As we age, our fingernails grow faster. This is because the cells in our nails divide more quickly as we get older. Our nails also become thicker and harder to break as we age.
Do fingernails grow faster as you age? It’s a common question, but there’s no definitive answer. Depending on whom you ask, you’ll get a variety of opinions.
Some people say that nails do indeed grow faster as we age. They attribute this to the fact that our bodies are constantly growing and changing as we age, so all of our cells – including those in our nails – are working overtime to keep up.
Others argue that nails don’t actually grow any faster as we age, but it may just seem that way because they become thinner and more brittle with age.
This can make them appear to grow longer at a rapid pace when in reality they’re just breaking more easily. So what’s the truth? Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer.
Nail growth is determined by a variety of factors – from genetics to diet to overall health – so it’s hard to say conclusively whether or not they grow faster as we age.
However, if you feel like your nails are growing at an unusually fast rate, it never hurts to consult with a doctor or dermatologist to rule out any underlying health issues.
Credit: www.healthline.com
Do Fingernails Grow Faster As You Age
As you age, your fingernails may grow more slowly and become thinner. The rate of growth also depends on factors such as nutrition and health.
In general, however, older adults tend to have slower-growing nails.
At What Age Do Fingernails Grow the Fastest
Nails grow at different rates for different people. They generally grow faster in children and during the summer months. Your fingernails are made of a tough protein called keratin.
This protein is also found in your hair and skin. Nails grow from the base of your nail bed, which is beneath the cuticle (the clear half-moon shape at the base of your fingernail).
The average rate of growth for fingernails is about 3.5 millimeters per month, or about 0.12 inches.
In other words, it would take approximately two to three months for your nails to grow out completely if you did nothing to them in between trims.
However, this number can vary greatly based on factors such as age, diet, climate, and health conditions.
For example, pregnant women often have faster-growing nails due to the increased levels of hormones in their bodies during pregnancy.
Why Do Fingernails Grow Faster As You Age
As you age, your body’s production of collagen begins to decrease. Collagen is a protein that helps to give your skin its elasticity and strength. The loss of collagen can cause your skin to thin and become less supple.
This process can also affect the growth of your nails. Your nails are made up of a tough protein called keratin.
As you age, the cells in your nail bed begin to grow more slowly and produce less keratin. This can make your nails thinner, weaker and more prone to splitting or breaking.
There are several factors that can contribute to the aging of your nails including: sun exposure, smoking, poor diet and certain medications.
You can help to keep your nails healthy by using sunscreen on your hands, eating a balanced diet and avoiding tobacco use.
Why Do Fingernails Grow Faster Than Toenails?
Conclusion
As we age, our bodies change in many ways. Our skin gets thinner and drier, our hair gets grayer and thinner, and our fingernails grow faster.
Fingernail growth is controlled by the matrix, which is the base of the nail beneath the cuticle. The matrix contains cells that produce keratin, a protein that makes up the nails.
As we age, the cells in the matrix divide more rapidly, resulting in faster nail growth. In addition to aging, there are other factors that can affect nail growth.
For example, pregnancy can cause nails to grow faster due to increased levels of hormones like estrogen.
Illness and certain medications can also impact nail growth. If you notice your nails are growing unusually fast, it’s important to talk to your doctor to rule out any underlying health conditions.
In most cases though, faster nail growth is simply a normal part of aging.
Dr. Aditya Gupta is a highly accomplished Indian doctor with extensive experience in the field of neurology. Born and raised in New Delhi, India, Dr. Gupta completed his medical degree from the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), followed by his postgraduate studies in neurology from the same institution.
