Dry cuticles are not only unattractive, but they are a health risk as well. Cuticles serve a purpose, and knowing the proper way to care for them is important. Dry cuticles can also lead to irritation, cracking, and even bleeding. The elements can contribute to the dryness as well, especially during the winter. Use the following tips to avoid any discomfort and keep your cuticles healthy and attractive.
Prepare the Cuticles
Your cuticles must be prepared before moisturizing them. Take a hot shower or soak your hands in hot water for approximately 10 minutes to soften the skin. Then use a manicure stick to gently push the cuticles back. This will open up the pores of the skin and allow the moisturizer to soak in more readily.
Cuticle Cream
After preparing your cuticles, apply cuticle cream and massage it into the skin. Choose a cuticle cream for men with deep moisturizing ingredients that will nourish the skin and hold in the moisture. Cuticle creams that contain petroleum or shea butter are very effective.
Cuticle Oil
The purpose of our cuticles is to protect us from infection. If your cuticles have become dry to the point that they have cracked and lifted from the nail, you may want to try some cuticle oil. Find one that contains ingredients like citric acid or vegetable oil, which have excellent moisturizing properties. The oil can help the cuticles reattach to your nails and reduce your risk of infection while restoring moisture to your skin.
Vitamin E Oil
For those who prefer not to use cuticle cream or cuticle oil, vitamin E oil is a natural moisturizer that works well to hydrate cuticles and keep them smooth. Add a few drops to each cuticle and massage it into the skin. This is especially helpful for those with severely dry and cracked cuticles. Vitamin E will help to heal the cracks while providing long lasting moisture to the skin, resulting in healthy and hydrated cuticles.
Olive Oil
If you don’t have any of these products readily available and need a quick home remedy, olive oil will also do the trick. You probably already have some on your shelf, and all you need to do is massage it into the cuticles as you would any other cuticle oil and repeat as necessary.
