungal infection. Other causes can include diabetes, liver or kidney disease, anemia, and malnutrition.

  1. Thickened, overgrown nails

Thickened, overgrown nails often result due to fungal nail infection. Thickened or overgrown nails may also be caused by certain autoimmune disorders.

  1. Loose nails

Loose nails often occur due to over-manicuring or cleaning the area under the nail with a sharp object. Less commonly, loose nails may signal any of the following medical issues:

  • Fungal nail infection
  • Overproduction of thyroid hormones
  • Poor circulation
  • Allergy to nail cosmetics
  • Warts
  1. Indented spoon-like nails

Fingernails curving inwards similar to a spoon may indicate:

  • Anemia
  • Too much iron in the body (iron overload)
  • Certain immune disorders

How Our Nails Are Built

Skin cells are the building blocks of nails. The four main structures of nails are: (1)

  • Proximal nail fold (PNF): It is the fold of skin from where the nail appears to emerge. The lateral nail fold is the skin on the right and left side of the nail.
  • Nail matrix: The nail matrix is the region of rapidly-dividing skin cells, lying directly under the proximal nail fold. It is the nail matrix that produces the nail plate (or simply nail).
  • Nail bed: It is the pink-coloured surface below the nail plate. Because the nail bed is supplied with nerve endings, it is sensitive to touch and pressure.
  • Hyponychium: It is a thickened layer of skin below the nail tip. It acts as a protective barrier and prevents external substances, like bacteria and fungus, from entering into the nail bed. That way, it helps prevent infection.

The cuticle is a layer of dead cells at the base of your nails. It helps protect the nail matrix from microorganisms.

How do our nails form?

Specialised cells in the nail matrix divide continuously. Over time, these cells lose their organelles and nuclei in a process called keratinisation. Eventually, the cells become hardened, filled with a protein called keratin, ultimately leading to the formation of nails.

How fast our nails grow depends on the matrix turnover rate, which is the rate of cell division in the nail matrix. Various diseases can affect the matrix turnover rate.

Minerals in human nails

Studies show that the most abundant minerals in human fingernails are: (2)

  • Iron
  • Zinc
  • Magnesium
  • Calcium
  • Copper
  • Manganese

The amount of minerals in nails can vary depending on the nutrition level, environmental exposure, age, and sex.

Amino acids in human nails

The five most abundant amino acids in human nails are: (1)

  • Glutamic acid (13.6%)
  • Serine (11.3%)
  • Half-cysteine (10.6%)
  • Leucine (8.3%)
  • Glycine (7.9%)

What Happens to Nails as We Age?

Ageing has a profound effect on our nails. With increasing age, oour nails grow more slowly and may become brittle.

As we age, we may be more likely to get: (3)

  • Hard and thick toenails
  • Opaque and yellow nails
  • Lengthwise ridges in the nails
  • Ingrown nails

Several factors may contribute to ageing-associated nail changes. These can include impaired circulation, certain skin diseases, infections, cancer, and exposure to UV light.

Nail Cosmetics and Procedures: Friend or Foe?

You might be familiar with the following nail cosmetics and procedures. While they are not inherently harmful when applied correctly, they can cause various nail and skin problems.

Nail cosmetics and procedure

Nail polish is commonly used to improve nail appearance and strengthen nails. They can be removed by using nail polish removers.

Chemicals in these products, such as formaldehyde and acetone, may increase the risk of nail infections, skin irritation, detached nails, and discolouration of the nail plate. Toluene, a chemical found in nail polish, may affect fertility. (4)

Likewise, injury while removing artificial nails can cause splitting nails. Similarly, some glues used in artificial nails or nail extensions can lead to skin allergies, burns, or loss of skin colour.

Leaving the polish on the nails for over a week can lead to keratin staining, which is more common with red and yellow colours.

Long-term use of artificial nails can damage the nail plate, leading to yellow, thin, and dry nails. Thus, experts recommend against wearing artificial nails for over 3 months consecutively.

Some experts have raised questions about the safety of gel nails that require UV light for hardening post application. They fear that UV exposure may cause damage to the skin or eyes. However, the extent of UV-induced damage is largely unknown.

UV exposure may increase the risk of detached nails if someone takes sun-sensitising drugs like:

  • Statins: Medications to lower cholesterol levels
  • Diabetes drugs (example: glipizide)
  • Antibiotics (tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim)
  • Anti-allergy drugs (Diphenhydramine, promethazine)
  • Water pills (furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide)

If we frequently use photo-manicures, it is best to use UV-filtered glasses. Rarely, the use of artificial nail products containing methyl acrylates have been associated with peripheral nerve damage.

