Ava Monroe
Having rough skin around your nails can be irritating and unsightly, but there are several ways to treat it. The skin around your nails can become rough due to various factors, including cold, dry weather, frequent hand washing, and nail biting. To remove rough skin, you can use a cuticle pusher to gently push back your cuticles, followed by a nail scrub or a cuticle removing gel. You can also trim away any excess skin with cuticle scissors or clippers. It is important to regularly moisturize the area with lotions, oils, or store-bought moisturizers to prevent dryness and cracking. Additionally, you can soak your hands in warm, soapy water to soften the skin and make it easier to remove.
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What You'll Learn
Soak nails in warm water
Soaking your nails in warm water is an effective way to remove rough skin around your nails and improve the overall health of your nails and cuticles.
To begin, fill a shallow bowl with warm water. You can add a few drops of soap to the water to soften your hands and help loosen dead skin, dirt, and dust. Dishwasher soap is particularly effective for this purpose. Lemon juice can also be added to the water to soften cuticles, make nails whiter and stronger, and boost hydration. Another option is to add a teaspoon of honey to the lemon juice and water solution to further enhance its hydrating properties. If you are looking to remove acrylic nails, you can use hot water instead of warm water.
Once you have prepared the water, soak your hands in the bowl for about 10 minutes. You can choose to soak your entire hand or just your fingertips. If you are removing acrylic nails, be sure to keep your nails fully submerged for 10 to 15 minutes at a time to ensure that the nails loosen properly. After soaking, gently remove your hands from the water and pat them dry with a towel.
Following the soak, you can proceed to clean your nails and the surrounding skin with a nail brush. You can also use cuticle oil or an intensive moisturizer to further nourish your cuticles and hands.
By regularly soaking your nails in warm water, you can effectively remove rough skin, improve nail health, and maintain well-hydrated cuticles.
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Use a cuticle pusher
A cuticle pusher is a specialised nail care tool designed to gently push back the thin layer of skin at the base of your nails. It is typically made from plastic, stainless steel, or wood, and features a flat or rounded end. Using a cuticle pusher not only makes your nails look their best but also helps prevent potential problems like hangnails and infections.
To use a cuticle pusher, start by removing all nail polish or gel coating from your nails. Soften your nails and cuticles by soaking your hands in warm, soapy water for 5-10 minutes, or by applying a cuticle remover or oil and leaving it on for about 2 minutes. Then, hold the cuticle pusher at a 35 to 45-degree angle to your nail. Using light pressure, start at the base of the nail and slowly push the cuticles back towards the skin. Be careful not to press too hard, as this can damage the nail bed or skin.
After pushing back the cuticles, use the other end of the cuticle pusher or a cuticle trimmer to carefully remove any excess dead skin for a polished look. Finish by applying a nourishing cuticle oil or hand cream. Regular moisturising will result in softer, more flexible cuticles that resist fraying. By consistently using a cuticle pusher and moisturising, your nails will look salon-fresh.
It is important to note that cuticle pushers are not meant to be used to remove cuticles. They are designed to gently push back the cuticles, making the nails look cleaner and longer. For removing excess cuticles, you can use cuticle trimmers or cuticle scissors.
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Moisturise regularly
Moisturising regularly is key to maintaining healthy skin around your nails. The skin around your nails can become dry, cracked, and brittle, leading to hangnails and infections. To prevent this, it is essential to keep the area well-hydrated and moisturised.
Use a generous amount of moisturiser on the entire area surrounding your nails, paying special attention to your cuticles. You can also apply moisturiser underneath your nails. Opt for alcohol and fragrance-free moisturisers, as these tend to hydrate the skin better. If your cuticles are dry and prone to splitting, keep them pushed back and moisturised. Trim away any loose or dry pieces as soon as you notice them.
In addition to using a moisturiser, you can also apply cuticle oil to your cuticles and the skin around your nails. Cuticle oils, such as those containing vitamin E and biotin, can help restore moisture and nourish the skin. Apply the oil generously and massage it into your cuticles and nails. This will help keep the area soft and supple, reducing the risk of hangnails and infections.
