Caleb Foster
Cuticles are a layer of clear skin located along the bottom edge of your finger or toe, which is called the nail bed. They are important for nail health as they protect new nails from bacteria when they grow out from the nail root. The area around the cuticle is delicate and can get dry, damaged, and infected. To prevent this, it is recommended to keep your cuticles moisturized and avoid cutting them as this can increase the risk of infection. Instead, gently push them back with a wooden orange stick to prevent overgrowth.
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What You'll Learn
Don't cut cuticles, gently push them back
Cuticles are an important part of your nail health. They are a small strip of skin at the bottom of your nails that act as extra protection from germs entering your nail bed.
You should not cut your cuticles as this can leave you exposed to dangerous and painful infections. Cutting your cuticles may also cause them to harden and become more likely to fracture. Instead, you should gently push them back with a wooden stick, such as an orange stick, or a cuticle pusher. This will help your nails appear longer and more elegant.
To push back your cuticles, start by soaking your nails in a bowl of warm water for around five minutes. This will make your cuticles softer and easier to work with. Then, dry your nails and apply some moisturizer or cuticle oil around the outside of your nails. Once your cuticles are ready, use a cuticle stick or pusher to gently push them back toward the base of your nails. Be careful not to push too hard or scrape your nails, as this can tear your cuticles and lead to infection.
After pushing back your cuticles, you may notice small pieces of excess skin at the base of your nail. Do not cut or tear these. Instead, gently exfoliate the area with a clean washcloth dipped in warm water. You can also use a cuticle nipper to carefully trim away any remaining stubborn skin or hangnails, being careful not to cut the skin along the bottom of your nail.
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Moisturise cuticles regularly
Moisturising your cuticles is essential to maintaining nail health. Cuticles are living parts of the skin that protect your nails from bacterial and fungal infections. When the cuticle becomes dry and cracked, it can't attach to the nail, and this can lead to nail infections and nail loss. Therefore, it is important to keep your cuticles moisturised regularly.
The easiest way to treat dry cuticles is to moisturise the area with a cream or oil. Cuticle creams are emollients that nourish and moisturise dry cuticles. Look for ingredients like vitamins A, C, and E, and natural oils such as almond, grapeseed, sunflower, and aloe vera oil. You can find cuticle creams at your local drugstore or beauty supply store.
Cuticle oil is another option. It softens and hydrates the cuticle area, preventing future dryness and cracking. You can purchase cuticle oil from beauty supply or drug stores, or use coconut oil as an at-home treatment option.
If you want to save money, you can make your own exfoliating scrub by mixing oil and sugar with a small bowl of water. Massage the scrub into your cuticles in a circular motion for about 30 seconds per finger. Rinse, dry, and apply your cuticle moisturiser.
Additionally, you can moisturise your cuticles by wearing gloves when washing dishes or clothes to protect your hands from the drying effects of water. You can also apply lubricant or leftover skin moisturiser to your cuticles after washing your hands.
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Wear gloves when washing dishes or clothes
Growing and maintaining healthy nail cuticles is an important part of nail care. Cuticles protect your nails as they grow and keeping them moisturized is key.
Washing dishes or clothes by hand can dry out your hands, nails, and cuticles. This is due to the drying effects of water, especially hot water, which can strip the natural oils from your skin. To prevent this, it is recommended to wear gloves when washing dishes or clothes. Vinyl gloves are suggested by experts as a good option to protect your hands and cuticles from water. Wearing gloves can also protect your hands and skin from the chemicals in cleaning products, which may cause further dryness or irritation.
If you have sensitive skin, opt for gloves with a gentle cotton or fabric lining. Gloves with long sleeves can also prevent water from seeping in through the ends of the gloves. It is also important to consider if you have a latex allergy, as many gloves are made from this material. Fortunately, there are plenty of latex-free cleaning gloves available.
Wearing gloves when washing dishes or clothes can help to maintain the health of your cuticles and prevent dryness and irritation. This simple step can be an effective way to keep your cuticles and nails looking and feeling their best.
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Use acetone-free nail polish remover
To grow your nail cuticles, it is important to keep your hands, nails, and cuticles moisturized. Acetone is a powerful solvent that is very effective at removing nail polish, but it is also harsh and drying. Therefore, acetone-free nail polish removers are recommended.
Acetone is a colorless, harsh-smelling and highly flammable liquid. It is a solvent capable of disintegrating even plastic. This is why it works so quickly to break down and remove nail polish. However, acetone can be too harsh for nails and cuticles, removing a lot of natural oils from the skin and cuticles. As a result, your skin may look white, indicating that it has dried out.
Non-acetone nail polish removers use less aggressive solvents like ethyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, and propylene carbonate. They may also contain moisturizing agents like glycerin, panthenol, and soy to minimize the drying effect. While they may not work as well as acetone, especially for dark or glitter nail polishes, and may require more effort to remove polish, they are gentler on the nails and cuticles.
If you frequently use nail polish remover, choosing a non-acetone option can help prevent your cuticles from drying out. Additionally, wearing gloves while doing dishes or other activities that involve water can help protect your cuticles and nails from the drying effects of water.
Remember, cuticles should not be cut or removed as this can increase the risk of infection and contribute to overgrowth. Instead, gently push back your cuticles with a wooden orange stick to prevent them from growing on top of your nail bed. Keeping your cuticles and nails moisturized is key to maintaining their health and promoting growth.
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Consult a doctor about taking biotin
While cuticles themselves should not be cut, as this can cause them to harden and become more likely to fracture, there are other ways to improve the health of your cuticles. One way is to regularly moisturize your hands, nails, and cuticles. This can be done with a thick moisturizing product, such as ointments or creams, or with a hot wax treatment.
Another way to improve the health of your cuticles is to take biotin supplements. Biotin is a vitamin that helps the body convert food into energy. It is also believed to improve hair, skin, and nail health, although there is little scientific evidence to support this claim. However, some studies have shown that taking 2.5 mg of biotin daily may improve nail firmness, hardness, and thickness. Specifically, a Swiss study found that 63% of patients with brittle nails who took biotin supplements experienced a 25% increase in nail plate thickness.
Despite the potential benefits of biotin, it is important to consult a doctor before taking any supplements. This is because biotin can interfere with the accuracy of certain lab tests. Additionally, most people get enough biotin through their diet, as it is found in many foods such as fish and seeds. Therefore, it is important to speak to a doctor to determine if you are deficient in biotin and if supplements are right for you.
If you are experiencing issues with your cuticles, such as redness, soreness, or overgrowth, it is also recommended to see a dermatologist. They can help determine the cause of the issue and provide appropriate treatment. This may include antibiotics if the issue is caused by an infection.
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Frequently asked questions
Cuticles are a layer of clear, dead skin located at the base of your nails. They protect new nails from bacteria as they grow out and shield the skin surrounding the nails from infection.
Moisturise your cuticles regularly with products like ointments, creams, or cuticle oil to prevent dryness and cracking. Soak your hands or feet in warm, soapy water for about 10 minutes every few days to soften the cuticles. Avoid cutting or picking at your cuticles; instead, gently push them back with a wooden orange stick.
Certain health issues, such as psoriasis, eczema, and allergic contact dermatitis, can lead to cuticle overgrowth. Stress may also play a role, as it can cause people to pick at their cuticles, making them more susceptible to infection or inflammation.
If you observe redness, soreness, or other symptoms of a nail infection, consult a doctor or dermatologist for advice and a suitable treatment plan.
