We often spend time and effort on our nails, picking the perfect polish or getting the best manicure, but one area that can be easily overlooked is our cuticles. These small but essential parts of our hands are crucial to maintaining healthy nails, and taking proper care of them can prevent painful hangnails and encourage stronger, healthier nail growth. In this article, we’ll explore how to properly care for your cuticles and why they’re more important than you might think.

1. Keep Them Moisturised

Cuticles are naturally prone to dryness, and when they become dry and cracked, they can become painful or even lead to infections. To prevent this, it’s essential to keep them moisturised. You can use a cuticle oil, a thick hand cream, or even a natural oil like coconut or olive oil to hydrate the area. Applying a moisturiser or oil to your cuticles after washing your hands or taking a shower helps lock in moisture, keeping the skin soft and supple. A gentle massage into the cuticles also stimulates blood flow, promoting healthier nail growth.

2. Don’t Cut Your Cuticles

One of the biggest mistakes people make when caring for their cuticles is cutting them. While it might seem like a good way to tidy up the area, cutting the cuticles can actually cause more harm than good. It can lead to infections, painful nicks, and even prevent healthy nail growth. Instead of cutting, try gently pushing the cuticles back with a cuticle pusher after softening them in warm water or during a shower. This helps to keep the area neat without causing damage. If you do need to trim excess skin, use a specialised cuticle nipper carefully and only for the smallest, most necessary bits of skin.

3. Protect Them from Harsh Chemicals

Frequent exposure to harsh chemicals, whether it’s from cleaning products, nail polish removers, or household detergents, can cause cuticles to become dry, cracked, and damaged. If you can’t avoid these chemicals, make sure to wear gloves while cleaning or doing household tasks. Opt for a gentle, acetone-free nail polish remover to avoid further drying out the area. When you’re applying nail polish, make sure your cuticles are well-moisturised beforehand to avoid any damage.

4. Gently Push Back Cuticles During a Manicure

If you’re giving yourself a manicure or having one done professionally, make sure the technician gently pushes your cuticles back rather than cutting them. A gentle push, especially after soaking your hands in warm water or applying a cuticle softener, will help to maintain the integrity of the skin. This not only makes your nails look more polished but also helps prevent the risk of infection that can arise from cutting the cuticles too aggressively.

5. Exfoliate for Healthy Cuticles

Exfoliating your cuticles can help remove dead skin cells and encourage healthy growth. You can use a gentle exfoliating scrub on your hands or opt for a specialised cuticle exfoliant. Another natural option is to make a scrub with sugar and olive oil, which not only helps slough off dead skin but also provides hydration. Be sure to exfoliate gently, as rough handling of the cuticles can lead to irritation or injury.

6. Maintain a Balanced Diet

Just like your nails, your cuticles need the right nutrients to stay healthy. A diet rich in vitamins and minerals, especially biotin, Vitamin E, and zinc, can support the health of both your nails and cuticles. Biotin, in particular, is known to promote nail strength, while Vitamin E helps with skin regeneration. Including foods like leafy greens, nuts, eggs, and fish in your diet can help ensure that your cuticles remain strong and hydrated.

7. Treat Hangnails Properly

Hangnails are common and often caused by dry or damaged cuticles. If you find yourself with a hangnail, resist the urge to tear or bite it off. Instead, use sanitized nail scissors or cuticle nippers to trim the hangnail carefully. To prevent hangnails, be sure to moisturise your cuticles regularly, and avoid using your nails as tools for tasks like opening packages or peeling stickers.

8. Regularly Clean and Disinfect Your Tools

If you’re using cuticle pushers, nippers, or other manicure tools, it’s crucial to clean them after each use to prevent any risk of infection. Soak them in rubbing alcohol or disinfectant to keep them sanitary. This simple step ensures that your tools stay hygienic and free from bacteria that could cause irritation or infection when used on the sensitive cuticle area.

9. Avoid Over-Manicuring Your Cuticles

While it’s tempting to keep your nails looking perfect at all times, over-manicuring can weaken the cuticles and skin surrounding them. It’s important to give your cuticles a break now and then. Avoid pushing them back too often or over-moisturising, as this can lead to an imbalance. Instead, allow your cuticles to regenerate naturally by skipping the manicure once in a while.

Conclusion

Your cuticles may seem small and insignificant, but they play an important role in keeping your nails healthy and strong. By following these simple yet effective tips, you can ensure that your cuticles remain nourished, protected, and free from damage. Remember to moisturise, avoid cutting them, and give them the care they deserve to support your nails in looking their best. Taking a little extra time to care for your cuticles will not only help improve the appearance of your nails but also keep your hands looking youthful and beautiful.