Here's The Real Reason Your Nails Are Peeling

​Flaky nails are like split ends. As much as you know you shouldn't pick at them - it's hard not to. And just like split ends, they can be frustratingly resistant to anything you try and do to bust them.

Allure spoke to Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in the dermatology department of the New York-based Mount Sinai Hospital about exactly why the peel starts - and and there's more culprits than you think.

While Joshua noted that "nail changes are common as we get older,"​ there can be more direct medical links to peeling. Your nails are actually a pretty good indicator of your overall health - things like bumps, ridges and discolouration can signify a number of health woes.

For example, any yellow discolouration could be a sign of lung disease, while lots of white discolouration could indicate kidney problems. (It's worth noting that discolouration can also just be staining from nail polish, however.)

Coming back to peeling nails, or 'onychoschizia​' to give it its medical name, Joshua said there's a few everyday reasons for flaking, citing over-zealous hand-washing (your nails are ten times more porous than your skin) and the use of acrylics as big causes of flakiness.

Nail polish remover can also cause flakiness, as well as general nail dryness. And while brittle nails can sometimes be a sign of low thyroid function or anemia, Joshua said there are plenty of things you can do in your nail-care routine to stop flakiness. 

For one, try giving yourself a couple of weeks off from wearing nail polish. Instead, load up with lots of nail oil (we love CND Solar Oil) and use a rich, hydrating base coat like butter LONDON's Nail Tinted Moisturiser to infuse the nail with nourishment and vitamins.

Using lots of hand cream is a plus, too - we love Bobbi Brown's Extra Hand Cream - as well as drinking lots of water.

Remember - be kind to your nails, and they'll be kind to you.