Caring for the cuticles around your nails is essential for maintaining both nail and overall hand health. Cuticles are the thin skin at the base of your nail plate that help seal in moisture and prevent debris from entering. Neglecting cuticles can lead to hangnails, infections, and other nail issues.
On the other hand, being too aggressive with cutting or scrubbing cuticles damages their protective abilities. Use this complete guide to learn how to properly care for cuticles through gentle cleaning, trimming, and moisturizing.
Should You Cut Cuticles?
It’s generally recommended to avoid cutting cuticles altogether. Nippers and cutters can injure live skin and remove the protective seal cuticles provide. However, you can safely:
Only trim what’s detached from the nail plate itself. Never cut into the attached, living cuticle area. For major cuticle removal, see a professional manicurist rather than risking cuts at home.
Prepping Cuticles for Cleaning
Before cleaning cuticles, prepare them by:
Proper pre-soaking prevents painful scraping of dry, adhered cuticles. It softens the skin for gentle cleaning.
How to Clean Cuticles
Follow these safe steps to remove dirt, oil, and buildup from cuticles:
Take care not to dig into tender skin. Stop if you feel any pinching or pain during cleaning.
Moisturizing Cuticles
Hydration is key to cuticle health. Apply moisturizer after each cleaning:
Additionally, limit water exposure and use gentle, moisturizing hand soap. Keeping cuticles hydrated prevents painful tears and hangnails.
The Best Cuticle Care Products
Stock your manicure kit with quality cuticle products:
Avoid harsh acids or scrubbing exfoliants. Seek hydrating, nourishing ingredients like shea butter and aloe vera.
Maintaining Healthy Cuticles
Follow these tips for proper at-home cuticle care:
Well-cared for cuticles keep nails protected and let your manicures last longer. Take time to gently clean cuticles and keep them hydrated using high-quality products. Hands and nails will reap the benefits of healthy, maintained cuticles.