Looking after your cuticles is just as important as looking after your nails. Neglecting your cuticles can lead to dry, cracked skin and even infections. Here are some tips to ensure you can keep your cuticles looking good and healthy.
1. Moisturize regularly: Just like the skin on your face and hands, your cuticles can benefit from regular moisturization. Apply a cuticle oil or cream every day to keep them hydrated and healthy.
2. Use gloves for washing up or cleaning the oven etc. Hands and nails tend to get very dry when your hands are in and out of water a lot. Gloves will give them protection.
If your hands and nails are extremely dry, chapped or cracking, you are going to need a much more intensive regime to repair the skin and nails. Apply an intensive moisturiser like Vaseline Intensive Hand Care or Kerasal Intensive Foot Repair Cream. Apply just before you go to bed and pop a pair of cotton gloves on your hands. This will lock the moisture in that your hands and nails desperately need and protect your bedding and nightwear from the cream. I use Kerasal twice a week using this method as my hands and nails are often in contact with acetone which is really drying on your skin and nails. You will look like a snooker referee as my husband pointed out but its a small price to pay if it relieves the pain/soreness caused from dry cracking skin/cuticles 😊
3. Avoid harsh chemicals: When you are doing your own nails at home, it can be tempting to use whatever nail polish remover or cuticle remover you have on hand. However, these products can be harsh and drying, and can damage your cuticles over time. Look for gentler, more natural alternatives instead.
4. Keep them trimmed: overgrown cuticles can be unsightly and can make it more difficult to apply nail polish evenly. Remember, only trim/cut non living tissue. If its white, it can be trimmed, if its fleshy yellow – this is living tissue and should not be cut!
5. Be gentle: When you are pushing back your cuticles or trimming them, be gentle and take your time. Rushing can lead to accidental cuts or tears in the skin, which can be painful and increase your risk of infection.
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