Apply Dry Cuticles With These 7 Quick Corrections
Causes, treatment, and prevention of dry cuticles
With so many beauty issues, it is safe to say that cracked, dry cuticles are nothing you want to carry. Not to be confused with your real nails, cuticles are the area of skin around your nails that acts as a protective barrier against germs. Unfortunately, this area is prone to dryness and can make even the most beautiful manicure look uncontrollable.
"Our cuticles are a protective mechanism that acts as a protection against our nails, preventing our body and nails from invading with germs and fungi. They are very sensitive to the effects of excessive bathing, biting, biting, or abuse," said board-certified dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, MD. "They are a natural part of the nail anatomy, and trying to remove or reduce the cuticles can lead to an increase in nail and skin diseases, so do not eliminate them!"
Whether due to frequent hand washing or cool temperatures that bring cold, dry, dehydrated air, your cuticles may have an ongoing need for a particular TLC. So how can you prevent it? According to Nazarian, other good ways to care for cuticles include using emollients and barrier creams to improve water flow and moisture.
"One of my favorites here is Vaseline; a small amount goes a long way," he said, adding that coconut oil is another viable option. "Coconut oil is high in saturated fatty acids, which can improve the cuticle moisture barrier, allowing it to prevent water loss. It also has anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties, a bonus for calming the skin and maintaining its health."
With the help of some experts, we have combined seven remedies for damaged cuticles and how to be gentle on them.
MEET A PROFESSIONAL
Brittney Boyce is a nail polish consultant with Orly and a gel extension specialist.
Jeannette Graf, MD, board-approved dermatologist and Professor of Dermatology Clinic in Mt. Sinai School of Medicine.
Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
Keep scrolling to learn how to soften cuticles.
01
Apply Shea Button or Vitamin E Oil to Feed the Cuticles
Let's face it. Among our 10 steps for skin care and body care, our cuticles are a often overlooked part of our beauty program. But this can reverse the condition of dry, cracked skin that is prone to peeling. Boyce recommends keeping the cuticles soft and moist (compared to most cuts) to reduce discomfort. "Shea butter and vitamin E oil are two of the nutrients that can help keep cuticles soft and moist," she says. "Vitamin E, in particular, is a rich and effective antioxidant that helps broken cuticles recover faster."
This ultra-hydrating option from SheaMoisture contains 100 percent organic shea butter and triple as a skin, hair, and cuticle moisturizer. If you are looking for an option to download on your weekly commute to the store, we also like Trader Joe's Vitamin E Oil ($ 10).
02
Apply a moisturizing Hand Cream to Increase Moisture
If your bedtime routine includes accumulating foot cream and slipping in two socks, you will love the idea of using a super-strong hand cream that comes from other gloves. "This provides continuous moisture retention and emollient structures in the cuticle, and can make them softer and softer while preventing cracks," notes Graf. Sleeping with gloves may take some getting used to, but come in the morning with your hands and cuticles going to be smooth. Also, you may need to do this only a few times a week to reap long-term results.
After applying this handful of Ahava nutritious hand cream — which lists skin-smooth turmeric and kale as its heroic ingredients — toss a pair of Iroha Nourishing Argan Hand Treatment Mask Gloves ($ 9) to lock up all that moisture.
03
Prepare Dry With Cuticle Oil
If you suffer from dry cuticles, it is important to keep the cuticle oil on the deck. Boyce emphasizes the importance of cuticle oil, calling it an important component in keeping skin healthy. He says: “The key is to use it regularly — at least once a day. "They prevent the cuticles from drying out early, and it is always easier to prevent cracks and tears than to repair them." Try this cuticle serum from Olive and June — the perfect size to keep in your car, bag, or gym bag, and apply a quick-absorbing formula, adding water to quench your thirst.
Itching and cutting in the cuticles is especially tempting during the colder months when humidity levels drop and less moisture invades our skin. "I have seen that people are more likely to bite and pick up their cuticles when they are dry and cracked," said Boyce. "I suggest that this area is always wet so that nothing comes out that makes you want to bite it."
"Our saliva is a digestive enzyme, which means that if you put your fingers in your mouth the saliva will slowly decompose and we can both nails and cuticles, leading to deterioration, dryness, and cracking," adds Nazarian.
Graf notes that the sting caused by the bite and picking can completely remove the cuticle, creating a large area for germs and fungi to enter. Try a non-abrasive coat like the one from Orly — it has a bitter taste that naturally prevents you. in close proximity.
05
Add Argan Oil Soak
Argan oil is rich in vitamin E, fatty acids, and antioxidants, all of which are soothing and healing, according to Boyce. "I recommend dipping your hands first and then applying [argan oil] to get a better look," he said.
Look for a product that contains 100 percent argan oil, such as the one from The Ordinary, that works well on dry heels and elbows. Also keep in mind that the improvement may take a few weeks to complete, so stay tuned and actively use your creams and serums to get results.
06
Take a break from Polish
We love the best nail polish as the next person, but if you want to give your dry, cracked cuticles a chance to fight, you may want to go on vacation with nail polish for a week or two. The nail plate has small holes that allow water, which penetrates under the nail to evaporate — even a clear coat of polish can block the hole, prevent evaporation, and lift the nail plate from the bed leading to nail fungus, ”says Graf. He also notes that the nail polish — and the nail polish remover — may dry out the nail plate due to the chemicals. "This can make the nail weaker, more dry, weaker, brittle and brittle," he said, adding that giving the cuticles a break from cutting and drying should make them recover and focus on moisturizing.
07
Smooth Out Cuticles with Buffer
Boyce explains that instead of trying to cut out the cuticles, patiently removing them with a buffer can help repair them. Just keep in mind that dry cuticles can be very sensitive (especially if you wrap them up accidentally and cause them to tear), so using ultra-light pressure is important. These Tweezerman files are colored and labeled, buff, smooth, and shiny for easy use.