The main culprit behind these changes is a natural slowdown in keratin production. Keratin is the key protein that gives structure to our nails (and hair), and as we age, our body becomes less efficient at producing it. As keratin production declines, the nail surface can become less smooth and more uneven, causing the familiar ridged appearance.
In addition, our skin and nails lose moisture with age. Dehydrated nails are more prone to brittleness, texture changes, and visible ridging. Daily wear and tear—such as frequent hand washing, exposure to soap, and use of cleaning products—can further dry out the nail bed, making ridges more pronounced over time.
