For about a year I’ve been keeping my nails manicured and pretty with dip manicures. There was of course a learning curve in figuring out how to file and shape for a natural-looking nail, but the extra time it took for dip manicures was worth it — my hands looked better than ever before! Cuticle snags were gone and my nails were growing longer than they have in a really long time (think pregnancy days). But time was not my friend, as as I went on, I would try to rush through the removal process over-using an electric file and soaking in acetone leaving my nails weak and bending. I decided it was time to give my nails a break and just take time to nourish them while they heal which is where Dermelect comes in.
Dermelect is not a new brand to me, I actually have their ridge filler in my box of polishes and nail care items and loved how smooth it made my nails and evened out the color. I’ve always known them to be one of the more prestigious nail care brands that you don’t see in stores and needed to order. I think I got mine in a FabFitFun box or a New Beauty test tube before. Anyways…
To get my nails healthier, I started off using their Phyto-strong nail kit which includes their nail hardener base coat, and their solar active top coat. Once I saw that NewBeauty had awarded them BEST nail strengthening treatment, I was even more game to get started. The formulas are both vegan, cruelty-free and 12-free, and use a proprietary blend of bio-sourced ingredients for maximum strengthening results.
The Phyto-strong nail hardener (basecoat) uses keratin peptides and mineral-rich bamboo to strengthen and harden weak nails while antioxidant-rich squalane offers moisture to dry, delicate areas. The Phyto-strong manicure extender (solar topcoat) also uses keratin peptides to further strengthen the nail, and Japanese yuzu to brighten the nail bed. Honestly something I didn’t think I needed until I saw how my nails looked after a full application. Once the topcoat is in place you get an extremely glossy finish that is chip-free.
I loved the brushes for both of these. They collected enough product and were easy to maneuver over my nail beds for a nice, clean classic manicure. The instructions state to apple 1-2 coats of each and wear them for a week and start the process all over again. I am happy to report that these did not have any noticeable chipping at the end of the week (probably not easy to see since it’s clear), and also, no yellowing of the nail. I have used other treatments in the past that made my nails have a weird yellow tinge and hated it.
I still have a few more weeks to go before I dive back into dipping, but my nails are growing long enough for me to file and shape instead of bending and tearing. I’ve also added in another treatment from Dermelect that caught my eye on Amazon, their Rejuvenail Fortifying Nail & Cuticle Treatment.
I decided to add this in because out of all the discussions I’ve had with other bloggers, particularly, nail bloggers, they always stressed keeping cuticles in tip-top shape in over to have better, stronger nails. Usually, an oil is recommended, and I have used oils before, but their Rejuvanail cream looked so good I had to try.
Not only does it include keratin peptides like the strong nail kit, but other powerful ingredients like vitamins A, C, and E, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and green tea extract for all-around strengthening and moisturizing.
The cream is thick but easy to apply and absorb into the skin and nails. It had a delicate scent to it, that only feels like it lingers if you keep your hands near your face. I do apply it OFTEN. It says 3-4 times a day. I probably do that and some extra on days where I’m washing my hands extra.
The condition of my cuticles has changed from day to night. The snags were snipped off, and the dry parts that cling to the nail bed and tear no longer do that — in just under a week of diligently using this cream. Because this isn’t some cheap hand cream, I only use this on the nails and tips of my fingers. I’m sure my whole hand could use some improvement, but I like to save “the good stuff” for the parts that really need help.
I look forward to hopefully doing my nails in the next 2-3 weeks and seeing how my nails improve further. At this time (two weeks) I am seeing some minimal growth, healthier cuticles, and my nails aren’t bending and breaking. I will continue to use the cream over my dip manicures and use the base and topcoat sets on my “breather” weeks.
You can find Dermelect products on their website, along with a decent selection of their anti-aging skin care products. I just got their scrub but haven’t tried it yet. Eep. need too!
Have you tried anything from Dermelect before?
