Science-Backed Nail Repair: How to Undo Years of Polish Damage
Written by Lisa Monroe, 52
Retired nail technician and wellness blogger
At 52, I thought I had nail care figured out. Spoiler alert: I didn't.
If your nails are breaking, thinning, or peeling no matter what polish or oil you use, you’re not alone.
Most nail care advice is built for 20-somethings. But our nails change as we age, they need different support, just like our skin and hair do. That’s why I turned to Sarah Chen, a beauty formulator at Liaison who has spent the last decade creating products specifically for women over 45.
I used to think cuticle oils were helping. I had a drawer full, lavender-infused, rose-scented, expensive little bottles.
But Sarah set me straight:
“Most oils only soften the surface. They don’t reach the nail matrix, where actual growth happens.”
What to do instead: What to do instead: Switch to a formula that’s built for real repair that combines peptides, amino acids, and nutrient-rich oils. These ingredients penetrate deep into the nail base. That’s where they help stimulate stronger, healthier nail growth.
Products like UltraGrow Nail Serum are a great example. It uses advanced peptide technology that actually repairs damage from the inside out. We also found out that they’re currently 50% off today only.
— Lynette, Verified Buyer
Buffing always felt like part of a polished routine. But Sarah explained something I never considered:
“When estrogen levels drop, nails become thinner. Buffing them is like sanding tissue paper. It weakens the nail bed over time.”
Why It Matters: Many of us over 45 have been buffing for years, without realizing it could be contributing to the peeling, breakage, and thinning.
What To Do Now: If your nails are already fragile, focus on reviving the damage. That’s where a serum like UltraGrow can help. It’s made with peptides and Vitamin E, ingredients known to rebuild the nail plate that buffing has worn down layer by layer. With their current offer, it now only costs $1.67 per day.
Visible nail transformation starts in as little as 3 weeks, with full strengthening typically in 6 to 8.
“I buffed my nails religiously for 20 years thinking it made them healthier. Turns out I was making them thinner and thinner! UltraGrow has been rebuilding what I damaged. My nails are finally thick again..”
— Margaret K., Verified Buyer
Here’s what I never knew: every time your nails get wet, they expand. Then they shrink as they dry. That movement causes splits and peeling.
What to do instead: Apply UltraGrow right after your nails are damp, like after doing dishes. It helps lock in hydration and reduces stress on the nail plate.
“Started using UltraGrow after handwashing. My nails stopped peeling in 10 days.”
— Elena, 49
Heat and light break down actives like peptides, making them useless for nail repair. When serums lose their potency, you’re left applying what’s basically expensive oil that can’t penetrate or strengthen your nails. That’s why UltraGrow comes in a UV blocking amber bottle, and why you should store it like skincare.
Pro tip: Keep it in a drawer away from sunlight. Cool, dark, and tightly capped.
“I’m 52 and work as a nurse, so my hands take a beating. I’ve tried every nail strengthener on the market – nothing worked long-term. My nails would grow a little then break right off. UltraGrow is different. After 6 weeks, I actually have to trim my nails because they’re growing so fast and strong. My coworkers keep asking what I’m doing differently!”
— Rebecca M., Verified Buyer
After talking with Sarah and using UltraGrow for a few months, I’ve learned that nail care in your 50s isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what actually works.
“Women in their late 40s and 50s need different formulations than 25 year olds. Your nails, like your skin, need more support, more nourishment, and gentler treatment.”
— Sarah Chen
When you give them that? The results speak for themselves. For the first time in years, I like how my nails look without polish.
Most of us were never taught how our nails change as we age, or what they really need to thrive in our 50s and beyond.
If your nails are thin, split easily, or never make it past your fingertips no matter what you try, it might be time to switch to something formulated for where you are now.
UltraGrow Nail Serum gets it. It’s made with strengthening peptides and nourishing oils your nails actually need, not just the stuff that worked when you were younger.
“At 52, I finally found a serum that understands aging nails. This isn’t a miracle, it’s science that works.”
