Have you noticed thin, vertical lines running from the root to the tip of your nails as you've gotten older? If so, you're not alone. Many people start noticing these changes after the age of 40. Most of the time, they're harmless, but in some cases, they can indicate underlying health issues. So what causes vertical ridges—and when should you be concerned?
Understanding vertical nail ribs
Vertical ridges, also called longitudinal lines , are raised lines that extend from the cuticle to the tip of the nail. They can vary in depth and number and often become more visible with age.
Just as skin loses elasticity and hair turns gray, nails also change structurally over time. The production of keratin – the protein that forms nails – can decrease or become uneven, leading to ridges.
Main causes after the age of 40
1. Natural aging process
The most common cause of vertical ridges is simply aging. As we age, our body's ability to regenerate skin cells decreases. The same happens to the nail matrix (the base of the nail), which can produce keratin unevenly, leading to ridges.
