tammy - the more i learn about you the more i really think we are related! i have awful nails, just awful, they're thin and flakey - they don't break, they bend and peel - and they're flat. and when they grow even as long so they reach the end of my finger, they kind of bend and curve. it's ugly. and a couple of them have a permanent ridge in them.
my mom and sis have perfect nails (and teeth!), but not dad and i.
i plan on getting acrylics - i've done it before (my 1st wedding) and it worked. i won't maintain them, but there's no way i will have nice looking hands on my own. and i know they're not good for your nails - but there's really not much you can do to harm these nail.
oh yea, i have super dry skin too. i don't bite my nails (unless they're peeling already and bugging me), but the stupid cuticles are always flaking and driving me insane!