What Are Cuticles and How to Pamper Them Like a Pro?
What Are Cuticles and How to Pamper Them Like a Pro?
Blog Article
What Are Cuticles and How to Pamper Them Like a Pro?
What Are Cuticles and How to Pamper Them Like a Pro? | The Lifesciences Magazine
Source: Image by V&M Studio from valua-vitaly
Whenever you have a manicure, you’ve likely heard your nail technician mention your cuticles. But have you ever wondered, what are cuticles and why do they matter so much when it comes to nail care?
Regardless of being a small part of our body, cuticles play a big role in protecting our nails and keeping our hands healthy.
Let’s explore what cuticles are, why they’re important, common problems associated with them, and how to care for them properly. Whether you’re a beauty enthusiast or someone who simply wants healthier nails, this blog will give you valuable insight you need to know.
What Are Cuticles? And Why Are They So Important?
So, what are Cuticles? Cuticles are the delicate layer of dead skin attached to the base of your fingernails and toenails where the nail and skin meet. This small area of skin is important and serves a valuable purpose for the health of your nails.
Cuticles act as a natural barrier that protects the new growing nail from the nail root, referred to as the matrix. They provide a shield for the area new nail grows from against any possible bacterial or fungal penetration or other matters that could cause infection.
Without healthy cuticles, your nails would be questioned and at risk for almost anything microbial could come in and cause problems with your nails.
In realizing what cuticles are, we are better able to understand how crucial the cuticle is not only for looks, but and health.
Common Cuticle Issues
Now that we’re clear on the question, “What are cuticles?” let’s look at some of the common problems that arise with cuticles. If you neglect them and/or don’t treat them properly, you can have a variety of problems, including:
1. Dry and Cracked Cuticles
This is one of the more common issues that people suffer from. Cold weather, use of chemicals, and hand washing and sanitizing over and over take the natural moisture out of the skin, leaving you feeling dry, cracked, and painful cuticles.
2. Cuticle Infection (Paronychia)
When the skin surrounding the nails is red, swollen, and tender, this could mean an infection in the cuticles. This is often caused by bacteria or fungus entering the skin through damage or through cuts, by biting or trimming the cuticle.
3. Peeling or Flaking
Peeling cuticles can be unattractive and uncomfortable at the same time. Peeling can be caused due to dehydration or through products that contain harsh chemicals such as alcohol, acetone, or other harsh ingredients.
4. Overgrown Cuticles
If your cuticles are overgrown, it can cause ridges and potentially slowed nail growth. If the nail cuticle is not gently pushed back or cared for, it can eventually stick to the nail plate, rendering it difficult to cut or manage.
These issues and problems are important to understand, to know how to care for, and properly manage your cuticles, which in turn helps manage healthy nails as well.
How to Care for Your Cuticles?
What Are Cuticles and How to Pamper Them Like a Pro? | The Lifesciences Magazine
Cuticle care is important if you want your nails to be healthy and strong. Here are some tips approved by the experts to take care of your cuticles:
1. Keep Them Hydrated
Cuticles need to be moisturized like any other part of your skin. You can use cuticle oil, hand cream, or even natural oils such as coconut or jojoba oil to keep the skin soft and supple. Make sure to apply moisturizer every day, especially after you have washed your hands.
2. Soak and Push
Soaking your fingers in warm water for a few minutes will soften your cuticles, then use a cuticle pusher (or orange stick) to gently push them back. Avoid forcing or cutting them back as it can lead to infections.
3. Do Not Cut Your Cuticles
It is important to avoid cutting your cuticles unless completely necessary. Trimming your cuticles can make them prone to infection, or they can grow back thicker or ragged.
4. Protect Your Hand
Use rubber gloves when washing dishes or on cleaning day. Chemicals can dry out your skin and cuticles in a split second.
5. Don’t Bite or Pick
Do not bite your fingernails or pick at your cuticles, especially when they have dried or flaky skin. Doing so can introduce bacteria and lead.
Products and Tools for Cuticles:
What Are Cuticles and How to Pamper Them Like a Pro? | The Lifesciences Magazine
You have now learned what cuticles are and how to best care for them. Let’s look at the finest tools and products you can use to maintain cuticle health.
1. Cuticle Oils
These are specially formulated oils designed to hydrate and nourish the cuticle area. When evaluating cuticle oils, consider rich oils such as vitamin E or natural oils such as jojoba oil or almond oil.
Best Picks:
CND SolarOil Nail & Cuticle Care
Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream
2. Cuticle Removers
These are gentler forms of formulas that more or less dissolve excessive cuticle buildup and allow you to avoid cutting cuticles off yourself.
Best Picks:
Blue Cross Cuticle Remover
Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover
3. Cuticle Pushers
A quality cuticle pusher will help keep the nail plate clean and free of overgrown cuticles.
Varieties:
Wooden orange sticks (gentler option)
Stainless steel pushers (great durability, reusable)
4. Nail and Cuticle Scissors (optional)
If it is necessary to trim, a sterilized high-quality pair of scissors is advised. Always disinfect before and after because scissors can cause infection.
5. Hand Cream and Balms
Hydrating hand creams will ensure your hands and cuticles are well-hydrated and look great.
Recommended Products:
Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream
L’copyright Shea Butter Hand Cream
Read More:
Black Dot on Nail Bed: Causes, Concerns, and When to See a Doctor
Why is My Toenail Growing at an Angle? Understanding the Causes and its Treatment
Conclusion
Now that you understand what are cuticles, it’s clear they’re far more than just a thin strip of skin near your nails, they’re essential protectors of nail health. From shielding against infection to supporting proper nail growth, cuticles deserve your daily attention and care. With the right techniques and tools, you can keep them hydrated, healthy, and looking their best. So next time you reach for your hand cream or sit down for a manicure, remember: your cuticles aren’t just cosmetic, they’re crucial. Give them the care they deserve.
FAQ:
1. Should we remove cuticles?
People often say you shouldn’t cut your cuticles and are referring to the Eponychium, which is living tissue, but cuticle is the dead tissue that grows up onto your nail and often attaches itself to your nail bed. Since it’s dead, it’s safe to remove, and it helps with your manicure’s longevity.
2. What is the purpose of cuticles?
Cuticles protect the nail bed and the underlying nail matrix from bacteria and infection. They act as a natural barrier, sealing in moisture and preventing the entry of germs.
3. Why do nail techs remove cuticles?
Nail technicians remove cuticles to create a cleaner look, enhance nail polish adhesion, and provide a more aesthetically pleasing manicure.