Weakened nails

Nails can become soft, brittle, or ridged. This is often the case after aggressive treatments such as chemotherapy. If your nails are weakened, you are not alone. Good news: there are solutions to gently repair and strengthen your nails.
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Why are my nails weakened?

The causes are numerous:

  • Cancer treatments (chemotherapy, radiotherapy)
  • Stress, fatigue, or deficiencies (iron, zinc, vitamins)
  • Natural aging
  • Repeated use of regular nail polish or harsh nail polish removers
  • Excessive hand washing or frequent use of alcohol-based gels

These factors disrupt the nail’s structure, making it thinner, drier, or more brittle.

Nails and chemotherapy: tailored care

Nails weakened after chemotherapy (or radiotherapy) require special care. They may:

  • Split
  • Become very soft or painful
  • Change color (darken)
  • Develop ridges or partially lift

For nails damaged by chemotherapy, it is essential to use reparative treatments formulated without endocrine disruptors, fragrance-free, and tested in hospital settings.

What to do about fragile nails?

Here are our tips for daily nail care:

  • Regularly moisturize the cuticles and nail matrix
  • Avoid impacts, hot water, and household products without gloves
  • Keep nails short if uncomfortable
  • Prefer gentle, natural, and protective treatments

Which Poderm® treatment for weakened nails?

We have developed a complete range to repair, nourish, and protect fragile or chemotherapy-damaged nails.

Silicon Serum for Weakened Nails


The Silicon Serum for Weakened Nails strengthens and repairs fragile nails, especially after chemotherapy. Its natural formula soothes, protects, and helps prevent nail loss.

Color Strong Hardener Nail Polish


Poderm’s Color Strong Hardener Nail Polish strengthens, protects, and adds shine to fragile nails. Its formula, enriched with natural active ingredients, promotes regrowth and resilience.

Our Commitments

At PODERM, we formulate our care products with the highest standards:

  • Ingredients of natural origin
  • Formulas tested in hospital settings
  • Recommended by podiatrists and oncologists
  • Made in Switzerland

How to treat nails damaged by chemotherapy?

Use the Poderm Chemotherapy Weakened Nails Trio – Silicon Nail Polish combines a repairing serum, a strengthening nail polish, and a base enriched with silicon, castor oil, keratin, and biotin to repair, strengthen, and protect fragile nails following chemotherapy. Its permeable formula allows continuous action of the active ingredients, providing strength, resilience, and optimal polish adhesion for visibly stronger nails.

Why do my nails split after cancer?

Treatments like chemotherapy weaken the nail matrix. This can lead to splitting, ridges, or partial nail loss.

Which nail polish should I use after chemotherapy?

After chemotherapy, it is recommended to use a nail polish specially formulated for weakened and sensitive nails. Poderm’s Color Strong polishes are an excellent option: they are enriched with strengthening ingredients such as silicon, biotin, and keratin, and designed to protect, strengthen, and promote nail regrowth.

Are PODERM products suitable for cancer patients?

Yes. All our care products for weakened nails are compatible with oncological treatments and recommended in several healthcare facilities.

Our top tips for healthy nails

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Chemotherapy treatments can significantly impact the health of your nails, making them brittle, ridged, or split. This phenomenon is common, as these treatments weaken the nail structure, making them more susceptible to damage. To address these unwanted effects, using a strengthening serum for nails is essential.

This serum, made from 100% natural ingredients and free from dubious components, is specially formulated to strengthen and repair nails weakened by chemotherapy. It penetrates deeply to fortify the nail matrix, promoting healthier and more resilient nail growth. By incorporating this serum into your care routine, you provide your nails with the protection needed to regain their vitality and healthy appearance.

With regular use, this serum not only helps to prevent breakage but also restores a smooth, even surface, offering a natural and effective solution to overcome the effects of cancer treatments on your nails.

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