—Jen, Verified Buyer
“I’ve tried salon treatments and supplements, but this serum is the first thing that actually worked.” – Jill, 62
“My nails used to break doing the laundry. Now they’re thicker and stronger than ever.” – Bev, 54
“I type all day and my nails always chipped. This helped seal and protect them.” – Tina, 48
“Honestly, I didn’t think it would do much. But now I’m on my third bottle.” – Diana, 60
“UltraGrow gave me confidence to go polish free for the first time in decades.” – Rita, 59
Liaison UltraGlow Nail Serum Testimonials
“I’ve had acrylics for 15 years. UltraGrow helped me finally grow my real nails.” – Marie, 57
“Didn’t expect much. 3 weeks in and my nails look completely different.” – Angela, 49
Started this with my daughter. We both love it, but I swear it works even better on older nails.”
– Sandra, 61:
Add a comment...
Karen D.
Just ordered mine! Fingers crossed 🤞
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10:32
Lynette M.
I’ve tried everything—oils, supplements, you name it. Hoping this finally works.
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9:15
Rita B.
Anyone over 60 tried this yet?
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8:23
Debra S.
I actually noticed a difference in 2 weeks. Shocked.
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11:54
Ellen R.
Is it scented or fragrance-free?
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10:56
Michelle T.
I stopped buffing and started using this... huge difference!
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3:21
Sandy G.
My nails always peel. Will this help with that?
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2:10
Nora V.
Didn’t expect much, but now I’m on my second bottle 👏
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1:37
Janice W
52 here and finally not embarrassed about my bare nails 🙌
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10:32
Tammy C.
I type all day and my nails used to break. This helped seal them!
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3:22
Carmen A.
Okay but does this work on ridges too?
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11:11
Denise L.
I keep mine next to my retinol lol
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12:05
Andrea F
Can you use this with polish or does it have to be bare nails?
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6:05
Julie M.
Got it during the sale—best $50 I’ve spent in a while.
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4:55
Cheryl H.
Real talk: it doesn’t fix them overnight, but it WORKS
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8:12
Beth Y.
My daughter got this for me and now I’m hooked
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9:44
Pam S.
I’m on week 4 and my nails are actually growing!
Like · Reply ·
11:52
Nancy B.
Just added to cart. Thanks to whoever wrote this.
Like · Reply ·
12:11
Lorna F
Wish I found this sooner. My poor nails after years of gel 😩
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4:06
Sharon K.
Been seeing this everywhere... finally caved in and bought it
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2:25
Angela R
This was such a helpful read—finally someone talking about nail care for OUR age.
Like · Reply ·
1:33
Sandra V.
I had no idea buffing could cause more harm than good. That tip alone was worth it!
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12:15
Marlene S.
I appreciate the breakdown on ingredients. I feel more confident knowing what I’m putting on.
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1:56
Bev C.
I just started using UltraGrow and I’m excited to see what happens in the next few weeks.
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4:06
Cynthia M.
This article made me realize I’ve been treating my nails the same way since I was 30. No wonder they’re not improving.
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8:37
Rhonda P.
Love how this isn’t trying to sell a miracle. Just good info and a solid product.
Like · Reply ·
1:36
Diana H.
I wish more beauty brands focused on women in their 50s. Thank you for this!
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12:32
Joanne F.
I’m 64 and this is the first time in years I’ve seen my nails look healthy without polish.
Like · Reply ·
1:55
Teresa W.
Can I use this with polish or should my nails be bare?
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3:12
Melinda L.
I got the 2-bottle bundle during the sale and I’m so glad I did.
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6:16
Roseanne K
I had no idea about how water affects nails. That was eye-opening.
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3:59
Elaine M.
After 10 years of acrylics, I didn’t think my real nails stood a chance. This gave me hope.
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12:52
Norma J.
My nails were so thin they bent backward. Not anymore!
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1:33
Yvette G.
I’ve recommended this to all my friends in their 50s.
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1:55
Gina T.
This article feels like it was written just for me—thank you.
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4:21
Shelley D.
It’s rare to find a beauty product that actually understands aging.
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10:02
Faith N.
Started seeing results after week 2. They’re not perfect, but they’re stronger.
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1:33
Bonnie E.
I just ordered after reading this. Fingers crossed!
Like · Reply ·
10:09
Debbie Z.
Curious—how long does one bottle usually last?
Like · Reply ·
05:33