As the body ages, nail growth and keratin production gradually slow down. Keratin is the protein responsible for keeping nails strong and smooth. Over time, nails may become thinner and drier, making vertical ridges easier to see. In many cases, these changes are completely harmless and common among older adults.
Daily habits can also affect how nails look and feel. Frequent hand washing, exposure to cleaning products, and dry weather may remove moisture from the nails. Small injuries from typing, gardening, or household work can also contribute to changes in texture over the years. These everyday factors often combine with aging to make ridges more noticeable.
