#tweezerman

The cuticle is a layer of transparent skin located above and around our finger or toe nail base. It serves a very important purpose - to protect nails from bacteria when they grow out from the nail root. The cuticle area is quite delicate and requires care in order to maintain healthy and bacteria-free nails.

Here are a few important tips to help you give your cuticles the right care.

TIP: Keep them clean

Keeping your cuticles clean prevents infection. Simply soak your finger- and toenails in warm, soapy water for about 5-10 minutes once a week. This will help soften the cuticles and clean your nails.

TIP: Don’t cut your cuticles

Specialists have been advising this for years, yet some nail salons still practice it. Yes, cuticles are dead tissue but cutting them completely exposes your nails and the skin surrounding them to bacteria which can lead to infection. Cutting your cuticles can also lead to nail issues such as ridges, white lines and white spots. Next time, ask your technician to push back your cuticles instead of cutting them. If you want to do that at home, use the classic orangewood stick but make sure you soften the cuticles beforehand. In case you don’t have the time, just push them back gently with fingers at the end of your next shower. Remember to be gentle and to not push too hard.

Try: Manicare Cuticle Sticks

TIP: Moisturise the cuticle area

The area around our nails can get dry or damaged, as it’s a delicate one. Cuticles can peel, flake or crack and oils can help to nourish them. If you build a habit of applying cuticle oil daily, soon you’ll notice big improvements not only in your cuticles but in your entire nail, as well. Dry cuticles are just like dry skin, in a need of moisture. After applying your face cream, simply rub what’s left over into your cuticles. Cuticle oil and ointments may not be practical in the day but any fast-absorbing lotion or hand cream can keep your nails a bit more hydrated if you want to leave the heavier treatments for the night.

Try: Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oil

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