Understanding the Nail Matrix: The Hidden Powerhouse of Nail Growth
Nails care and growth, most of us tend to pay our attention to the visible part of our nails – the nail plate – but below lies in a hidden location an area call nail matrix. Matrix is the heart of your nails where all the real action, nail growth takes place. In this article we will discuss what is the nail matrix, its function and the reason to why the following tissue represents the key to retain your nails as strong and undamaged.
What is the Nail Matrix?
The matrix unguis refers to the tissue under the nail, but that part remains inside the cuticle and cannot be seen from the outside. This tissue drives the production of new nail cells. It contains an important mix of nerves, lymph and blood vessels to empower the creation and nourishment of the nail.
The Function of the Nail Matrix
Essentially, the nail matrix’s role is cell production. As the nail matrix produces new cells, they slowly harden and are pushed forward to become a layer of plate, or nail, visible on the tip of the finger or toe. Health of the nail can also have an effect on how the nail grows. For example, if a person has a hangnail on her nail matrix, it might develop splits and ridges or even grow a modified ridge permanently.
Why is the Nail Matrix Important?
The nail matrix is crucial for several reasons:
The matrix is what really makes the nail grow – with the right matrix, your finger- and toenails should grow strong, smooth and at an even rate.
Nail Health: The health of the nail is directly related to the health of the matrix. For instance, trauma, infection or poor nutrition may occur in the matrix, which can lead to brittle or discoloured nails.
Repair and Regeneration: The matrix does 95 per cent of the work to get your nails to grow back when they get damaged. But regeneration is a slower process; cutting off a chunk of your finger nail might result in a permanently-different, willowy nail.
Protecting Your Nail Matrix
To maintain healthy nails, it’s important to care for your nail matrix:
Moisturize Regularly: Keeping your cuticles and the surrounding skin hydrated helps protect the matrix.
Avoid Trauma: Don’t abuse your nails. Don’t chew or pick at them, and wear protective gloves on your hands when doing anything potentially harmful.
Nourish Your Body: A healthy diet containing enough vitamins and minerals is a safe and effective approach to maintaining the integrity of the nail matrix. Your body requires an array of micronutrients; the most commonly deficient is biotin.
Conclusion
Even though the nail matrix is out of sight, you shouldn’t let it be out of mind. When you realise just what a hidden powerhouse the matrix is, you’ll take better care of your nails, which means they’ll stay strong, healthy and beautiful for many years to come. By investing in the nail matrix, you’re investing in your long-term nail health.
Health begins from within! The next time you think about caring for your nails, think of the role that your matrix deep inside plays in your nail health.