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When it comes to nail care for mature nails, age is just a number, especially if you’re giving your hands and nails the attention they deserve. Just like our skin loses elasticity over time, nails also go through visible changes like thinning, peeling, increased brittleness, and more pronounced ridges. These shifts are often the result of decreased collagen, slower cell turnover, and reduced moisture retention that naturally come with age.
With a few simple steps and the right products, aging nails can look just as healthy, polished, and strong as ever. Hydrating nail conditioners, strengthening treatments, and protective topcoats can go a long way toward maintaining your best nails.
Our Top Nail Care for Mature Nails
- Best Overall: CND Rescue RXx Daily Keratin Treatment, $20
- Best Color Neutralizer: Zoya Nail Polish Lavender Perfector, $12
- Best Nail Polish: Butter London Patent Shine 10X Nail Lacquer Polish, $18
- Best Nail File: Dr. Dana Glass Nail File, $15
- Best Nail and Hand Moisturizer: Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream, $19
- Best Instant Mani: Kiss Gel Fantasy Press-On Nails, $9
- Best Nail Polish Remover: Zoya Remove Plus, $12
Whether you’re noticing nail changes, refreshing your nail-care routine, or trying a targeted nail treatment, we’ve got the expert tips and product recs to help you nail it.
Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronHow do you take care of your nails as you age?How do you get rid of buildup under your nails?Meet the expertsHow we test and review productsOur staff and testers
Best Overall: CND Rescue RXx Daily Keratin Treatment
CND
Rescue RXx Daily Keratin Treatment
$20
Amazon
$21
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: Whether you’re dealing with dryness, brittleness, or peeling nails, CND Rescue RXx is a keratin-based treatment that helps restore strength and promote strong nails. “It’s ideal for age-related thinning or peeling,” says Julie Kandalec, a New York City-based manicurist, who recommends applying it daily for one to four weeks, depending on how weak your nails are. The lightweight, oil-based formula absorbs quickly and doubles as a nourishing cuticle oil, thanks to a blend of jojoba and sweet almond oils. It also smells surprisingly delightful: “It reminds me of the mini fruity marshmallows we had as kids in the Midwest,” says Kandalec. If you’re recovering from damaged nails, this convenient, clear formula applies like a top coat, making it effortless to integrate into your daily routine.
Editor’s tip
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Sweet almond oil is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, which helps restore moisture for nails that become drier and more brittle with age.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: sweet almond oil, keratin
- Fragrance-free: no
Best Color Neutralizer: Zoya Naked Manicure Lavender Perfector
Zoya
Naked Manicure Lavender Perfector
$12
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: Zoya’s Nail Polish Lavender Perfector is perfect for tackling those pesky yellow tones or uneven nails—whether it’s a result of aging, smoking, or wearing dark polish on repeat. It’s like a color corrector for your nails, with a soft lavender tint that evens things out, and a breathable formula that allows oxygen to flow to your nail beds. “It smooths texture, neutralizes discoloration, and strengthens nails,” says Dr. Collins.
Editor’s tip
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Use it as a sheer tint alone or layer it under your regular polish.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: nitrocellulose, citric acid, silica
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Nail Polish: Butter London Patent Shine 10X Nail Lacquer
Butter London
Patent Shine 10X Nail Lacquer
$18
Amazon
Why we love it: Most nail polishes used to chip or fade faster than you could say, “I just gave myself a mani.” But the nail game changed with the Butter London Patent Shine 10X line. These polishes give you rich, luxe color and salon-level performance without the hassle. A 10-free formula and the brand’s signature polymer keep your mani chip-resistant, long-lasting, and crazy shiny. “For mature nails prone to breakage, it even strengthens your nails with bamboo extract, helps prevent breakage, and keeps them looking healthy while delivering that glossy, long-wearing finish,” says Dr. Collins. And with 61 shades, there’s a color match for everyone.
Editor’s tip
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If your nails have natural ridges—normal as we age—thin layers will help avoid streaks and smooth things out for a polished look.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: bamboo extract, diamond powder
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Shades: 61
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