Buzz
Dry, peeling cuticles can detract from the appearance of your nails. Neglecting them may result in cracks and damage, potentially leading to fungal or bacterial infections. Consider using a commercial cuticle oil or household ingredients like coconut oil, lemon, or vinegar to naturally maintain soft and healthy cuticles.
Steps to Follow
Natural Remedies
Soak your nails in lemon-infused water for 5 minutes. Combine 2 teaspoons (9.9 mL) of lemon juice (equivalent to the juice from about 1/4 of a lemon) with 1/2 cup (120 mL) of warm water in a small bowl. Soak your nails in the solution for approximately 5 minutes, then pat them dry with a clean towel. Gently push back your cuticles using a cuticle stick, and finish by massaging moisturizing lotion into your skin.
- Enhance hydration and healing by adding 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of honey to the mixture.
- Avoid using lemon soak on cuts or damaged skin, as it may cause discomfort and irritation.
- Repeat this remedy weekly to maintain soft cuticles.
Use vinegar to quickly soften your nails. Fill a small bowl with undiluted distilled white vinegar and soak your nails for about 5 minutes. Rinse and dry your hands afterward.
- Do not soak cut or damaged nails in vinegar as it can cause discomfort.
- Vinegar can also help nail polish adhere better if you plan to paint your nails afterward.
Apply coconut oil to your nails for cuticle softening. Massage coconut oil onto each nail bed, allowing it to soak in for 10 minutes under rubber or latex gloves. Wipe off excess oil afterward.
- You can use specialized cuticle oil instead of coconut oil if desired.
- Repeat weekly for moisturized and strengthened cuticles.
Revitalize Your Cuticles
Mix 1 teaspoon of raw honey in a bowl. Raw honey helps retain moisture in the skin, nourishing cuticles and preventing infections.
- Opt for raw honey over regular honey for maximum benefits.
Combine 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel with the honey. Aloe vera has antimicrobial properties that aid in healing dry, cracked cuticles and removing dead skin cells.
- Use fresh aloe vera if available, or opt for commercial gel with fewer healing properties.
Include 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of extra virgin olive oil in the mixture. Olive oil moisturizes and softens cuticles while adding shine to nails. It also strengthens the cuticle tissue.
- If extra virgin olive oil is unavailable, virgin or regular olive oil can be used, although they may contain more chemicals and fewer antioxidants.
- Olive oil alone is effective for maintaining soft and healthy cuticles.
Thoroughly mix all ingredients together. Use a small spoon to blend the honey, aloe vera gel, and olive oil, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
Apply the healing mixture to your cuticles. Dip your fingers into the mixture or use one hand to apply it to the cuticles of the other hand. Massage the mixture for 4-5 minutes to achieve soft, healthy-looking nails and cuticles.
- For optimal results, use this healing mixture on your cuticles 2 to 3 times per week. Consistent use will lead to noticeable improvement over time. Once your cuticles are healed, continue using this treatment to maintain moisture and health.
Keeping Cuticles Healthy
Moisturize your cuticles daily with lotion. Apply lotion or hand cream at least once daily, preferably after hand washing or when skin feels dry. Massaging a small amount of coconut oil into your hands is also effective.
- For intensive hydration, apply a thick layer of lotion before bedtime and wear cotton gloves overnight to lock in moisture. Spa or loose rubber gloves can also be used.
- Choose a high-quality, unscented lotion or cream for best results. Cheaper lotions may have strong scents but lack the necessary moisturizing elements.
Use an orange stick to gently push back cuticles weekly. This helps prevent overgrowth, reducing dryness and potential damage. Glide the flat surface of the stick along the cuticle to smooth it out.
- Be gentle to avoid discomfort or injury.
Apply cuticle oil before pushing back cuticles. A drop or two of store-bought cuticle oil on each cuticle can make them easier to manipulate. Cuticle oil is also beneficial for softening and moisturizing cuticles.
- Opt for oils containing nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, vitamin E, and jojoba oil.
Sanitize grooming tools before and after use. Soak tools in isopropyl alcohol for 5 minutes post-use and wipe down with alcohol before use. Ensure complete drying before use or storage.
- Alternatively, use a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water for cleaning.
- Dispose of orange sticks after use and always use a new one.
Protect your nails and cuticles with gloves during cleaning tasks. Rubber gloves shield hands from harsh chemicals, preventing dryness and damage.
- If rubber gloves are too bulky, consider latex or vinyl gloves for better dexterity.
Helpful Tips
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Keep travel-size lotion in your car or purse for moisturizing your hands while on the move.
Caution
- Avoid using cuticle clippers to trim your cuticles whenever possible. Improper use can lead to injuries and increase the risk of fungal and bacterial infections.
Essentials
Exploring Home Remedies
- Small bowl
- Lemon juice
- White vinegar
- Cuticle pusher or orange stick
- Coconut oil
- Rubber or latex gloves
Repairing Damaged Cuticles
- Small bowl
- Raw honey
- Aloe vera gel
- Olive oil
Preserving Healthy Cuticles
- Lotion
- White cotton gloves
- Cuticle pusher or orange stick
- Rubber gloves
