What causes these ridges after 40?

1.  Natural aging

As we age, our body’s ability to regenerate cells decreases. This also applies to the cells in the  nail matrix  , the base of your fingernail where growth begins.

When nail cells don’t form as evenly or quickly as before, the nail surface can  become less smooth  , creating those visible ridges. For most people, this is  n’t a cause for concern  —it’s simply one of the many natural changes that occur with age.

2.  Drought and dehydration

One of the less noticeable effects of aging is moisture loss  ,  not only in our skin but also in our nails. Drier nails often become more brittle and less flexible. This causes existing ridges to become more prominent and can lead to cracking or peeling.

Frequent hand washing, contact with soap, or handling cleaning products without gloves can make dryness worse over time.