Cuticles are a thin layer of dead skin that grows around the edge of toenails and fingernails, providing a barrier to protect nails from infection. Here are some tips on how to care for your cuticles:
Positive:
- Moisturize: Keep your cuticles moisturized with thick moisturizing products, such as ointments or creams, for the best results. You can also use cuticle oil, which is designed to moisturize your cuticles.
- Push back gently: Instead of cutting your cuticles, push them back gently with a wooden orange stick. You can also use a cuticle stick to gently push back cuticle overgrowth.
- Use a cuticle remover pen: This is a tool that helps to soften and remove excess cuticles.
Negative:
- Dont cut your cuticles: Dermatologists say theres no good reason to cut the cuticles. Cutting them could open the door to infection or irritation. Cutting your cuticles can also lead to nail problems, such as ridges, white spots, or white lines.
- Dont clip every single fray: Rather than clipping every single fray (and risk nipping too far into the necessary seal of skin), you can take steps to keep those cuticles hydrated and healthy—and prevent them from fraying in the first place.
Ingredients or materials:
- Thick moisturizing products: Most dermatologists recommend thick moisturizing products, such as ointments or creams, for the best results. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends petroleum jelly (Vaseline) as an inexpensive way to care for the cuticles.
- Cuticle oil: Look for cuticle oils that contain nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, vitamin E, and jojoba oil.
- Cuticle remover pen: This is a tool that helps to soften and remove excess cuticles.
