The cuticle is an integral part of maintaining a healthy appearance of nails, as it provides a protective membrane of the tissue, which, in turn, forms the nail. Proper care of it will provide not only strong and healthy nails, but also prevent infections. Therefore, during a manicure it is the cuticle that you should pay special attention to. Since improper handling can cause severe pain, and these tiny pieces of skin can turn from healthy to painful and infected. You can take care of the cuticle at home with a few simple steps.
What is the cuticle and its functions for?
This is a layer of transparent skin located along the lower edge of the finger, at the base of the nail. The function of the cuticle is to protect the nails from bacteria during their growth. The area around it is thin, so it can become dry, damaged and infected. It is important to take care of the entire area of ββthe nails and keep them clean so that they stay healthy.
How do you take care of your cuticle?
It is important that your cuticle is well-groomed and not over-dried. The easiest way to care for it is to steam your hands or feet in soapy warm water for about 10 minutes. This procedure should be repeated 2-3 times a week. Such activities help soften and moisturize the skin. You can also use cuticle oil and massage cream (use cuticle oil regularly to prevent dryness and cracking).
How can you safely remove or trim it?
If you still want to cut the cuticle, it is important to soften it first. You can do this by steaming your nails in warm water (taking a bath or shower can also help soften it). Then apply cuticle remover, if it is dry, apply a moisturizer. Using a special pusher, gently push the cuticle along the nail layer, cut off the excess skin and curls, but never cut it off completely, the idea is to remove only the excess skin.
Cuticle care at home
You will need: nail polish remover, care oil, a bowl of warm water, a towel, a soft cloth. The following must be done:
- Remove old shine. Use a nail polish remover (preferably with acetone) that dries nails and skin. Remove the remnants of the old varnish.
- Moisturize your nails. Lubricate your cuticle with special oil, this will make it more elastic.
- Put your hands in a bowl of warm water. Let them be there for several minutes to soften the cuticle.
- Remove the cuticle. To do this, pull your hand out of the water, dry it, then use a soft cloth to wipe the cuticle. Then carefully cut it off to prevent infection. It is recommended to have an antibacterial agent with you.
Cuticle Care
The cuticle is part of your skin. It is located at the base of the nail. Therefore, it is worth following some tips for caring for her.
Do not cut the cuticle. Dermatologists say there is no reason to cut it. Damage to it can open the door for infection or irritation. Damage to it can also lead to problems with the nails, for example edges, white spots or white lines appear. If you get a bacterial infection in this area, it can make nail growth difficult. In this case, you will have to consult a doctor for the treatment of pathology.
Moisturizing. The cuticle consists mainly of soft skin, but you need to moisturize it. A good moisturizer for the cuticle is important, as well as for dry skin of the hands or feet. Any moisturizing skin cream is perfect for this purpose. Rub it lightly into the cuticle.
Most dermatologists recommend thick moisturizing products, such as ointments or creams, for best results. Dermatology also recommends petroleum jelly as an inexpensive way to care for cuticles. But some doctors say that using a thick product such as petroleum jelly during the day is not always practical, so there are alternative remedies for this. Some experts say that you can use them at night when you do not touch, for example, papers in your office. Lotions can be used throughout the day because hands do not become as greasy, but lotions do not moisturize, like creams and ointments.

The hot wax procedure that can be offered in a nail salon is another good way to moisturize the cuticle. The special oil wax is heated until it melts. First, dip your hands in warm oil wax, then put on special gloves and mittens to keep your hands warm, and wear for 10-15 minutes. After you remove them, your hands, nails and cuticles will be softer. The more often you lubricate your hands, including nails and cuticles, the better they will be.
Avoid rude manicures. Many people visit their dermatologist only when they develop red, painful spots around the nails or cuticles caused by an infection of the skin called paronychia.
Before proceeding with a manicure, it is necessary to tell the master your preferences (wishes) and insist that your cuticle is very gently pushed off with an orange stick, nothing more. If you experience pain and notice that he is pushing the cuticle too energetically, ask him to stop immediately.
Many housewives neglect the health and beauty of their hands. Washing dishes without gloves, as well as the frequent use of means for removing varnish containing acetone, adversely affect the condition of the skin of the hands. Thus, experts recommend using gloves and not using products containing acetone.
Keep your hands out of the mouth. If you have a habit of biting your nails or gnawing your cuticles, work to abandon this habit in order to acquire more beautiful and healthy hands.
Moisturizing agent
Coconut oil is a good moisturizer for dry cuticles, it helps strengthen the tissue. To apply coconut oil treatment:
- heat the oil (room temperature);
- oil each cuticle;
- put on gloves;
- let the oil cool for 5-10 minutes, and then remove the gloves, rinse your hands.
Severe damage
Severe cuticle damage requires reconstructive treatment that heals wounds. It is necessary to mix honey and olive oil in equal proportions. Add the same amount of aloe vera juice, it will help heal any cracks or splits in the skin. Mix the solution well and apply it to the cuticle. Start massaging for five minutes for better penetration of vitamins. Repeat treatment up to three times a week until the skin becomes healthy.
Cuticle Care
Consider the best gels and ointments for removing cuticles.
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Careful choice of funds
You may prefer to use a cuticle remover. Most of them contain potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide, moisturizers allow you to gently remove non-living skin attached to the nail plate, while avoiding any potential mechanical injury. It is used for 5-10 minutes to soften it.
But there are also disadvantages. If removed incorrectly, complications are possible, for example, paronychia - a bacterial infection that causes redness and swelling of the cuticle or side walls, as well as secondary infections. Therefore, when you buy money, itβs worth reading cuticle care reviews.
Why is nail cuticle care so important?
There are people for whom manicure or removal of the cuticle is only an occasional indulgence; they do not trust this work to anyone but themselves. Therefore, they leave the nails to grow without proper care. It is tempting to simply cut the cuticle, but dermatologists warn that this is a bad idea, as it can cause the appearance of white lines or spots on the nails.
The right approach is to carefully push them back once they have grown (using a product to remove makes this task much easier).
What should i avoid?
Cuticle removal is something that should be avoided at all costs, as your nails need it to protect their root from bacteria and infection. Of course, random pruning is normal, but you should not go deep under the cuticle and cut it. In addition, you should avoid using nail polish remover more than twice a month, as it can dry the cuticles.