Essential Cuticle Care Tips

Cuticles contribute greatly to nail health as well as to their tidy appearance. Keeping your cuticles healthy means healthy, strong nails.

How to Take Care of Your Cuticles

Actually, cuticles act like a barrier protecting us from pathogens that can enter and lead to infections. That is why nipping them is an absolute no-no if you want to maintain healthy nails. Well, put aside your nippers (or better throw away) and learn our tips on how to take proper care of your cuticles.

No matter how well you think you moisturize your hands, your cuticles are especially thirsty for hydration. They’re soaked and dried every time you wash your hands, they’re exposed to chemicals when you clean or work without gloves. If you’re not already rubbing a good quality moisturizer into your nails and fingertips every day, start doing it. If you do moisturize, and you still get hangnails or dryness, start to do it twice. Nail-Aid’s Cuticle Cure is specially formulated for this purpose. Pick a time of day when you’re doing something passive, like watching television or reading, and moisturize then.

Use nail polish remover as infrequently as possible, especially those containing acetone. Most nail polish removers will dry nails out. Many specialists suggest using nail polish remover no more than once a week.

Apply a hand cream or lotion after washing hands since soaps tend to cause nails and skin to become very dry. Cuticles should remain moisturized with Vaseline or a moisturizer such as Moisturel or Aquaphor. (Tip: Apply moisturizer before going to sleep each night.)

Don’t bite or cut your cuticles. Don’t push them too harshly. Don’t push them back too far. Always use sterile tools for a home manicure.

Watch for itchiness and blisters these may be caused by certain nail polishes or acrylic nails. The usual culprits are methyl methacrylate (MMA), tosylamid resin, or formaldehyde resin.

If you do have an inflammation or infection, you may need a doctor’s help. See a dermatologist, podiatrist, or your family doctor for an antifungal or antibacterial treatment.