Isla Bennett
Dry skin around your nails can be caused by a variety of factors, including cold, dry weather, frequent hand sanitizing, and repeated hand washing. This can lead to painful infections and even changes in nail shape, colour, texture, or detachment. To prevent and treat this, it is important to regularly moisturize the skin around your nails with lotions, oils, or store-bought moisturizers. Warm water can also help soften the skin for easy and pain-free grooming. Additionally, wearing gloves while doing household chores or gardening can protect your hands from harmful chemicals and the cold. For an instant fix, try soaking your fingertips in warm olive or coconut oil to soften and nourish the skin around your nails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Biting nails, cold and dry weather, frequent use of hand sanitiser, repeated hand-washing, exposure to chemicals, neglect, nail polish, detergents, diet, skin conditions |
| Prevention | Wear gloves when washing clothes/doing housework, moisturise hands and cuticles, use acetone-free nail polish remover, avoid overexposing hands to water |
| Treatment | Soak fingertips in warm olive oil or coconut oil, use a cuticle pusher, use a nail scrub, use a hand cream, use a hand serum, use a moisturiser, use cuticle oil, use a glass file, trim loose or dry pieces, wear moisture-locking gloves, use a cuticle cream or balm, seal with a thin layer of aquaphor |
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What You'll Learn
Soak fingers in warm water to soften skin
Soaking your fingers in warm water is a simple yet effective way to soften the skin around your nails. This method is particularly useful before cutting your cuticles, as it makes them easier to push back or remove. Start by filling a small bowl with warm water. You can add a few drops of gentle soap or a specialised cuticle softener to the water. If you want to make your own natural cuticle softener, you can mix two teaspoons of lemon juice with half a cup of water. However, avoid using lemon juice if your nails or fingers have any cuts, as this can sting.
Once you have prepared the warm water, soak your fingers in it for a few minutes. This process will help to soften and loosen the cuticles. After soaking, dry your hands with a clean towel. Make sure your cuticles are free of water drops but still moist. You can then use a cuticle stick or a soft wooden stick to gently push back your cuticles. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this can damage the nail bed.
In addition to warm water, you can also use vinegar to soften your cuticles. Fill a small bowl with distilled white vinegar and soak your nails for about five minutes. Vinegar is acidic, so avoid using this method if you have any cuts or wounds on your fingers, as it can cause burning and stinging.
By soaking your fingers in warm water or vinegar, you can effectively soften the skin around your nails and prepare them for cuticle trimming.
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Moisturise with lotions, oils or creams
Moisturising your nails is key to maintaining nail health and preventing dryness. You can use lotions, oils, or creams to moisturise the skin around your nails.
Firstly, it is important to understand the anatomy of your fingernails. The cuticle is the layer of clear skin at the bottom of your fingernail. If you don't push your cuticles back, they can overlap the base of your nail. Pushing your cuticles back can be done with a wooden cuticle pusher or an orange stick. Soaking your cuticles in warm water can help to soften the skin around the nail, making it easier to push back the cuticle.
Once your cuticles are pushed back, you can apply a generous amount of moisturiser to the entire area surrounding your nail, paying special attention to your cuticles. You can use lotions, moisturising oils, or store-bought moisturisers specifically made for cuticles. Alcohol-free and fragrance-free moisturisers are recommended as they tend to hydrate the skin better. You can also try applying moisturiser underneath your nails.
If you are using an oil, you can soak your nails in it for about 20 minutes. Oils such as sunflower oil, Brazil nut oil, olive oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil are all great options. These oils are absorbed into the nail and help combat dryness. After applying oil, you can follow up with a moisturising cream.
If you are using a cream, you can apply it directly to your hands, cuticles, and nail plates. Any type of hand cream can be used, or you can opt for nail- and cuticle-specific creams. Cuticle creams are important to repair and protect the skin surrounding your nail beds. It is recommended to use these creams repeatedly throughout the day.
After applying your chosen moisturiser, you can coat each nail in a thick layer of ointment, such as Vaseline or Aquaphor, to seal in the moisture. Wearing cotton gloves overnight can also help to lock in the moisture and promote healing.
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Wear gloves to protect hands and seal in moisture
Wearing gloves can be an effective way to protect your hands and seal in moisture, especially if you are dealing with dry skin around your nails. Here are some tips to maximize the benefits of gloves for hand and nail care:
Choose the Right Gloves
The type of glove you choose is important. Cotton gloves are commonly recommended for sealing in moisture. You can also find specially designed moisturizing gloves that are coated with hydrating agents, such as aloe vera, to enhance the moisturizing effect. These gloves are ideal for overnight use, allowing your hands to absorb oils and moisturizers uninterrupted for several hours. It is important to note that you should not reuse these gloves, as the oils can spoil and turn rancid once exposed to air.