For an intensive moisturising treatment, consider using gloves after applying moisturiser. Put on a pair of cotton gloves and wear them overnight. The gloves will help seal in the moisture, allowing your nails and cuticles to absorb it fully. Remove the gloves in the morning, and you'll notice that your skin feels softer and smoother.
It is also important to remember to moisturise your hands and cuticles regularly, especially during the dry winter months. The skin on your hands and around your nails is delicate and can easily become dry and rough due to cold weather, frequent hand washing, and the use of hand sanitiser. By moisturising regularly, you can prevent dryness and maintain healthy, well-hydrated skin around your nails.
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Avoid biting the area
Biting the skin around your nails can lead to several complications. Firstly, it can cause hangnails, which are jagged pieces of skin that protrude from the sides of your fingernails. Hangnails can be painful and may even become infected, leading to potential issues such as paronychia. Biting the skin can also cause it to grow back harder, as the body perceives repeated damage and responds by hardening the area.
Additionally, nail biting is a common behaviour that can be challenging to break. It often starts in childhood or adolescence and may be a coping mechanism for emotions like nervousness, boredom, loneliness, or hunger. Chronic nail biting can lead to dental problems such as misalignment and chipped teeth. It may also result in ingesting bacteria, potentially causing stomach or intestinal infections.
To avoid biting the area, it is essential to identify triggers and develop replacement behaviours. Common triggers include nervousness, boredom, and loneliness. Replacement behaviours can include squeezing a stress ball, playing with a fidget toy, or chewing gum. Keeping nails trimmed and maintaining proper nail hygiene can also help reduce the temptation to bite.
If you find it challenging to stop biting the skin around your nails, you may want to consider seeking professional help. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) can be effective in addressing the underlying psychological aspects of nail biting. Additionally, habit-reversal training can be incorporated into therapy to help break the habit.
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Apply cuticle oil
Applying cuticle oil is a great way to keep your nails looking clean and healthy. Cuticle oil is a specialised product designed to nourish and moisturise the cuticles, which are the thin strips of skin at the base of your nails. It is typically made with a blend of natural oils, such as jojoba, almond, avocado oil, or vitamin E, and is enriched with vitamins and antioxidants.
- Prepare your nails and cuticles: Start by removing any nail polish or residue from your nails using a gentle nail polish remover. Wash your hands with warm water and mild soap to clean your nails and soften the cuticles.
- Apply a small amount of cuticle oil: Take a drop or two of cuticle oil onto the brush, applicator, or dropper, and apply it to each nail.
- Massage the oil: Massage the oil into your cuticles, the sides of your nails, and the skin surrounding each nail.
- Allow it to absorb: Leave the cuticle oil on for at least 5 to 10 minutes to allow it to fully absorb and provide maximum hydration. You can also leave it on for longer, such as overnight, by wearing gloves to prevent the oil from transferring.
- Reapply regularly: For best results, apply cuticle oil at least once a day or as needed. You can also reapply every 2 to 3 hours if needed. Consistency is key to maintaining healthy and nourished cuticles.
By regularly applying cuticle oil, you can promote healthy nail growth, improve the appearance of your nails, and protect them from breakage and infection. It helps to soften and hydrate the cuticles, preventing them from becoming dry, cracked, or damaged. Cuticle oil also helps to prevent the formation of painful hangnails by keeping the cuticles moisturised.
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Frequently asked questions
Moisturise your hands and cuticles regularly with lotions, oils or moisturisers. This is especially important during the dry winter months.
Use a cuticle pusher to gently push back your cuticles. You can then trim away any excess skin with cuticle scissors or a cuticle clipper/remover. Finish by applying a cuticle oil or cream to your cuticles and the skin around your nails.
Rough skin around your nails can be caused by a variety of factors, including nail biting, cold weather, frequent hand washing, and the use of hand sanitiser.
Soak your hands in warm, soapy water for about 10 minutes to help soften the skin. Avoid activities that dry out your skin, such as washing dishes without gloves and using acetone-based nail polish remover.
