
Cuticles are a thin layer of dead skin at the base of your nails. They are part of your skin and sit atop your nails' growth matrix, which is the part of your nails that grows. Cuticles are there to protect the nail matrix.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | An outer covering layer of dead skin on the surface of the nail plate |
| Purpose | To protect the nail matrix, the part of the nail that grows |
| Composition | Secreted by epidermal cells |
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What You'll Learn

Cuticles are a thin layer of dead skin on the surface of the nail plate
Dermatologists say there is no good reason to cut the cuticles. Cutting them could open the door to infection or irritation.
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They are part of your skin
Cuticles are part of your skin. They sit atop your nails' growth matrix, which is the part of your nails that grows. Cuticles are a thin layer of dead skin on the surface of the nail plate. They act as a barrier or a protection for the nail matrix. Dermatologists say there's no good reason to cut the cuticles. Cutting them could open the door to infection or irritation.
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They sit atop your nails' growth matrix
Your cuticles are part of your skin. They sit atop your nails' growth matrix, which is the part of your nails that grows. Cuticles are a thin layer of dead skin on the surface of the nail plate. They act as a barrier or a protection for the nail matrix.
Dermatologists say there's no good reason to cut the cuticles. Cutting them could open the door to infection or irritation. To keep that protection strong, it is important to take care of your cuticles.
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They act as a barrier or protection for the nail matrix
Cuticles are a thin layer of dead skin on the surface of the nail plate. They are part of your skin and sit atop your nails' growth matrix, which is the part of your nails that grows.
The cuticle is an important seal at the base of the nail. It is an external envelope, secreted by epidermal cells, that forms an outer covering layer.
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Cutting them could open the door to infection or irritation
Your cuticles are part of your skin and sit atop your nails' growth matrix, which is the part of your nails that grows. They are a thin layer of dead skin on the surface of the nail plate and act as a barrier or a protection for the nail matrix.
Cutting your cuticles could open the door to infection or irritation. Dermatologists say there's no good reason to cut the cuticles. To keep that protection strong, you should follow these tips:
- Keep your hands moisturised
- Wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning
- Avoid biting your nails
- Use a cuticle cream or oil to keep the area hydrated
- Push back your cuticles gently with a wooden or rubber cuticle pusher
- Avoid cutting or trimming your cuticles.
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Frequently asked questions
Cuticles are a thin layer of dead skin on the surface of the nail plate.
Cuticles act as a barrier or protection for the nail matrix, which is the part of the nail that grows.
No, dermatologists say there is no good reason to cut the cuticles as this could lead to infection or irritation.
The nail matrix is the part of the nail that grows.
The cuticle is made of dead skin and is secreted by epidermal cells.











