Avoid Disposable Gloves
Disposable latex or non-latex gloves are not ideal for maintaining hand and nail hydration. While they serve important purposes in medical, food handling, and painting contexts, they can negatively impact the skin when worn for extended periods. Disposable gloves create an airtight barrier, trapping moisture and sweat inside. This can disrupt the natural pH balance of your hands, causing dryness, cracking, rashes, and even increasing the risk of infection.
Protective Gloves for Household Tasks
It is a good idea to wear protective gloves when performing household chores, such as gardening or cleaning. Rubber gloves, for example, can shield your hands from harsh chemicals and protect your skin from drying effects. Remember to limit your skin's exposure to water during these tasks, as prolonged immersion in water can contribute to dry skin.
Layering with Moisturizers
For optimal results, combine glove use with a moisturizing routine. Apply a generous amount of moisturizer to your hands and nails, focusing on the cuticles. Then, put on your gloves to seal in the moisture. Overnight treatment is particularly beneficial, as it gives your skin time to absorb the hydration. Always follow the proper order of skincare products: cleanse, apply serum, and then top with a moisturizing cream.
Consider Glove Liners
If you frequently wear impermeable gloves for work or other activities, consider using glove liners. Absorbent glove liners made from moisture-wicking materials can help draw moisture away from your skin, keeping your hands drier and more comfortable. This can be especially useful in preventing the issues caused by excessive moisture buildup inside gloves.
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Push back cuticles with a wooden stick or cuticle pusher
Pushing back your cuticles is an important step in maintaining healthy nails and preventing painful infections. Cuticles are the thin layer of clear skin at the base of your fingernails. If left unattended, they can overlap the nail and cause issues like hangnails.
To push back your cuticles, you can use a wooden stick or a cuticle pusher. Wooden sticks, also known as orangewood sticks, are small round pieces of wood with a slanted edge at both ends. They are gentle on the skin and can be wrapped in cotton for those with sensitive skin. However, wooden sticks are porous and difficult to sanitise, so it is recommended to use a new stick each time and dispose of them after use.
Cuticle pushers, on the other hand, are typically made from plastic, stainless steel, or wood and feature a flat or rounded end. Stainless steel pushers are durable and easy to sanitise, while wooden pushers are gentle and disposable. It is important to choose the right tool for your skin type and ensure that it is sanitised to avoid introducing bacteria and causing infections.
When pushing back your cuticles, it is recommended to rest your hand on a flat, sturdy surface to steady yourself and control the pressure applied. Start by gently pushing back the overgrown skin around the nail with the flat end of the wooden stick or cuticle pusher. Then, use the pointed end to run along the underside of your fingernail and remove any built-up dirt.
By regularly pushing back your cuticles, you can enhance the appearance of your nails, making them look longer and more elegant. It also promotes healthy nail growth and prevents potential problems like hangnails and infections.
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Trim away loose or dry pieces of skin
Trimming away loose or dry pieces of skin around your nails is an important step in maintaining nail health. Here are some detailed steps to help you with the process:
Firstly, prepare your hands by soaking them in warm water. This softens the skin around the nails, making it easier to trim. Ensure that your cuticles are free of water drops but still moist. You can also use warm olive oil or coconut oil for this step, which will help nourish and soften the skin.
Next, use a wooden cuticle pusher, an orange stick, or a cuticle pen to gently push back your cuticles. This step helps to remove any built-up dirt and prevents the cuticles from growing onto your nails. It is important to use a sterilised tool to prevent infection.
Now, you can begin trimming away the loose or dry skin. Use a cuticle trimmer or small scissors to carefully cut away any hanging or peeling skin. Be gentle and precise to avoid accidentally cutting healthy skin. If you are using metal tools, ensure they have been soaked in isopropyl alcohol before and after use for sanitation.
After trimming, follow up with a moisturiser or cuticle oil to nourish and protect the area. Massage a small amount of your chosen product into the nail beds and cuticles. You can also apply a thin layer of a sealing product, such as aquaphor, to lock in moisture.
Finally, consider wearing gloves when performing tasks like washing dishes or gardening to protect your hands and nails from harsh chemicals and environmental stressors. This will help maintain the health of your nails and the surrounding skin.
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