I need your help!!

Hi everyone,

As you've noticed, I've been posting old NOTD's lately and complaining a LOT about my nails. Well, I'm still having a bit of trouble so I thought I'd turn to all you nail mavens for advice on this matter.

Here's my situation: for about a year, my nails were in what I call "perfect" condition. Sure they broke (my job is kinda rough on them), but they were generally long and strong and didn't peel. Anyway, without any warning, about two months ago they started to do this strange thing and I can only describe it as this: they started to grow out already broken.

This phenomenon occurs on the sides of the nails and it's like... they're just growing out already with splits and peels in them (on the sides only). It's truly bizarre. I don't have any pictures though, sorry, so I apologize if none of this makes sense.

Here's what my nail routine was: I take 5000mcg of Biotin daily. I have for a year. I use Barielle Natural Nail Growth Stimulator topped with Salon Sciences Instant Artificials as my basecoats and Seche Vite for my topcoat. I use Lush Lemony Flutter and Neutrogena Hand Cream. I don't drink a *ton* of water, but I do drink some. Anyway, the only thing in my routine that changed during this period is that I started using Gelous instead of Instant Artificials. But, keep in mind, this is my second base coat, it doesn't actually touch my nail. Anyway, after I noticed the weirdness, I switched back to Instant Artificials and nothing has changed :-( (I was really bummed to give up Gelous because I actually liked it better than Instant Artificials).

Anyway, that's my situation. For now, I'm trying to switch off my bottom base coat, and I've been using Sally Hansen Nail Quencher (dc'd, I know, hope I don't love it....), but I'm wondering if anyway can give me any insight to the root of this problem?? I've been revamping my diet lately but for the better, so I doubt that's the case. Could it be a reaction to Biotin? But a year later? Any advice?

Thanks you guys! Hope life is treating you well :-) I got a new job, so I am happy-happy! But I'll still be working my old one a little and writing my thesis, so I'll be a busy girl until December!