Peeling is caused by?

• A. Usually caused by repeated or prolonged water contact with the natural nail
• B. Overexposure to sunlight
• C. Too much cuticle oil
• D. Applying polish too thick

Answer: (A)

Peeling happens most often when the nail plate is repeatedly or continually exposed to water. Water absorption softens and weakens the keratin in the natural nail, so the layers separate and peel away from the nail bed, especially with hands that stay wet or go in and out of water often. This is why common moisture-related activities like frequent hand washing or swimming can lead to peeling nails. Other options don’t fit as the primary cause: sunlight exposure tends to affect skin and surface color rather than the nail’s structural peeling; too much cuticle oil keeps the nail flexible and hydrated, which usually helps rather than harms the nail; and applying polish too thick affects the polish layer and can cause lifting of the polish itself, not the natural nail peeling.