How To Maintain Healthy Cuticles At Home: Tips To Care For Cuticles

You probably think about your cuticles only when getting a manicure done, but they do not exist without a purpose.

The tiny pieces of skin—our cuticles—wield enormous power over the health of our nails. They are responsible for keeping our claws strong and healthy. If you don’t care for your cuticles, your nails might appear cracked and brittle. Pamper your cuticles with the tips mentioned below, and your claws will look naturally stronger and glossier.

Apply cuticle oil

To keep your cuticles moisturized and to prevent fraying, you should include a cuticle oil in your nail care routine. There are numerous options to choose from — nourishing vitamins and fatty acids — that nurture the nails and cuticles and fill up micro-cracks in the skin surrounding the nails. While you may use quick-absorbing hair oil to nourish your cuticles, proper cuticle oils are generally thinner and get absorbed easily.

Keep away from drying agents

The nails, cuticles, and hands can get dry from using nail paint remover containing acetone and also from using harsh dishwashing soap. So, always wear gloves while doing the dishes and try to opt for a nail paint remover that is acetone-free.

Moisturize your cuticles

Although our cuticles are not as soft as the skin on the rest of our hands, they are primarily composed of skin. Hence, it is essential to keep the cuticles moisturized. When our cuticles dry out, they tend to peel, crack, and flake. Therefore, applying a good moisturizer on the cuticles is crucial, just as much as is for dry skin. You may use any skin moisturizer on your cuticles but make sure you rub it well into the cuticles.

Push your cuticles back

Just as you should avoid clipping too deep into your cuticles, you should also prevent them from overgrowing. When they overgrow and become thick — it becomes difficult to push them back. When cuticles start growing on the nails, they become prone to cracking. You should gently push your cuticles back after every two or three days after showering (use a cotton swab or a cuticle pusher).

Avoid soaking

Water indeed helps soften the nails, making it easier to push the cuticles back. But soaking your hands for too long can cause your nails to contract and expand, making them dry and brittle, eventually causing frays. In addition, a hot water soak can strip your skin of its lipids and natural oils, contributing to dry cuticles.

Without further ado, adopt these healthy habits for prettier hands and nails.