The skin around our nails that becomes rough, dry and coarse causing the skin to split later on develops into cuticles. These cuticles don’t look good on the nails so most women have them cut or pushed back to give the nails a clean and pretty look. However, the cuticles are considered important as they protect the nails from infections as they serve as a good protective barrier between the nail and the finger.

It is a healthy practice to keep cuticles clean as possible. There are basic steps to follow if you want to do it yourself instead of going to the salon for nail treatment.

First, remove nail polish from nails. Wash your hands to soften cuticles on the nails. Use a cuticle pen and gently move it across the nail; start from the bottom edge and work across to the other end of the nail.

Do this to the rest of the fingernails. Then apply lotion and cuticle cream to your hands and nails to keep them moistened and soft.

You can also follow these basic steps to treat dry cuticles or remove them if you must:

• Remove all nail polish from your nails.

• Soak your fingers for about 10-15 minutes in a bowl with lukewarm water combined with a few drops of essential oil. This softens the cuticles for easier cutting or pushing back.

• When cuticles are soft enough, you can use an orange stick to push them back.

• To cut your cuticles, you have to use a cuticle nipper or small scissors. Do so only if you have enough good experience on this; if not, you have to be very careful to avoid hurting yourself.

• Remember to apply cuticle cream or lotion to finish off your nail treatment.

• If your cuticles are painful and you can’t do the cleaning yourself, go to your manicurist to have them removed or cut.

• Always clean and sterilize your nail tools with alcohol before and after using them.

Proper hand and nail care should be practiced to avoid dry and rough cuticles. Remember to protect your hands when doing household work by wearing plastic or rubber gloves. Rest your hands each night by applying hand cream to nourish your hands. Use liquid soaps to soften and moisturize your hands. Harsh soaps make your cuticles even drier. Don’t use sharp or metal tools on your cuticles.

The most effective way to avoid rough and dry cuticles is to continuously moisturize them with olive oil or almond oil. You can also use a good quality cuticle oil to massage into your cuticles to smoothen them. Try to use cuticle oil rich in natural oils like almond oil and passion flower oil. Try to exfoliate your hands and nails regularly to get rid of dry cuticles. Most of all don’t bite your cuticles. Just go to the manicurist at least once a month to have that painful and dry cuticles removed properly to avoid infection.

Jason Ladock

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