I’ve spent the better part of three years trying to hide my feet during the summer because of constant peeling and that weird yellowing on my toenails.
It probably started back when I was hitting the gym four times a week and wasn’t as careful as I should have been in the locker room showers. I tried just about everything you’d find at a typical drugstore. First, I went through multiple tubes of that standard antifungal cream, which seemed to work for a week but then the itching would just come right back. Then I tried the natural route with undiluted tea tree oil, but the smell was overpowering and it actually made the skin around my nails crack. I even did those vinegar and Epsom salt soaks every night for a month, which was just a huge time sink with very little to show for it.
About four months ago, I decided to try a different approach and started using Kerassentials Serum (i order here, best price i found) after reading about how certain oils can help build up skin resistance. I didn’t expect a miracle overnight, but my routine was simple: I’d apply the serum twice a day, once after my morning shower and once before bed, making sure to get it under the nail edge. I also switched to moisture-wicking socks and made sure my boots were completely dry before wearing them again.
After about three weeks, I noticed the skin wasn’t as flaky, and I was seeing healthier skin texture around the base of the nail. By the second month, the new nail growth coming in looked clear and wasn’t nearly as thick as before. The main difference for me was that it didn’t irritate my skin like the harsh chemicals did. I think consistency was key here because I didn’t skip a single day. It’s not an instant fix, but for me, it actually stuck. Just a heads up, everyone’s skin reacts differently, so it might take longer for some. If you are looking for a minimal routine, just focus on keeping the area dry and being religious with the application every single morning and night.