Can Nail Cosmetics Cause Skin Cancer?

The risk of skin cancer due to UV lamps used in many nail procedures is extremely low. These lamps emit UVA rays, which have been linked to a higher risk of premature skin ageing and skin cancer.

Fortunately, the risk is far lower than that associated with the use of UV tanning devices.

Nonetheless, it is best to apply a broad spectrum (UVA+UVB) sunscreen to your hands at least 20 minutes before they are exposed to UV rays, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. (5)

Nails Problems: When to See a Dermatologist?

Talk to a dermatologist if you nails:

  • Change in colour, smoothness, or appearance
  • Swell
  • Cause pain

If someone has been diagnosed with diabetes or any other medical condition that causes poor circulation, they should seek medical care for any nail issues.

Nutrition and Nails: Things to Know

What we eat and drink has a profound impact on nail health. Certain nutrient deficiencies and dehydration can make our nails feel and appear unhealthy. Any unusual change in the appearance, texture, and shape of the nails could suggest nutrient deficiencies.

Below is a list of nutrients that are critical for optimal nail health.

Biotin

This B-vitamin is also known as vitamin B7 and vitamin H.

Biotin supports nail growth by helping your body process certain amino acids. Foods rich in biotin include:

  • Organ meats
  • Egg yolk
  • Dairy products
  • Yeast
  • Salmon
  • Avocado
  • Nuts and seeds

According to a 2018 review, oral biotin can help improve nail hardness and thickness in people with brittle nails. (6)

Iron

Iron is one of the most abundant minerals in the nails. Our body needs iron to form hemoglobin, a protein in your red blood cells (RBCs) that carries oxygen to every cell in the body.

Without iron, oour cells, including the nail matrix, do not get enough oxygen. As a result, an iron deficiency can lead to spoon nails.

The following foods are rich in iron:

  • Beef
  • Chicken
  • Fish
  • Eggs
  • Dark green leafy vegetables
  • Peanuts, seeds, and beans

Magnesium

Over 300 biochemical reactions in the body require magnesium. Our body needs this essential mineral to maintain nerve and muscle function, keep your immune system healthy, and support bone strength.

A magnesium deficiency may cause soft, flaky nails, making them more prone to splitting. Good food sources of magnesium include:

  • Dark green, leafy vegetables
  • Fruits and nuts
  • Peas and beans
  • Whole grains
  • Milk

Healthy fats

Healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, are known to keep our nails moist and shiny. Besides, omega-3-fatty acids have potent anti-inflammatory properties, which helps nourish cells that form the nail plate.

When we do not get enough omega-3-fatty acids from your diet, our nails may become dry and brittle. You can get these healthy fats from:

  • Fatty fish (salmon, trout, mackerel, tuna and sardines)
  • Walnuts,
  • Soy
  • Eggs
  • Chia seeds

Vitamin C

Our body needs this water-soluble vitamin to produce collagen, which is an essential component of our fingernails, hair, and teeth.

Vitamin C deficiency can cause ours nail to grow slowly and become brittle. Citrus fruits (oranges, strawberries and kiwi), bell peppers, and green vegetables are rich in vitamin C.

Does Level of Hydration Affect Nail Health?

Yes. The level of hydration is crucial for nail health. Dehydrated nails are more likely to break. Staying hydrated helps keep your nails soft, strong and flexible.

We should aim to drink 1.5 to 1.8 litres of water each day. We may need more or less water depending on our weight, level of activity, and general health.

Dermatologist-Recommended Tips for Healthy Nails

Apart from aesthetics, healthy nails mirror our overall health. Consider the following expert-recommended tips to keep our nails healthy from both outside and inside. (7)

  • Keep nails clean and dry. Doing so is paramount because microorganisms need moisture to grow. When our nails are clean and dry, these organisms cannot grow underneath our nails.
  • Cut nails properly and always use sharp nail clippers. To keep your nails strong, round your nails slightly at the tips.
  • For nails that will not snag, file them with an emery board.
  • Avoid biting fingernails or removing the cuticles.
  • Our nails are not a tool. Avoid using them to open cans or do any activities that can damage the nail bed.
  • Prolonged water exposure can cause our nails to split or peel. Thus, always use gloves while doing the washing up. Also, moisturise the nails after hand washing.
  • Regularly trimming our toenails can help prevent trauma and injury.
  • If our toenails are thick, making it difficult to cut, soak the feet in warm salt water for about 10 minutes.
  • Consult a dermatologist if you have ingrown toenails.
  • Wear shoes that fit well.
  • Wear flip-flops at the pool and in communal showers.

Collagen and Nail Health: What the Science Says

Many people often question: If the nails are made of keratin, how can collagen help make them strong and beautiful? Here is what you should know.

The question is good, and the answer is more nuanced than what we might have understood so far.

Even though nails are made of keratin, collagen still plays a vital role. Think of keratin as the star of the show, and collagen as the behind-the-scenes crew that makes it all possible.

When we take collagen supplements, our body breaks them down into amino acids – the same building blocks used to make keratin and support the nail matrix (the part of your nail where growth happens). That is why studies show collagen can improve nail strength, reduce brittleness, and even speed up nail growth.

In essence, collagen works as the building block of the nail structure that produces the nails.

Several studies have shown the beneficial effects of oral collagen for nail health.

For example, daily supplementation with a supplement containing collagen, hyaluronic acid and other nutrients resulted in: (8)

  • 80% decrease in the severity of nail cracking
  • 80% decrease in the severity of nail brittleness
  • Significant improvement in nail softness

Similar results were observed in a 2017 study. In this trial, 25 participants with brittle nails took 2.5 g of specific collagen peptides once daily for 6 months, then discontinued treatment for one month.

A doctor checked for nail improvements during treatment and one month after stopping collagen supplementation. Over 60% of participants experienced improvement in brittle nails and over 80% continued to reap the benefits even after stopping treatment. (9)

If we want stronger, healthier nails, start with a balanced diet, hydration, and good nail care. Collagen supplements may give an extra boost, but always check with your GP before starting any new supplement.”

Cutizana is a collagen supplement designed to support beauty from within, providing hydrolysed Type I and III collagen plus supporting nutrients.

References:

  1. Baswan, Sudhir et al. “Understanding the formidable nail barrier: A review of the nail microstructure, composition and diseases.” Mycoses vol. 60,5 (2017): 284-295. doi:10.1111/myc.12592
  2. Pineda-Vargas, C. A., et al. “Elemental Concentration Distribution in Human Fingernails – a 3D Study.” Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B Beam Interactions With Materials and Atoms, vol. 273, July 2011, pp. 153–56, doi:10.1016/j.nimb.2011.07.063.
  3. Abdullah, Lina, and Ossama Abbas. “Common nail changes and disorders in older people: Diagnosis and management.” Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien vol. 57,2 (2011): 173-81.
  4. Tyagi, Meha, and Archana Singal. “Nail Cosmetics: What a Dermatologist Should Know!” Indian Journal of Dermatology Venereology and Leprology, vol. 90, May 2023, pp. 178–85, doi:10.25259/ijdvl_77_2023.
  5. The Skin Cancer Foundation. “Ask The Expert: Are the UV Lamps in the Dryers at the Nail Salon Safe to Use?” The Skin Cancer Foundation, 24 Jan. 2023, www.skincancer.org/blog/ask-the-expert-are-the-uv-lamps-in-the-dryers-at-the-nail-salon-safe-to-use.
  6. Lipner, Shari R, and Richard K Scher. “Biotin for the treatment of nail disease: what is the evidence?.” The Journal of dermatological treatment vol. 29,4 (2018): 411-414. doi:10.1080/09546634.2017.1395799
  7. 11 Dermatologists’ Tips for Healthy Nails. www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/nail-care-secrets/basics/healthy-nail-tips?NoAds.
  8. A Nutritional Supplement Formulated With Peptides, Lipids, Collagen and  Hyaluronic Acid Optimizes Key Aspects of Physical Appearance in Nails,  Hair and Skin. www.longdom.org/open-access/a-nutritional-supplement-formulated-with-peptides-lipids-collagen-and-hyaluronic-acid-optimizes-key-aspects-of-physical-appearance-in-nails-hair-and-skin-2155-9600.S5-002.pdf.
  9. Hexsel, Doris et al. “Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides improves nail growth and reduces symptoms of brittle nails.” Journal of cosmetic dermatology vol. 16,4 (2017): 520-526. doi:10.1111/jocd.12393